Teri Schafer
Hi, I am Teri, and I am so pleased to let you know a little about myself.
I have always been a nurturer and feel that I have been given so much and have a responsibility to help others. My mother was a labor and delivery nurse, so growing up I was surrounded by birth stories and always loved everything to do with babies.
As my husband, Tom, and I attended Lamaze childbirth classes in the mid 1980’s to prepare for the birth of our first child, I thought I was prepared and had all the necessary information to have my baby. Little did I realize I would be hooked up to an IV and monitors, and would not even be allowed to walk around. I had no idea that I could or should be a part of my own birth team and that I could voice my opinions. Even with the birth of my fourth child I felt left out of the process. Part of my goal as a doula is to educate women and help them advocate for themselves in the birthing process.
My husband and I have five children. We were foster parents for 14 years and adopted our youngest son-by far our easiest (though most expensive) birth! We also have seven beautiful grandchildren!
I home-schooled my children for a total of twenty-five years. I loved learning with them, and the time we spent together can never be replaced! Upon the graduation of my youngest son, I began looking for something new. In 2017, I trained with DONA International, entering the world of childbirth from a different angle: that of doula.
I have completed childbirth education classes and have trained with Spinning Babies to learn more about how position changes can help with labor. I have also completed classes on breastfeeding.
I want to help women feel empowered as they bring their children into the world!