my story

In June of 2016, I was 9 months pregnant with our first child, and my husband Caleb and I were living on our dear friend's small farm on the coast of Maine. It was my 4th season working in the fields, and the 2nd full year that we had been living on the farm. Our home, a small rustic cabin nestled in their woods. Prior to living on the farm, we were living in Portland where we both worked in the food industry.

Early in the morning of June 1st, my water broke, lifting me out of an already restless night of sleep, and ushered me into the beginning of my 24 hour labor. In the early hours of June 2nd, surrounded by an amazing group of women and our midwives, our son, Burleigh Briar was born, and I became a mother.

In the days and weeks that followed, the three of us were held.

Our midwives made us our first meal as a family of three; braised greens, sunny side up farm eggs, and buttered toast. This meal will forever be a dish of comfort and deep nourishment in our home.

Friends and family arrived to cook, clean, and make sure that my cup of tea was warm and full. The four children who’s farm we lived on were in LOVE, and doted on little Burleigh as though he was their new younger brother. I always had an extra set of little hands waiting eagerly to hold him, allowing me fleeting but sweet moments to enjoy a shower and a hot meal. We were living in community, surrounded by the wisdom of mothers and fathers who had come before us.

On New Years Day of 2020 we welcomed our second son, Emmer Gael. This time we birthed in our own little apartment that we had been renting for the past year or so. While we weren’t in a friend’s home this time, we brought our community to us. Friends were once again there to support us through the birth. Meals arrived on our doorstep, money was raised by our community, which allowed Caleb to take a month off of work. One particularly sweet afternoon a friend showed up and took Burleigh to her house, where they cooked us lunch and snacks, allowing Caleb and I the first solo moments with our new little one, and Burleigh an opportunity to have a special outing. They returned after a few hours and fed us. It was heaven.

In the years since becoming a mother, I have come to understand how profoundly rare our experiences are. Previous generations of new families were able to rely on one another in ways that our current society makes challenging. Longer work days and fast paced routines often make it hard for birthing folks to get the support they need to thrive during their early postpartum days-especially if family and friends are not close by, or their partner is not provided paternity leave. Add to that Postpartum Depression, which is quietly rampant in our society today. Most birthing folks I know have battled with it in some form after becoming a parent, but rarely have the forum to discuss their struggles. I hope to be a part in broadening the scope of Postpartum health, and to help the birthing person and their partner feel supported in the process.

As a postpartum caregiver, my aim is to meet you where you are with gentleness, to provide you with resources and support, and to offer you and your family deeply nourishing whole foods guided by my time in the field, the kitchen, and the heart of the home.

I would be honored to be welcomed into your home, and growing family.