Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Illinois and surrounding areas
Meet the Doula - Lydia Stuemke
I became interested in pregnancy and child during my own pregnancy in
2006. I spent as much time as possible learning about every aspect of
pregnancy and the newborn so as to be the best mother possible, even
prior to my son's birth. Surprisingly, my passion for pregnancy and
childbirth continued after my son's birth as I continued to educate
myself further. After spending time with a family member in labor, I
immediately realized that I had a strong desire to assist pregnant and
laboring mothers.
- Location: Springfield, IL
- Training: ALACE, Chicago, IL- November 2007
- Certifications: In progress. Expected certification Summer 2008
- Experience: My experience with laboring women is limited to my own labor. For this reason, my services are currently free if you are willing and comfortable with having a learning doula provide her services. Professional references are available upon request.
- My Philosophy: I believe that childbirth is a wonderful and empowering experience which will profoundly affect the mother and her partner for years to come. I believe strongly that God created the woman's body perfectly to give birth and therefore a woman's labor is healthiest when unnecessary interventions are avoided. I also feel strongly that women should educate themselves in order to become informed consumers in the US maternity system and demand that their care be entirely evidence based, not based on routine.
- On a Personal Note: I currently live in Springfield, IL with my husband,
Josh, and my 1 year old son, Noah. I am, aside from my work as a doula,
a stay at home mom.
I obviously have a huge place in my heart for pregnancy and childbirth. I'm currently working towards certification to become an ALACE(Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators) certified labor assistant. I am particularly passionate about serving teen moms as I was a teenage mom myself.
I'm Christian and I love God with all of my heart. Jesus died for me so I can spend eternity with Him. My goal is to live each day with that in mind and carry my faith in God respectfully into my work as a doula.