My Story |
Hi. I'm Laura Funderburk and I am a certified birth doula (with Birth Arts International) and an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor. I am also currently serving as chairman of a new local doula collaborative, Doulas of Northeast TN. I began working in the birth field in 2004, after the birth of my second child.
My first two birth experiences were instrumental in propelling me into this work. During my first birth, I was surprised by the disrespect and, honestly, rudeness I encountered in the hospital. Despite my very respectful and agreeable communication, my decisions were met with disrespect (decisions that were based by evidence and are now considered routine care in most hospitals. I gave birth to my first son by cesarean. I am so grateful for the support of my family and doula; whose physical, emotional, and educational support sustained me through some very rough days as I became a mother for the first time. My second birth was very different. We more carefully chose my care team. My OB was very respectful and supportive of our decisions, and our nurse was a gem ( because of her, my husband caught our second child!). A midwife served as our doula - that birth would not have been the same without her support. I gave birth naturally and it was beautiful and amazing. I saw the difference a support team makes during pregnancy and birth, and the value of research and advocating for myself. I did not want other parents to have my first experience, but to have the supported, empowering, amazing experience I believe families were intended to have.
So, I became a doula and an educator to support women and their families with compassionate care, emotional and physical support, evidence based information, and advocacy. I have spent the first part of my birth work as an educator and then moved gradually into doula work as my children have grown older. I have continued my education through webinars, conferences, online courses (VBAC Facts Professional & Evidence Based Birth® continuing education.), and attending births (my clients have taught me a lot!). It has been a joy to serve my community this way!
My first two birth experiences were instrumental in propelling me into this work. During my first birth, I was surprised by the disrespect and, honestly, rudeness I encountered in the hospital. Despite my very respectful and agreeable communication, my decisions were met with disrespect (decisions that were based by evidence and are now considered routine care in most hospitals. I gave birth to my first son by cesarean. I am so grateful for the support of my family and doula; whose physical, emotional, and educational support sustained me through some very rough days as I became a mother for the first time. My second birth was very different. We more carefully chose my care team. My OB was very respectful and supportive of our decisions, and our nurse was a gem ( because of her, my husband caught our second child!). A midwife served as our doula - that birth would not have been the same without her support. I gave birth naturally and it was beautiful and amazing. I saw the difference a support team makes during pregnancy and birth, and the value of research and advocating for myself. I did not want other parents to have my first experience, but to have the supported, empowering, amazing experience I believe families were intended to have.
So, I became a doula and an educator to support women and their families with compassionate care, emotional and physical support, evidence based information, and advocacy. I have spent the first part of my birth work as an educator and then moved gradually into doula work as my children have grown older. I have continued my education through webinars, conferences, online courses (VBAC Facts Professional & Evidence Based Birth® continuing education.), and attending births (my clients have taught me a lot!). It has been a joy to serve my community this way!
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I only spend part of my time in the birth world. Much of my time, you will find me homeschooling my five children (and doing all the other things moms do!) Yes, my home is full! I gave birth to three more children. who were all born at home with my midwife (becoming more amazed with birth each time). My husband and I have been married 19 years and enjoy our five fabulous kiddos. We live depending on and grateful for the grace of God in Christ. |
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