TARA VAN DYKE, CERTIFIED BIRTH DOULA

Wow, I wish I knew what a doula was for the births of my four children. When my first baby was on the way, I read a few books about what to expect and dutifully lugged my pillow and my husband to hospital childbirth classes, but when I finally went into labor 10 days past my due date, let's just say things didn't go exactly as I'd envisioned them. 

The question families ask me most frequently is why I decided to become a doula. The short answer is that new parents need and deserve top-quality, continuous care when they are most vulnerable. The longer answer comes partly from the questions I asked myself after that first labor experience:

• How did I feel unprepared when I had read the books and gone to the classes?

• Why did we feel so lost and alone even in our highly-rated hospital and with our chosen doctor?

• How can new parents feel stronger and more empowered after birth and less traumatized and overwhelmed?

My journey to parenthood included experiences with miscarriage, Pitocin induction, epidural, episiotomy, instrumental delivery, unmedicated birth, and finally a hospital birth attended by my husband, mother, and mother-in-law! I learned a lot along the way about how to find the information and support I needed. I want all parents to have a positive beginning as their baby is born, and a beautiful story to tell for the rest of their lives. I am passionate about the power of family life transitions, and so became a doula and educator to encourage, support, and equip parents in their new roles.

ABOUT US

We are Tara and David Van Dyke, founders of With U Parenting. Our relationship began with adventure. We met in the baggage claim area of Chicago's OHare airport en route to separate international mission trips, which led to our college romance and marriage in 1992. We have lived through the "in the trenches" years -- traveling to different states for graduate school and jobs while going through pregnancies, loss, births, and new parenting far away from family. We have four incredible children who are now forging their ways in the world as young adults and we've learned that parenting will always be our greatest ongoing and never-ending adventure. Sharing the lessons we've learned along the way is our greatest joy.

QUALIFICATIONS