Caressa SpychalaFascinated by the intricacies of the human body at an early age, I decided to use this passion to serve others. My career in health started as a Nursing Assistant at a Pittsburgh hospital and on a medical missions trip to Haiti. Later, I became a published Bioengineer with experience in infectious disease research and translational medicine. My concentration shifted to women’s health when my mom was diagnosed and successfully treated for ovarian cancer. When my first daughter was born in 2015, I set my career on hold to become a stay-at-home mom. I was amazed at the extensive impact of the new mom’s community in serving and supporting one another. Compelled to continue this work in a formal
capacity, I chose to combine my knowledge of physiology, life experiences, and passion for uplifting other women as a birth doula. I feel honored and absolutely love the opportunity to serve mothers in such a special time. I believe that birth is not only a new chapter in a family’s life but it fundamentally alters a woman’s essence. Mothering my own two spit-fire girls has been a transformative journey that has redefined and challenged me in very unexpected ways. Both birth experiences were empowering, but very different. The conception of my eldest required infertility treatment while the second did not. I fully appreciated an epidural with the birth of my first child and then had an instinctual, unmedicated birth with my second. Each birth was a unique journey. My role as a doula is to walk with each mom through this new adventure. I offer physical, emotional, and informational support so she can focus unhindered on the magical moments and on her natural ability to birth beautifully. Currently my spunky husband, three daughters, fluffy dog, and I live in Wilkinsburg. We love to hike, backpack, SCUBA dive, sing silly songs, and craft. |
|
