She took the labor support
course at Seattle Midwifery School in 1994 and certified one year from the
date of the birth of her niece’s birth. In 2000 she trained at Bates
Technical College in Tacoma as a postpartum doula. She later helped
create certification for postpartum doulas through Northwest Association for
Labor Support and then certified with them.
Turning towards her desire to
inform parents about childbirth and postpartum issues she added teaching,
becoming a certified Happiest Baby on the Block Educator (HBOB) in 2004 and
teaches (HBOB) at Great Starts and Evergreen Hospital.
Her passion around the birth
community led her to join the Board of Directors of Pacific Association for
Labor Support where she served seven years in many different roles.
Jennifer took a short break from board work and then step into the Board of
Directors of Northwest Association for Postpartum Support where she is
currently serving as Co-Director.
In 2006 Seattle Midwifery
School honored Jennifer by giving her the Mothering the Mother award which
celebrates her contributions to the doula community.
Supporting her along the way, and living with a doula’s crazy schedule is
her partner of 20 years, Kim Hirayama. And while he may not be as
enthusiastic when the pager goes off at 3 am as he used to be, he has never
complained. Kim and Jennifer enjoy short getaways around Washington in
search of good food, wineries, micro-breweries and fun times fly fishing for
trout while they love longer trips to tropical places like Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico.
