ABOUT | Los Angeles Doula

Welcome to a wonderful journey

into becoming a parent

About

I STARTED MY TRAINING AS A PEDIATRIC RN IN SWITZERLAND BEFORE MOVING TO THE U.S.

I started my training as a pediatric RN in Switzerland in 1993 where I worked on the NICU at one of the leading university hospitals in Switzerland for several years before moving to the USA. During my years on the NICU I expanded my training in infant massage, baby wearing, reflexology, kinesthesia (conscious handling of the newborn), lactation, homeopathy, and flower essences which broaden my expertise tremendously. My work also included the supervision of pediatric nurses and midwife interns.

My years of conventional medical training fed my desire to step outside the typical medical model and go deeper into more personal care during pregnancy and the birth and postpartum period. After my move to the United States (Los Angeles) in 2002 I got certified as a birth doula in 2003 and as a postpartum doula in 2004 through DONA International.

I was the director of postpartum services at the Chapman Family Center from 2005 till 2008 which included assistant teaching of birth and postpartum doulas as well as running the postpartum doula agency.

In 2007 I became a DONA International approved postpartum doula trainer.

The Bastyr University in San Diego welcomed me to their faculty in 2013 as a postpartum doula trainer until they closed their doors in 2015.

In short, my passion about all things pregnancy and postpartum knows no bounds and I strongly believe in a culture where birth is just, inclusive and free of fear.

I live with my husband in Los Angeles and gave birth to our son in 2006 via surgery and in 2007 to our second son at home.

My pronouns are she/her.

– Kathrin

xo

Professional Timeline

1993

Started training as a pediatric RN in Switzerland and worked on the NICU at one of the leading university hospitals in Switzerland for several years.

2002

Kathrin move to the United States (Los Angeles).

2003

Certified as a birth doula by DONA International.

2004

Certified as a postpartum doula by Dona International.

2005

Director of postpartum services at the Chapman Family Center from 2005 to 2008. In addition, Kathrin assisted teaching of birth and postpartum doulas as well as running the postpartum doula agency.

2007

In 2007 she became a DONA International approved postpartum doula trainer.

2013

The Bastyr University in San Diego welcomed Kathrin to their faculty.

1993

Started training as a pediatric RN in Switzerland and worked on the NICU at one of the leading university hospitals in Switzerland for several years.

2002

Kathrin move to the United States (Los Angeles).

2003

Certified as a birth doula by DONA International.

2004

Certified as a postpartum doula by Dona International.

2005

Director of postpartum services at the Chapman Family Center from 2005 to 2008. In addition, Kathrin assisted teaching of birth and postpartum doulas as well as running the postpartum doula agency.

2007

In 2007 she became a DONA International approved postpartum doula trainer.

2013

The Bastyr University in San Diego welcomed Kathrin to their faculty.

YEARS
of training

BABIES
brought into this world

DOULAS
taught and guided

FAMILIES
loved and served

Some of my favorite things

01. The Ocean

The ocean brings me peace. I live 6 blocks from the beach and go there about 3 to 4 times a week. The vastness of the ocean puts everything in perspective and allows my mind to clear. It brings me mental health and puts my mind at ease.

02. Coffee

I know, I know… This is not super unique. It is still true though. Having my cup of coffee in the morning is something that I look forward to. It is a gentle way to start the day where I get to sit down and slowly wake up before I jump into my day.

03. Snowboarding

I was put on skis when I was 3 years old and I remember it as if it was yesterday. I would hold on to my dad’s legs as we cruised down the slopes; my skis were made out of plastic and were red and white “Rossignol”. I loved them! I became good at winter sports as we often went skiing with my family. At 15 years old, I was in winter camp with my school, when I fell in love with snowboarding and never got back on skis. I’m a snowboard instructor and I’m still super passionate about it.

04. Reading

While I drink my cup of coffee in the morning I read. I could read many, many hours if my life allowed it. I read mostly fiction, apart from work related items and I sometimes read 2 different books at the same time. I love reading fiction as it takes me into someone else’s life and their problems and let’s me forget about mine. Reading keeps me awake, which is not always a good thing as I could easily read the night away.

05. Phone Calls

My parents are still happily married after 51 years. After having traveled the world and living in different countries, they have settled in Switzerland where they still live today. They are mentally and physically very active so our by-weekly conversations are engaging and necessary to my well-being.

06. Socializing

My husband and I are both rather social and enjoy the European lifestyle of frequently having friends over for brunch, tea, or dinner. The pandemic has made it hard for us to have social gatherings and I am looking forward to when the coronavirus let’s us get back to meet, hug and connect with our loved ones again.