If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded. ~Maya Angelou

Christina J. Bennett, BA, Birth Doula

My most important qualification as a doula is that I am also a mom. There is no greater joy that a mother can experience than seeing her baby for the very first time. It is truly "love at first sight." My role as your doula is to preserve your birth as positive lifelong memory. I have both personal and educational experience to assist families in welcoming their new baby.

I learned from an early age to celebrate diversity in humanity. I spent most of my childhood growing up in Florida, Costa Rica, and Panama and I speak both English and Spanish fluently. My parents taught me to respect all races, genders, ethnicities, religions, and cultures, and that each have a purpose and a place in this world. This fundamental building block of my early socialization, eventually lead me to pursue a career that promotes health and well-being for all humankind.

My passion for cultural diversity continued into my adult life. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a minor and certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida. When I first began to think about "what I wanted to be when I grew up," my parents encouraged me to pursue a job that was exciting, inspiring, and rewarding. Anthropology has fulfilled so many of my interests. I've enjoyed traveling to Latin American countries, advocating for women's reproductive rights, and promoting gender equality, social justice, and world peace.

I became fascinated with pregnancy and the birth process when a close friend of mine became pregnant. I watched in awe as her belly grew and stretched, making room for her new baby. I began to realize that pregnant women are remarkable human beings. They radiate beauty, wisdom, and strength.

And so my quest began to meld my two loves-anthropology and pregnancy-into one. I am an aspiring birth doula, with training through DONA International, formerly Doulas of North America. I provide childbirth education and breastfeeding support as well. I am currently a pre-nursing student pursuing a career as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

I created Planet Birth, formerly Holistic Birth Services in 2004. Planet Birth believes in empowering women to make informed, valid decisions regarding her body and her birth. I provide pregnant women with informational, emotional, and physical support before, during, and after the birth of her child. I have studied abroad in Honduras, Peru, and Costa Rica to expand my knowledge of indigenous and multi-cultural birthing customs and use these and many other techniques when I help expectant families plan and prepare for their birth. I also offer other products and services complementary to pregnancy and birth.

My personal goal is to create an atmosphere for a new mother that encourages her to make positive life choices for herself and her baby, so that we may breed a world of tolerance, peace, and love.