Welcome! My name is Marlee and I’m the doula behind Fortress Birth & Home.
I have always had a passion for health. Growing up as an athlete then studying Kinesiology at UW-Eau Claire, I learned how capable a woman’s body is if it is treated right. When I was pregnant with my son, then when I gave birth and learned to breastfeed for the first time, it took my fascination and admiration of the female body to a whole new level.
God designed us perfectly!
During my pregnancy I did countless hours of research. I knew what to expect at every stage of pregnancy and labor and I had the most incredible and supportive husband and midwife to lean on and trust when I had doubts, fears, or that dreaded morning sickness. When I went into labor a month early, I was obviously freaked out, but I was prepared. Trust me, I wanted more time; more time to mentally prepare, to let my baby grow, to delay the pain. Birth rarely goes according to our plan, but it always goes according to God’s plan.
Becoming a mom is the most transformational experience. For me, becoming a mom changed me. Instantly when my son was born, I went from a workaholic perfectionist to my son’s first line of protection from this crazy scary world. I knew I needed to be his safe place, his protection, his fortress.
A FORTRESS is a stronghold, something not susceptible to outside influence, a fortified place of strength
Long story short, I resigned from my demanding job to stay home with my son and be the wife and mother God designed me to be. Now I help women fortify their minds, bodies, and homes through my work as a doula.
