My philosophy about birth?

Well, that is an easy question. My personal philosophy about birth is irrelevant. What matters above all is the birthing persons philosophy about birth. As your doula, my services are centered on your goals, priorities, strengths, fears, plans, and concerns. My personal birth experiences and preferences may be completely different than yours, and that is OK. I approach doula work by putting your birth philosophy in the driver seat, allowing me to support you with compassion and non-judgment. If you do not have a particular philosophy about birth, that is OK as well. Part of my role is to assist you with discovering the type of birth experience that will complement your preferences.

Why did I become a doula?

When I found out that I was expecting my first child, I was very excited. In the back of my mind I also thought “Oh, boy, how am I going to do this! Can I even do this?” Giving birth was so mysterious to me, filling me with hesitation and fear. I am glad to say that after attending a birthing class, finding a supportive doula, and learning how to ask for help, my birth experience was nothing close to the mysterious and fearful event I though it was going to be.

In the months after my daughter was born, I could not keep quiet about my positive birth experience and how the support of my doula was a significant part of my birth story. A good friend of mine confessed, “you talk so passionately about doulas, you should consider becoming one.” He was absolutely right! My journey in becoming a doula began in January 2021 when I enrolled in training with DONA International.

For me to be a healthy Black woman fortunate enough to walk out of a hospital birth with a healthy new born, and a non-traumatizing birth experience, is a blessing that I will never take for granted. The fact is, my medically uninteresting birth story is not the norm for most birthing people who look like me. The racial disparities of maternal and infant health among people-of-color is shocking and unacceptable. The advocacy work I do as a doula is simply me submitting to the call to do my small part in reversing this wrong, right here in my home town of Worcester, MA and beyond.

A little bit about me.

·       I am originally from South Florida. I grew up in Miami. I have been living in New England since 2011.

·       I am a Culinary Arts graduate. Cooking and serving others have always been my passion.

·       Outside of my doula career, I aspire to become a childbirth and breastfeeding educator. I’m in the process of earning my CBS (Certified Breastfeeding Specialist) certification.

·       For the past five years, I have served as co-facilitator of a small group church fellowship with my husband Joseph.

·       Homemade pie and Italian red wines are my guilty pleasure.