In honor of International Doula Month, we are interviewing our doulas, so you can get to know more about them and their inspiration for becoming a doula.
Today, we’re chatting with Ashley G:
What is your title and with what organizations did you attend your trainings?
I’m a birth and postpartum doula who specializes in supporting families with multiples, older children, babywearing and helping people with perintal mood and anxiety disorders. I have completed trainings with CAPPA, Prodoula, PSI, TummyTime Method, as well as being certified as a car seat safety technician.
What does supporting a family in birth/postpartum look like with your support?
When supporting a family during the postpartum period, I strive to provide a lot of loving encouragement, be a source of reliable information and make new parents feel confident in caring for their baby. Every member of the family is important, including siblings, furry friends and extended family. I fill the gaps, whether it’s prepping meals for the week, folding laundry or cleaning pump parts in the middle of the night.
What do families love most about you?
Families who I have worked with appreciate my reassuring demeanor, positive attitude, knowledge about infant development and dedication to helping parents find their own rhythms.
What do you love most about this profession?
My favorite part is seeing the transition from to people who are anxiously waiting, to a little family. Sometimes a few kind words at just the right moment can have a positive effect for years to come.
What events and careers in the past have led you to where you are today?
The biggest inspiration that led me down this path is my husband. When my eldest daughter was born, my husband was so extremely supportive through everything. But I realized that not everyone has that support, for a variety of reasons. I saw the need for emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period and began reading everything I could about how to help.
