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 chat with Ashley S.
What is your title and with what organizations did you attend your trainings?
I am a labor doula and postpartum doula. I took both trainings through DONA.
What does supporting a family in birth/postpartum look like with your support?
Supporting a family in both birth and post partum are important to me. I think it’s very important to hear a family out and be their advocate. I feel like a doula is to fill in the blanks without question in both a birth setting and home setting. For a delivery room that may be stepping in for when the partner needs a break or being main support, whatever that couple decided they need. At home it’s making sure the parents are taken care of so that they are able to care for their new little one and to help them learnt everything they can about that baby while making sure the house is functioning for less stress.
What do families love most about you?
The thing families love most about me is that I do before being asked. I can usually feel out what is needed and I do it before it was even a thought in their heads.
What do you love most about this profession?
That’s a hard one. I love this profession for SO many reasons. My favorite part about it is the connections we are able to make and watching a family grow. I love being able to support a family in a time of vulnerability.
What events and careers in the past have led you to where you are today?
I’ve always been in awe at pregnancy and birth and I’ve loved babies. I started taking courses to become a L&D nurse and decided that wasn’t entirely for me. It wasn’t personable enough. I wanted to be able to form a trusting relationship with my clients and take a step back medically.
