00;00;08;28 - 00;00;34;14

A lack of advocacy and support during the birth of my first child is what inspired me to become a doula. I saw the opportunity come across during Covid through DONA, and I did that virtual training, and it still felt like it wasn't enough. In 2023, I came across the I Be Black Girl Doula cohort opportunity. I'm glad I followed through with it.

00;00;34;16 - 00;01;05;24

I was able to get more hands on training, work with the community, and just meet with people versus doing everything virtually. I view my work as a holistic perspective, just thinking about a person as a whole and what do they need to be fulfilled and to thrive. I like to show up as if I'm an aunt or a sister, and just being there to be a listening ear to provide words of wisdom, look for resources for them.

00;01;05;26 - 00;01;32;02

Just being that person that can be comfort, knowing what they need in that moment and being able to advocate for them to make sure that they're feeling heard and respected and that their wishes are being followed. It has taken me patience and resilience to sustain this type of work. Just being able to balance myself, my home, my children as well as my clients.

00;01;32;04 - 00;02;01;18

Really understanding and knowing when I might need a break and taking that break, whether it's just relaxing or taking a bubble bath; reading a book, just anything of a nature to kind of slow down and make sure that I am capable to listen to the client and show up for them fully. I feel as if the financial aspect of being a doula creates the appearance of a doula,

00;02;01;18 - 00;02;29;05

just being and having a niche clientele, only certain people having access to it or being able to afford it. I love the opportunity to speak to people and let them know how I help, and how I can bring value to their birthing experience, as well as their life with their child and having that conversation. And then finding out if they do qualify for any pilot programs or grants has been extremely helpful.

00;02;29;07 - 00;03;04;06

There are instances you run into where the client just flat out does not meet that qualification, or they're past the time where they can sign up because they're too far along, and it gives a sense where it creates a limit of not being able to help all the people that actually need help. And then if you did want to help the people who needed help, you’d be looking at an aspect of pro bono and you're trying to balance and respect your time and your education, but you also have that desire that people need help and you know that they need help.

00;03;04;09 - 00;03;36;08

And really figuring out where you can find opportunities for those families to be supported that might not fall into the window. If doulas were supported and compensated, that would give me the full confidence that my doula practice is something that could sustain me and my family. And that would be amazing. I know for me, it would create a fluidity of clients knowing that this is accessible and available to everybody, regardless if they qualify for specific programs or grants.

00;03;36;11 - 00;03;56;21

And as a community as a whole, I feel it would bring the awareness up to know that that support is there and available to everybody, regardless if they have the funds to support it or not. And I feel like that's what we've been striving for and doing for the community. And I can tell there has been a difference and it will just continue to get greater.

00;03;56;23 - 00;04;19;22

What keeps me committed is just knowing how many women and babies actually need help, who needs to be supported, who needs to be advocated for as well as educated and just finding resources. It's a lot, you know, being pregnant and having all of these information, hormones surging. And I love to be that person there to provide that comfort and support for families.