Ashley Skiffer-Thompson is the Program Coordinator for the AAIMM Doula Program and is committed to giving back to her community. She has spent the majority of her career in the non-profit sector within the home visitation field, gaining experiences in breastfeeding, bonding/attachment, and other maternal and child health topics. 

She believes there is empowerment through advocacy and education. By providing empathetic support and encouraging medical advocacy, her hope is that families feel empowered, grounded, and valued throughout their birth journey. Driven by one of her favorite quotes, “Let the beauty we love be what we do,” Ashley Skiffer-Thompson aims to be the change she hopes to see.

What does being a Doula Mean to you?

Entering the space of birthwork has been impactful to both my personal and professional life. If I could describe what being a doula means to me in one word, it would be transformative. As I reflect on my perspective of birthwork, healing and empowerment are at the center. It is my belief that you have to be able to take care of yourself to show up as your full self for others. As I show up as my full self, I am able to reflect, model and encourage families to heal and care for themselves.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

I value empowerment through advocacy and education. Within my doula work, I provide education to ensure that my families are informed and empowered by centering their voices, wants and needs.  By providing empathetic support and encouraging self/medical advocacy, my hope is that my families feel empowered, grounded and valued throughout their birth journey.

“I think everyone should have a doula because there's one more person on your care team that's there entirely for your comfort, encouragement, and well-being.”

— Ansâr El Muhammad, AAIMM Doula

“A doula helps you prepare for your birth and navigate life on the other side of childbirth.” 

— Elliette Johnson, AAIMM Doula

"If you and your family are seeking someone who can make prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum care clear and supportive, a doula is an amazing resource."

– Erlinda, AAIMM Doula

"Being a doula is a calling. It is a calling and passion that inspires me to serve my community."

— Felicia Frances-Edwards, AAIMM Doula

“Every family has the right to feel and be safe, supported, and heard throughout their pregnancy and birth experience.”  

— Lakeisha Solomon, AAIMM Doula

 “Being a doula means serving my community by uplifting those who bring forth life, love and hope in our everyday lives.” 

– Luz Ticas, AAIMM CFCI Doula

"Doulas walk families through the tough and confusing stuff,  and let them know that everything they may be feeling is valid."

— Lorna Leverette, AAIMM Doula 

“Being a doula to me means honor, support, education, sacredness, dedication, listening, affirming, reiterating forgotten thoughts, building community, joy, resiliency, being a voice for the voiceless, and much more.”

– Mercedez Johnson, AAIMM Doula

“(A) doula will provide non-judgmental prenatal and postpartum support that is in alignment with your family's needs.” 

— Michelle Henderson, AAIMM Backup Doula