"It’s an honor to be part of such a transformative experience, offering care, guidance, and compassion every step of the way.”

— Mia DeSilva, AAIMM Doula

What does being a Doula mean to you?

Being a doula means offering support, care, and guidance during one of the most transformative and vulnerable experiences in a person’s life—pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. It’s about providing emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and their families to ensure they feel empowered and informed in their journey. As a doula, you hold space for a person’s needs, advocate for their choices, and help them feel safe and supported. It means being present for the highs and lows, offering comfort, encouragement, and reassurance, and helping to create a positive experience. It’s a deeply fulfilling role rooted in compassion, empathy, and respect for the individual’s birthing process.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

One key reason a family should consider having a doula is the continuous emotional and physical support they provide throughout labor. Doulas are trained to offer comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, and positioning, which can help reduce stress and pain, leading to a more positive birth experience. This consistent support can also help the birthing person feel more in control, less anxious, and better equipped to navigate the intensity of labor.

Please share a story of one of your most memorable experiences as a doula.

One of the most memorable and meaningful experiences for me as a doula was supporting a family through the heartbreaking loss of their stillborn baby, and then having the honor of being with them again for the birth of their healthy, rainbow baby boy. Witnessing their journey through such profound grief and joy was an incredibly powerful reminder of the deep impact a doula can have during both moments of loss and moments of hope. It was truly an honor to be part of their story, offering care, compassion, and unwavering support throughout their path to healing and joy.

What’s the most powerful or meaningful part of being a doula for you?

For me, the most powerful and meaningful part of being a doula is witnessing the transformative moment when a person feels truly supported, heard, and empowered during their birth experience. There’s something incredibly moving about being part of such a significant life event and knowing that your presence and care can make a real difference in how someone experiences one of the most important moments of their life. It’s not just about providing physical support—it’s about creating a space of trust and comfort where they can feel confident in their choices and capable in their journey.

What’s one game-changing way a doula can support a family during birth and beyond?

One game-changing way a doula can support a family during birth and beyond is by helping them establish a strong, informed, and confident birth plan while offering continuous emotional and physical support throughout the process. During labor, a doula can advocate for the family’s wishes, help with comfort techniques, and ensure they feel empowered to make decisions in the moment. After birth, a doula can assist with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and adjusting to life with a newborn. This ongoing support can greatly ease the transition and help the family feel more connected, confident, and supported during what can be a challenging and overwhelming time.

About Mia:

Mia DeSilva is a  proud Los Angeles native, who has  always been inspired by the power of birth. Growing up, she witnessed her mother’s strength as she birthed all four of her children at home with the support of a midwife. Her mother’s trust in the process empowered Mila  to believe in the beauty and strength of birth. and she  went on to have two beautiful daughters of her  own—one born at a hospital and the other born at home, in water, with the guidance of a midwife. These experiences solidified her  calling to support families as they navigate their own unique birthing journeys. Mia’s mission is to help  create positive and empowering birth experiences, honoring their choices and supporting them in whatever path feels right for them. It’s an honor to be part of such a transformative experience, offering care, guidance, and compassion every step of the way.