What does being a doula mean to you?

Being a Full Spectrum Doula to me means that any person who shows up for care and support is cared for and supported. No matter if you are birthing at home (or at) a hospital. No matter the outcome, as your doula I show up to gently remind you of your inner power.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

One reason a family should consider having a doula is that they can provide support that is non-judgmental. Your doula is there to be present for you and your and your family’s needs. 

What does being a doula mean to you? 

To me, being a doula means being of service to birthing people. (It means) making sure all birthing people are (aware) of their rights.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

Families should consider having a doula to support them when trying to figure out pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas walk families through the tough and confusing stuff, and let them know that everything they may be feeling is valid.

What does being a doula mean to you? 

(To me), being a doula means: honor, support, education, sacredness, dedication, listening, affirming, reiterating forgotten thoughts, building community, joy, resiliency, being a voice for the voiceless, and much more.

One reason a family should consider having a doula:

A family should consider having a doula to assist with coping techniques, (provide) support for the supporting partner, lessen medical interventions, (create) positive birthing outcomes, shorten labor, and last but certainly not least: to help the woman/birthing person with SELF-confidence.

About Shana:

Shana Spinks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked with families for over 10 years. Her passion grew out of her desire to change the birthing narrative. She believes birthing is one of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. It’s imperative that the birthing experience consists of the individual feeling like they are listened to, validated, and genuinely supported. 

As she began to explore her passion for this experience and reflect on her own birthing experience, she became aware of the lack of education parents received when making decisions regarding birth.

For Shanee Finley, being a doula means creating a sacred space for birthing families to honor their birth as a Rite of Passage, for all birth outcomes. Doulas offer support, education, advocacy, and resources. Together, these build bridges across generations and communities with an open heart, mind, and hands. 

About Shanica: 

Shanica’s motto is “Birth, but better.” She is here to walk alongside you on this journey to your new life. From pregnancy test to first shots, she is able to assist with the transition into parenthood. Her goal is to educate, support and create a safe space for expecting families to have the birth that they desire.

Summary and Purpose

Consistent with its mission to fight for the health of all moms and babies, March of Dimes issued a July 2018 Position Statement on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity , released a report on maternity care deserts, and is developing an approach to address the “poor quality and differential care” that contributes to the higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality experienced by women of color.1 This interim Position Statement on Doulas and Birth Outcomes will be part of a broader March of Dimes approach to these issues that is under development. It provides evidence and guidance to support March of Dimes participation in advocacy efforts related to doula care as they arise nationally and locally. It also can serve as an education tool about the importance of doulas as a part of the birth team.

ARE YOU A DOULA WHO WORKS WITH BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN PREGNANT WOMEN AND FAMILIES?

WE'RE HIRING! 

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