Yadira Covarrubias, AAIMM DPSS Doula

"My mission is to empower individuals to embrace their birth experiences with love, dignity, and autonomy.”

– Yadira Covarrubias, CFCI AAIMM Doula

What does being a doula mean to you?

Being a doula is an act of resistance, love, and liberation. It means honoring ancestral wisdom, advocating for birthing people's rights, and ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and empowered in their birth journey. It is about holding space—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—so families can welcome new life with dignity and autonomy.

One reason a family should consider having a doula?

A family may choose a doula for the emotional and physical support that is often missing in medicalized birth settings. A trusted advocate who prioritizes their wishes can help navigate the system and provide continuous care, making a significant difference in their overall experience.

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

One of my most memorable experiences was supporting a mother who was incarcerated. She was navigating birth under deeply unjust circumstances, yet she remained so strong and determined. Despite the limitations imposed on her, we worked together to create a birth plan that upheld her dignity. Holding her hand as she went through labor, reminding her of her power, and witnessing her moment of triumph as she brought her baby into the world reaffirmed why this work is sacred.

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

The most powerful part of being a doula is witnessing birthing people reclaim their power, break cycles of trauma, and birth with dignity, love, and autonomy.

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

Providing culturally centered and trauma-informed care can be transformative. Many birthing individuals, particularly those facing systemic barriers, carry the burden of generational trauma and systemic neglect. A doula who understands this and incorporates ancestral practices, advocacy, and ongoing emotional support can transform the birth experience into healing and empowerment.

What’s one unforgettable moment from your journey as a doula that still sticks with you the most?

One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey as a doula was meeting a client while they were incarcerated and later witnessing their transformation after their release. Supporting them through their postpartum journey and seeing them thrive was incredibly meaningful. They expressed how important it was for them to feel heard, seen, respected, and supported during such a vulnerable time. Watching their growth and resilience reaffirms that this work is not just a passion but a calling that can uplift and change lives.

About Yadira:

Yadira is an Indigenous birth worker dedicated to promoting birthing justice. Drawing inspiration from her great-grandmother, a partera and curandera, she combines traditional healing practices with modern perinatal care. As a full-spectrum doula, Yadira focuses on supporting Black, Brown, and Indigenous families, advocating for culturally sensitive and holistic birth experiences. Her work with mothers who have been previously incarcerated or affected by systemic issues has strengthened her commitment to addressing inequities in maternal healthcare. As a lactation education specialist and a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Yadira investigates birth experiences within marginalized communities to foster meaningful change. She views birth as a sacred ceremony emphasizing emotional, cultural, and spiritual well-being. Through mentorship and ongoing education, Yadira aims to dismantle barriers to reproductive care. Her mission is to empower individuals to embrace their birth experiences with love, dignity, and autonomy.

Do you like this post?

Showing 1 reaction

Brittany Lock published this page in Doula Profiles 2025-09-23 16:02:36 -0700