Why did you become a doula?

After experiencing the benefits of a doula first hand as a client, I knew that this career was one that would be perfect for me. My deep appreciation and respect for the people that bring life into the world and my unwavering love for babies meant that being a doula would be so personally fulfilling. I just had to find a way to make it my life.

Why did you become a doula?

I didn't know I wanted to be a doula. I saw it as a stepping stone to midwifery initially. But after taking my trainings, I fell in love with the unbiased, non-judgmental support I could provide to families of all backgrounds. Being someone who helps a new parent or family find their inner strength and confidence has been the most rewarding work of my life.

Why did you become a doula?

After having children of my own, I always knew I wanted to work with families and their babies. I didn't know what that looked like until I found out about doula work. I want to help support families during this special and vulnerable time in their lives and help them feel confident in the decisions they are making for their family.

Why did you become a doula?

I have been drawn to pregnancy, L&D, and postpartum families my entire life. When I first heard the word doula when I was 15, I knew what I would do with my life. After having my own children, experiencing two back-to-back miscarriages, and struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, I saw firsthand the immense need for support for families experiencing the roller coaster of pregnancy and parenting and decided to take the dive into the doula world.

Why did you become a doula?

With my own birth experiences, aside from my partner, my doulas were my foundation. They were there through every change and bump in the road. I quickly realized how incredibly important this work truly is and found myself being drawn to it. I was confident that I could be a valuable asset and support system to new families during some of the most vulnerable, raw, and beautiful moments of their lives. Birth, and the early weeks thereafter, have become my passion.

Whether it is after you have met your breastfeeding goals, or when outside circumstances push you toward it, weaning is a topic every nursing parent will encounter.

Most parents return to work after the birth of their baby, but that doesn’t make it any less daunting! To make the transition as smooth as possible for your family, we’ve compiled our expertise at Doulas of Cincinnati with these tips from parents who have been there:

And I wore that unicorn. I wore it every day except wash days for six months. Maggie came back to the breast then, so I reintroduced kinda-sorta-underwire. I alternated those two bras for the next two years.

Two. Years. People.

Dear Doula,

I am 36 weeks today, so it’s time to pack my bag!! I’ve seen a few lists on Pinterest, but some of the items listed seem unnecessary. Help!! What do I really need in my hospital bag?

-Packing in Pleasant Ridge

Baths are one of my most favorite de-stressors. They are warm. They smell good. They make your skin feel nice. Thy don't have any calories. What's not to love? Add some flameless candles, a [bath] bomb playlist (Ha! See what I did there?), and one of these super luxurious LUSH products to your watering relaaaaaxxxxxxx.