Birth work as a spiritual calling
My connection to the world of birth work established long before I was aware. As a kid, I loved asking about my birth story, working my way around the OBGYN clinic I sat in after school, and guessing the sex of babies by the way they sat in the womb. My great-grandmother was an underground abortion worker. I never knew this until she got sick. I was her primary caregiver; through her sickness, we grew close. This once very private woman began sharing her life's work with me. It was not something everyone knew -- I believe she knew this work was destined for me before I could comprehend spiritual callings. As my great-grandmother began to reach the end of her time here on earth, she called me into the living room and said "I am going to pass it along to you." At the time, I had no idea that she meant she was spiritually passing her life's work over to me. I chose to take the full spectrum doula route, but I am forever grateful for the time and connection I have with Carrie. She saw this work in me and sewed a mustard seed of faith that this work would find me.
About Me.
My journey into community-based service began during my high school years when I actively engaged in creating spaces to acknowledge and bring awareness to reproductive health, violence, and abuse. Starting a student-led space that emphasized the life experiences of survivors and the 'period project' which increased access to period supplies in the school community are two of my favorite memories from my senior year. My involvement extended to collaborations with reproductive-focused institutions like Planned Parenthood and URGE and being in support roles at a Domestic Violence shelter and a Queer-youth housing initiative. During my time at college, I assumed leadership positions in vital organizations such as the Black Student and Queer-Trans Student Unions (president of QTSU).
Naturally inclined to caregiving, I've always found purpose in watching, listening, assisting, and advocating for others. In 2021, my birthwork journey began crystallizing. Seeking clarity and guidance, I embarked on a conversation with my spirits, and in response, the path became clear. Scholarships for comprehensive training were granted to me, an affirmation that I was on the right course.
Today, I stand as a certified doula and a childbirth educator. Opting to align with the BADT certification was a conscious decision to harmonize my services with my essence. My zeal lies in matters that are Black, Queer, and Gender Diverse— aspects that fuel my dedication to offer full-spectrum doula care characterized by warmth, affirmation, and community immersion. Rather I am supporting someone through a pregnancy loss, a 3-day birthing journey, or caring directly for a postpartum family - I believe in holding space for folks with dignity and to be listened to without critique. We're all humans simply trying to thrive; a part of thriving is accepting that we are better with a village of people surrounding us through some of life's more transformative journeys.
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Current community involvement:
- University of Michigan, Volunteer Doula, Dial-a-doula program
- Michigan State Doula Advisory Board Member
- Motor City Doula Association
Education & Certifications
2021
Full spectrum Doula (FSD)
Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT)
BADT's training curriculum includes the following topics such as Activism & Birthwork, Black Perinatal & Infant Health Disparities, Queer & Trans Birth, Trauma Informed Care, Birth, Caring for Partners, Nutrition, Food Insecurity & Access, Postpartum, Infant Feeding, Bereavement & Loss, Adoption & Surrogacy.
2022
Childbirth Educator (CBE)
Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT)
BADT's training curriculum covered a diverse range of topics including Cultural Humility, Paths to Reproduction, Consent, Trauma, and Boundaries, Grief & Loss, Disability and Accessibility, Pregnancy Experiences & Care, Labor & Birth, Infant Feeding, Newborn Care, Postpartum Healing & Mental Health.
2021 - current
Continuing Education
Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT)
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Birth & Disability: provides an introduction to Disability justice and its intersections with reproductive justice
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Fertility & Conception: learning about supporting people in their communities who are trying to conceive
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Queer & Trans Reproductive Support: learning about the reproductive health of Queer & Trans people through the childbearing years, and how to support clients during these experiences
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Crisis Response for Birth Workers:
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