We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wendolyn Marte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wendolyn below.

Wendolyn , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my career I would have to say was my first experience with a family at a birthing center, This allowed me to to view an unmedicated, undisturbed physiological birth. Intune mother, motivated and peaceful. It was in this moment that I was 110% sure that birth did not need to be associated with fear or unnecessary interventions. I saw a mother sure of herself and her abilities as well as a father who was supportive and knowledgeable in allowing the process to be. This was imperative to the work that I do. I was able to associate birth with calm, with confidence, and with a birth team that just let things naturally be. This made me even more eager to help other women find comfort, confidence and options in labor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a 32 year old first generation American, both my parents are from the Dominican Republic. My great-grandmother and her mother on my fathers side were midwives on the island. My father’s side of the family has always been big on herbs. I was brought to take natural medicine to cure things, which makes sense why I suggest natural remedies when things arise. I am confident this was my calling and my bloodline reassures me of this. In 2021 I became a birth doula through the National Black Doulas Asso. They allowed me to understand in depth the medical system and the care I must provide to keep women of color safe in these environments. I took other courses like postpartum support, placenta encapsulation and belly binding to name a few. I am a certified doula who is all about education, options, guidance and confidence. I was given an undeniable gift that I am proud to pass on to whom may need it. It is not always the easiest, but it is the most rewarding and I will continue to work for my community as long as my breath allows it.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe something that is needed in my field of work that isn’t spoken on enough is intuition. Being confident within myself and the work that I provide. That I know I am meant to do this work and everything aligns for me so that families can have the best outcomes for themselves. Honorable mention is being personable. I can relate to all of my clients on one accord or the next, it fully lets them submerge themselves in comfort to know I understand and I am listening.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

We can not always prevent unwanted/unexpected cesareans with some clients. Unfortunately, a cascade of interventions may lead to a C-section that could’ve been prevented. But ultimately I had to understand that I give clients all the options, and they choose what to pick and choose and I support their picks always. I had a virtual client that was low risk go into the hospital and it was one medically unnecessary intervention after the next. She knew her options, but coercion and fear of the environment and providers made her second guess herself which then led to her having to have a C-section.

Contact Info:

• Website: Marsdoula.com
• Instagram: @MarsDoula
• Facebook: Mars Doula

Image Credits
Picture with my father Picture with my great grandmother Picture with client Diane, husband Christopher and baby Winter Picture with client Karma and baby Jordan