We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandra Gonsor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

From 2017-2022, I was a solopreneur birth worker supporting almost 40 birth clients a year. I made the decision to expand into an agency in 2022 and now have a wonderful team of two additional doulas and a sister company comprised of therapists and mental health interns. Transitioning to an agency model allowed me to broaden my impact, reach more clients, and create a network of colleagues who share my vision and values.

By establishing an agency, I can now match clients with a team of highly skilled and compassionate doulas who can collectively provide support throughout the childbirth process. Another advantage of expanding to an agency is the specialization and diversification of services. As a solopreneur, I focused primarily on birth and postpartum doula support. However, with my current team, I’ve brought together doulas with different specialties, such as newborn care, bereavement doula services, nutrition support, support group, mental health services, and lactation support. This diversification allows us to cater to a broader range of client needs.

I am able to provide ongoing training, mentorship, and support to the doulas within my community. I have been very intentional in fostering a strong community of colleagues and creating an environment where knowledge sharing, skill development, and collaboration thrive. We find that a collective approach not only benefits the doulas but also ensures that clients receive consistent, high-quality care throughout their experience with us.

Expanding from solopreneurship to an agency has come with its own set of challenges. As the founder, I have needed to establish effective systems and processes for client management, scheduling, and communication. I spent a lot of time building a strong reputation and brand presence for your agency through marketing efforts, community networking, and establishing trust in the services provided by my team.

I am incredibly honored that the growth of my agency has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of countless families as they navigate the transformative journey of childbirth.

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’m Alexandra Gonsor, a passionate birth worker and solopreneur who launched my practice in 2017. My journey began with a personal experience that ignited a commitment to reproductive justice and access to evidence-based care. Since then, I have dedicated myself to supporting individuals and families on their journey through childbirth.

I firmly believe that every person deserves the right to make informed decisions about their bodies and experiences. That’s why I advocate for reproductive justice and work tirelessly to eliminate barriers that hinder access to quality care. By establishing Balanced Birth Doula Agency, I aim to create positive change within the maternity care system and empower birthing individuals to navigate their own unique journeys.

My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that my clients receive the highest quality of care based on the latest research and best practices in the field. I am committed to providing comprehensive and respectful support throughout the entire reproductive process, from fertility to postnatal care.

In addition to my work with clients, I am deeply involved in advocacy and community education. Through workshops, one on one support, and public speaking engagements, I strive to raise awareness about reproductive rights, options, and the significance of evidence-based care during childbirth. I believe that knowledge is power, and I am dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

What sets me apart is my warm and non-judgmental approach. I create a safe and inclusive space where my clients feel comfortable and supported. I provide emotional guidance, educational resources, and evidence-based information to ensure that they are well-prepared for their birthing experience.

As the founder of Balanced Birth, I am continuously expanding my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development. I stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the birth work field to offer the most current and effective support to my clients.

My vision is to contribute to a world where every individual has access to equitable and evidence-based care, leading to positive and transformative birth experiences. I am deeply passionate about my work and feel privileged to walk alongside individuals and families during this sacred and significant time in their lives.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Community networking has played a pivotal role in establishing a reputable reputation for my business. By actively engaging with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups, I have fostered meaningful connections and built a strong network of support. Collaborating with like-minded professionals and participating in community events has not only expanded my reach but has also allowed me to demonstrate my expertise and commitment to the well-being of individuals and families. These valuable connections have helped me gain trust and recognition within the community, solidifying my reputation as a reliable and compassionate birth worker who is dedicated to providing exceptional care to our community members.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic in 2020 prompted me to pivot my business model from in-person birth support to virtual care, pushing me to think outside traditional care models. With restrictions on physical gatherings, including hospital visitor restrictions, and heightened health concerns, it became essential to find innovative ways to continue providing support to expectant individuals and families. Embracing technology, I transitioned my services to a virtual platform, leveraging video calls, online resources, and remote consultations. This shift allowed me to maintain a connection with clients, provide crucial information, and offer emotional support during a time when it was needed the most. By adapting to the changing landscape, I not only ensured the continuity of care but also discovered new ways to reach and empower individuals, expanding the possibilities of how birth support can be delivered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.balancedbirthagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedbirthagency/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Balancedbirthagency/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmith041/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BalancedBirthSC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancedbirthdoulaagency843
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/balanced-birth-doula-agency-bluffton
• Other: https://linktr.ee/balancedbirth

Image Credits
Taylor Pait Photography Oceano Blue Photography