We were lucky to catch up with Alyson Romot recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alyson, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first doula client didn’t come easy! It’s tough starting out as a new doula in a community. I was working on networking with other birth workers, but how do you find the pregnant people who may hire you? I started my career by teaching HypnoBirthing. One of the parents in the class was interested in doula support. Vanessa grilled me with questions. I was honest that she would be my first private client. I was nervous! She was prepared, inquisitive, and thoughtful in her questions. Choosing a doula is a big decision. That person should fit not only your vibe, but your partners too. I was shocked when Vanessa decided to hire me. She was so confident about it. She went on to have a beautiful labor and birth. She’s now running a thriving childbirth education and doula business of her own.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I never would have dreamed I’d become a doula when I was younger. I didn’t even know if I wanted children. I went to college for journalism and spent more than a decade as a broadcast journalist. I loved it. Then, I got pregnant. I took HypnoBirthing and hired a doula. My labor and birth changed the chemistry in my brain. The natural high after birth was wild. I couldn’t help but think, ‘How could I NOT do this in my future?’ My doula’s support alongside my husband was a game changer. So many of my friends had negative birth experiences. I didn’t. I really attributed that to my education and doula support. When we got pregnant with our second child, the calling only got louder. I knew I would quit my career and try to make it as a doula. The rest is history. I certified with DONA International, trained through with The HypnoBirthing Institute® and launched my business. In the seven years since, I’ve become a Certified Lactation Counselor, Evidence Based Birth® Educator, Body Ready Method® Certified Pro and birth photographer.

My background lends to a strong focus on advocacy and evidence based birthing information. I strongly believe in a parents right to bodily autonomy and choice during their experience. My own births, and attending more than 200 of my clients, has given me a respect for all kinds of perspectives and pathways. As a doula, I’m a reflection of what my clients want for themselves. I’m a safe space for them to make decisions, to listen, and to provide information. I still truly believe that labor and birth is a physiological event best when left alone. Sometimes we need a few friends, but most of the time, our intuition is enough.

I want people to know that I’m their biggest cheerleader. Pregnancy, labor, and birth are crazy experiences! You’re not alone. You have choices. And above all, you are the best decision maker for you and your baby. I truly enjoy this work. Empowering expecting parents with knowledge and confidence brings me so much joy.

I’m an inclusive birth worker. I work with any family units. Love is love.

I live in Columbus, Ohio with my husband, two daughters, and two rescue pups.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Most of my clientele is repeat clients and referrals. This didn’t happen overnight! I love networking with other local businesses in my field. These connections have helped me grow my business, but also refer my clients to the professionals they need. Women supporting women. People supporting people. Business owners connecting with business owners. Relationships have helped build my business. I also truly believe there is no competition in birthwork. There are clients for everyone. I think that mentality fosters collaboration and support among my local birthworker community.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I was taught in my doula training that doulas do not advocate for their clients. I had to unlearn this. The medical industrial complex isn’t an easy system to navigate for families. Doulas have a duty and responsibility to make sure parents are heard, centered, and respected during their experience. Sometimes that does mean advocating for them – for more options, better care, more resources, more time, or space to make decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindbodybabycolumbus.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyromotdoula/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindBodyBabyDoula
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aly-romot-cd-dona-hbce%C2%AE-clc-ebb%C2%AE-brm%C2%AE-pro-0a3aa358/

Image Credits

Colleen Murtha Photography (the two images with women in the pool)