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

Hi Ashanti, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

In 2015 I launched my business as Red Tent Doula Services. As I grew in my field, I decided that I didn’t want to limit my brand to Doula services, because I provide so much more than just that. I decided to rebrand in 2017 as Woman’s Choice Perinatal Services. In the same year of my rebrand, I also launched my non-profit organization, Woman’s Choice Charitable Association which is a sister organization to my LLC. Providing all of the same services, but at no-cost or at reduced rates for eligible women in the community through the Community Doula Program.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with pregnancy and birth. I initially thought I wanted to be an Obstetrician. After a wonderful experience having a Doula for the birth of my 3rd child, I determined that Doula work was what I wanted to do. For those who don’t know, a Doula is a non-medical professional who provides mothers and families with support during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. A Doula helps provide education, resources, emotional, and physical support that benefits the overall well-being of the mother and family. Over the last 8 years I have participated in numerous trainings to build my knowledge in all things birth. From midwifery studies, to neonatal resuscitation, to bereavement; the many trainings I’ve taken have helped me to be a more well-rounded professional. My brand is known for Doula Services, Placenta Encapsulation Services, as well as providing training and mentorship for other aspiring birth workers.
My Community Doula Program is something that has become a huge focal point in my community. The primary focus of the Community Doula Program is to work towards eliminating racial biases and disparities that result in the disproportionate rate of deaths faced by pregnant women and infants in the Black community, by providing professional support.
Something that sets me apart in my work locally is that I am the only person in my City operating any programs of this kind. I have been a part of many important changes and positive impacts around birth work in my area. Something that sets me apart in my work when it comes to my trainings and mentorship is the fact that I offer a level of support that most people don’t get from other trainings. My teaching style is also very different. Many trainings create heavy workloads that are truly empty fillers to make students feel as if they’re accomplishing something. Meanwhile, so many people finish their training feeling like they still need more. Most people who take any of my trianings are more than fulfilled upon completion.
I want people to know that I am truly passionate about what I do. This is heart work for me, but I also happen to have created a successful and sustainable career out of it.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would without a doubt choose this same profession all over again. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. There is nothing quite like being a part of the journey where life itself begins. This is sacred work and it’s a complete honor to have people invite you into their space during one of the most intimate times of their life. For me, nothing compares to seeing a woman step into her role as a mother, and being there to help her through it.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and building knowledge, here are 3 tips that I believe are some of the most helpful things to consider if you want to be successful in this field. 1. Building relationships with the community. Both with professionals and families. It’s important to get out there. People need to have a level of trust before recommending or booking services. Host community events. Get to know staff at local practices. 2. Staying consistent with your offerings. It can be easy to give up when you’re not growing as fast as you want to. When people continue to see you, they’ll remember you.
3. Be authentic. You don’t have to wear all of the hats. Do what you love and master it. Some Doulas feel that they need to have multiple certifications and offer multiple services to be more desirable and this isn’t true.

Contact Info:

• Website: Womanschoiceperinatal.com
• Instagram: @Womanschoiceperinatal
• Facebook: Facebook.com/WomansChoicePerinatalServices
• Youtube: http://www/youtube.com/@womanschoiceperinatalservi841
• Other: Donate to the Community Doula Program at Womanschoiceperinatal.com/non-profit