We were lucky to catch up with Atiyya Joseph recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Atiyya, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My journey into Birth Work began with my personal birthing experience. I birthed with a Midwife and a Doula and it completely changed the trajectory of my life. I was over the moon about my birth experience. I had written out my birth plan, conveyed how I wanted to be supported and my team did exactly that. I thought this was the norm. I thought that everyone was happy about the birth of their child and their experience. As I shared my story with others, I learned that this was a rarity. My neighbors and close friends would tell me about their doctors visits and they were nothing like the visits I had with my midwife. I began to offer help and give them suggestions on questions to ask, and even encouraged them to write a birth plan. They couldn’t understand that they had choices to make, and standards to uphold with their care team. At this time, I didn’t know that I was doing Birth Work. I didn’t know that I was acting as a Doula.

There wasn’t a pregnant woman I could come into contact with, without feeling concern for how their pregnancy was going, how they were feeling and if they were satisfied with their care. I was Invested and wanted everyone to have that education that would liberate them.

During the pandemic, after practicing for a few years as an unofficial Doula, I decided to live in my purpose and start my business. The need is there, it was there. I was never concerned if it would work, I was only concerned with serving and meeting the need that was already there.

It gave me peace to know that I was doing my part. That whether it was 1 or 1000. There was a woman out there who was looking for Pregnancy and Birth support, that I could offer.

Atiyya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into Birth Work, when I became a Mother. It was through my birth experience that I learned what birth should look like, and what Mothers all over the country may be missing and need to experience.

As a Doula I provide resources, education and referrals to my clients. I walk alongside them throughout their pregnancy journey in an effort for them to have the optimal pregnancy experience and the birth that they desire.

My business, A Brave Birth Doula, was created to help Mothers define what birth is for them. That takes the proper education, a clear vision, and Bravery. It is not always easy to birth in medical settings, to do things differently from your family, and to completely trust thyself. It requires one to dig deep, to use discernment and to be Brave. As a Doula, my goal is to help mothers feel SO empowered that they not only feel Brave enough to use their voice in Birth, but in all spaces following their birth experience.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best way to grow your clientele is to provide an experience that is unmatched. As a Doula I genuinely care for my clients. They become my family throughout this journey. I am there for them. In addition to that, social media is a huge platform and resource that we all use. People like to see what you are doing in addition to hearing about it.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients has been mostly referral based. As a Doula I work with other medical professionals. Sometimes my clients may need to see a chiropractor or a pelvic floor therapist. I receive referrals from people who can speak to my work as well of other Mothers my clients have relationships with.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abravebirthdoula.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abravebirthdoula
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/abravebirthdoula

Image Credits
Photo shot by The Andersons Photography