We were lucky to catch up with Carolyn Parrish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carolyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

Clients often approach me with a burning question: “What’s the secret recipe for preparing for the transformative journey of birth and motherhood?” Their hopeful eyes anticipate a specific book or a meticulously crafted childbirth course that will unveil the ultimate blueprint. They’re searching for that magical trove of knowledge that promises to pave the way for their dream birth or postpartum experience. I can sense their initial disappointment when my response doesn’t involve tangible recommendations, which can be challenging in a culture that places a high value on the concrete and easily measurable.

Nevertheless, my answer remains unwavering. There’s nothing you truly need to “know” in the traditional sense to prepare for birth and motherhood. In fact, I firmly believe that an overabundance of conventional knowledge can sometimes hinder your innate ability to navigate these profound experiences. Instead of immersing yourself in the mechanics of childbirth, consider channeling your energy into reshaping your conscious and subconscious mind. By doing so, you can remove the obstacles in your own path and allow your body to guide you through the birthing process, a journey it already inherently understands. Rather than investing your time in researching the latest baby gadgets, invest it in the exploration of your intuition and the understanding of your hidden facets. There is no challenge in motherhood that cannot be met with a profound knowledge of oneself.

So, how do I suggest embarking on this transformative journey? I advocate for a series of introspective practices such as journal prompts, meditative practices, visualization exercises, and a variety of somatic techniques that I like to refer to as “energetic birth preparation.” When clients wholeheartedly embrace this approach during their pregnancies, as I wholeheartedly recommend, the response is consistently unanimous – “You were absolutely right!”

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

When I first embarked on the incredible journey of my first pregnancy, I was absolutely bursting with excitement and eager anticipation. For as long as I could remember, I had felt a profound calling to become a mother – to cradle new life in my arms, guide it through this world, and witness the miracle of creation unfold before my eyes. In my mind’s eye, I pictured myself radiating with vitality and an otherworldly glow, bathed in the sheer delight of nurturing new life and forging an unbreakable spiritual bond with my unborn child.

Yet, as is often the case, reality chose to dance to its own tune. Despite all the well-meaning advice from books, blogs, and well-intentioned loved ones, I found myself grappling with the bewildering whirlwind of emotional, mental, and spiritual changes that pregnancy ushered into my life. Waves of overwhelming anxiety washed over me, and I was left feeling utterly perplexed about my evolving identity. Questions about my potential as a mother, my capacity to provide for my precious baby, and how to harmonize my own needs with the demands of my growing family swirled in my mind.

But instead of giving up or hiding my struggles, I summoned the courage to embark on a profound journey within. I explored spirituality, yoga, meditation, and personal growth, and I unearthed a treasure trove of wisdom and healing that forever altered the course of my pregnancy (and my life).

As I underwent this personal metamorphosis, it dawned on me that countless other mothers were traversing similar uncharted waters and hungered for guidance and support. It was this realization that sparked the birth of Maiden to Mama. My mission became clear: to empower and guide mothers-to-be on their unique paths, helping them navigate the labyrinth of pregnancy and motherhood with unshakable grace, unwavering confidence, and boundless joy.

And so, with unwavering determination, I bid farewell to my career as a corporate accounting manager and dove headfirst into the world of nurturing and uplifting new mothers, ensuring that they, too, could embrace their divine feminine power and lead with a heart brimming with love.

I currently offer birth doula support, postpartum doula care, matrescence coaching, dharma (life purpose) coaching, and the gentle touch of reiki through Maiden to Mama. What sets these services apart from the rest is my holistic, whole-soul approach to pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. With me as your doula and coach, you won’t merely receive run-of-the-mill labor support – you’ll embark on a transformative journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

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

Birth work is no ordinary gig; it’s the calling that beckons your very soul, a choice you make over and over. Each encounter with an expectant family during training and beyond ignites a constellation of sparks, lighting our path towards profound wisdom and understanding.

But I’m not going sugarcoat it; this path is not without its challenges and discomforts. These can kindle anger, fear, and disappointment, and without the right support, they might lead to a dark place of depression, rigid thinking, or even burnout. Birth workers who are unhappy, inflexible, or burnt out can’t offer the support that birthing mothers so desperately need.

The intensity of birth work demands more than sheer willpower; it craves a community, sage advice, emotional solace, secure spaces for reflection, and a profound exploration of the soul. Finding spaces for these pillars allows a birth worker to not only survive but thrive, evolving spiritually and emotionally alongside their mission, rather than being perpetually drained and scarred by it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In this line of work, trust is everything. Choosing someone to be a part of one of the most significant moments in your life is a profound decision. No one wants to make the wrong choice. So, for women seeking a doula or coach, knowing that another woman had a profoundly positive experience with them is paramount.

From the very beginning, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my clients. However, the essence of it all lies in showing up for these women with a heart full of service and a willingness to forge deep emotional connections. When a past client not only has an incredible experience but also forms a genuine friendship with you, they become your most passionate advocates. They can’t resist sharing their extraordinary journey and the profound bond you’ve created, igniting a chain reaction of referrals and trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maidentomama.com
• Instagram: @maidentomama