We were lucky to catch up with Chanel Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chanel, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
As a doula, I’ve had the privilege of bearing witness to numerous transformative moments in the lives of the families I’ve supported. One defining moment that stands out occurred during a home birth for a couple expecting their first babygirl.
The labor had been progressing steadily, but it was a challenging experience for the mother. She had moments of exhaustion, but never questioning her ability to continue. Her partner and I offered unwavering support, encouraging her through each contraction and reminding her of her inner strength.
As the intensity of labor increased, the mother reached a point of transition, a time when many women experience a profound shift in their emotional and physical state. She was vocal, expressing the intensity of her experience with powerful cries and tears. At this critical juncture, The midwife already talked to the family about transitioning to the hospital due to baby being stuck in pelvis, and not overwhelming her body. She turned to her partner and locked eyes with him determined to not leave her home for a C-section. In that moment, something extraordinary happened.
It was a defining moment in the truest sense. As the mother looked into her partner’s eyes, their connection transcended words. Her partner offered words of encouragement, telling her how much he loved her and how proud he was of her strength. Their bond deepened as they faced this immense challenge together, and their love and connection provided the mother with the courage to continue.
In that defining moment, the mother discovered a reservoir of inner strength she didn’t know she possessed. She channeled this newfound power to push through the final stage of labor, and with the support of her partner, I witnessed the birth of their beautiful child. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of love, relief, and joy.
It was a privilege to be a part of this family’s journey, to witness the transformative power of love and support during childbirth. This defining moment encapsulated the essence of my role as a doula – to provide unwavering support, to witness the incredible strength of birthing individuals and their partners, and to be a part of the profound moments that shape the beginning of a new life.
Chanel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a doula, my work is deeply rooted in providing emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families during the transformative journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. I am a dedicated and passionate doula with a strong commitment to assisting families through one of the most significant and life-altering experiences they will ever have. My journey into this profession stemmed from a genuine desire to empower and support individuals during their childbirth and postpartum experiences. I am proud of the role I play in helping families achieve the birthing experience they desire.
Services I Provide:
Prenatal Support: I offer comprehensive prenatal education, helping families understand the birthing process, available options, and how to create a birthing plan that aligns with their values and desires.
Labor and Birth Support: During labor, I provide continuous emotional and physical support. I am there to comfort, encourage, and assist with pain management techniques, all while advocating for the birthing person’s choices and preferences. I also curate teas, tinctures, I provide waxing services to prepare for baby moon, labor, vacations, or any occasions.
Postpartum Care: My support doesn’t end with the birth. I also provide postpartum care to help families transition into parenthood, offering guidance on breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional support during this often challenging time. + Placenta Encapsulations
Problems I Solve:
I help families navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming world of childbirth and parenthood. I provide evidence-based information to empower informed decision-making. My support during labor eases the emotional and physical stress that can come with childbirth, leading to more positive birth experiences. In the postpartum period, I offer practical guidance to reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother transition into parenthood.
What Sets Me Apart:
I take a holistic and individualized approach to doula support. I understand that each family is unique, and I tailor my care to meet their specific needs and desires. My commitment to continuous education and staying up-to-date with the latest research and practices in maternal health ensures that my clients receive the most current and evidence-based support available.
Proud Achievements:
I am most proud of the countless families I’ve had the honor to support on their birthing and postpartum journeys. The trust and appreciation they’ve shown me are incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I’ve helped make these transformative moments as positive and empowering as possible is a source of immense pride.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know:
If you are considering hiring a doula, know that you are making an investment in your birthing and postpartum experience. I am here to provide unwavering support, to help you navigate the challenges, and to celebrate the joys of this incredible journey. I believe that every person deserves to have a birthing experience that aligns with their values and wishes, and I am here to make that a reality.
In choosing me as your doula, you can expect compassionate, non-judgmental, and personalized support from pregnancy through the postpartum period. My goal is to empower you, enhance your experience, and ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
one of the most helpful skills for succeeding in the birthwork field as a holistic doula is empathy. Empathy is the ability to deeply understand and share the feelings of others. In the context of being a doula, it’s a critical skill for several reasons:
Building Trust: Empathy helps you build a strong, trusting relationship with the families you support. It allows you to connect with them on an emotional level, making them feel heard, understood, and valued.
Emotional Support: Childbirth and the postpartum period are emotionally charged times. Families may experience fear, anxiety, pain, joy, and a wide range of emotions. Your ability to empathize allows you to provide compassionate emotional support, reassuring them that their feelings are valid and normal.
Effective Communication: Empathy enhances your communication skills. By truly understanding the emotional state of the birthing person and their family, you can adapt your communication style to provide the reassurance, encouragement, and comfort they need.
Cultural Sensitivity: Empathy helps you appreciate and respect the cultural, personal, and individual differences of the families you support. It enables you to offer culturally sensitive care and support that aligns with their values and traditions.
Conflict Resolution: In some cases, you may need to navigate conflicts or differing opinions among healthcare providers, families, and birthing individuals. Empathy allows you to mediate effectively and help all parties reach a resolution that serves the best interests of the family.
Providing Holistic Care: As a holistic doula, you are focused on the overall well-being of the individual and family, not just the medical aspects of childbirth. Empathy allows you to take into account the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of their experience, offering holistic support that goes beyond the physical.
Self-Care Advocacy: Empathy also applies to self-care. A holistic doula who is empathetic to their own needs and boundaries can provide better support to others. This means understanding when you need rest, seeking support when dealing with difficult cases, and practicing self-compassion.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Because I was so engaged with nurturing, and being empathetic all these other skills tied the knot for me such as;
Exceptional Support and Care: Providing exceptional support and care to the families you assist is the foundation of word-of-mouth marketing. Ensure that your clients have positive, empowering birth experiences, and feel that you were an invaluable part of that experience.
Client-Centered Approach: Always prioritize the needs and preferences of your clients. Tailor your support to their individual desires and values. When clients feel that their experience is uniquely catered to their wishes, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences with others.
Open and Effective Communication: Maintain clear and open lines of communication with your clients. Be responsive, approachable, and communicative. Listen actively to their concerns and provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Cultivate Trust: Building trust with your clients is essential. Be reliable, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Trust is a cornerstone of the doula-client relationship, and clients are more likely to refer someone they trust.
Professional Development: Continuously invest in your professional development. Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in maternal health and childbirth. This not only enhances your knowledge but also builds your credibility.
Network with Other Birth Professionals: Collaborate with other professionals in the birthing field, such as midwives, prenatal yoga instructors, and lactation consultants. When they trust and value your services, they may refer clients to you.
Collect and Share Testimonials: Ask satisfied clients for testimonials and permission to share their birth stories. Positive testimonials can be compelling for potential clients who are seeking doula services.
Community Engagement: Engage with your local birthing community. Attend childbirth education classes, support groups, and birthing fairs to connect with potential clients and other professionals in the field.
Continual Marketing: Even though word of mouth is my primary focus, having a professional online presence, including a website and social media profiles, can still be valuable for those who want to learn more about you.
Engage in Mentorship: If possible, seek mentorship from experienced doulas who can provide guidance and support in establishing yourself within the doula community.
Consistency and Reliability: Consistency in your support and reliability in meeting your commitments are essential. Word of mouth spreads not only through the positive experiences but also through the consistency of your services.
Celebrate Successes: When a client has a positive birthing experience with your support, celebrate it. Share their story (with their permission) on your website, social media, or in marketing materials (while respecting privacy and confidentiality, of course).
Building a strong reputation through word of mouth takes time, but by consistently delivering exceptional care and support, you can establish yourself as a trusted and respected doula in your community. Satisfied clients who share their experiences with others are a powerful source of growth in the doula profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tcds.info
- Instagram: tcdsllc_
- Linkedin: Take Care Doula Services
- Other: Linktr.ee/TCDS20