We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doula Kerri Honeywood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Doula Kerri , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

In a cozy birthing suite, the air was filled with a mixture of anticipation, nervous excitement, and a touch of apprehension. In the midst of this emotional whirlwind, stood myself, a dedicated doula, ready to offer unwavering support to a new mother named Naiya.

Naiya’s journey into motherhood had been a mix of joy and uncertainty. She had envisioned her birthing experience as a serene and empowering event, but reality had thrown unexpected challenges her way. As contractions intensified, she turned to me, her doula, for comfort and guidance.

I had been by Naiya’s side from the very beginning, listening to her hopes, fears, and dreams. I knew I was more than a support person; I was a compassionate guide, offering reassurance and a steady presence. As the waves of labor surged, my calming touch and soothing words provided Naiya with the strength to face each contraction with determination.

Amidst the intensity of labor, I reminded Naiya of her own inner power. “You are stronger than you realize,” I whispered, my voice was a reassuring anchor in the midst of chaos is what Naiya said to me. Naiya’s eyes met mine, and in that exchange, a connection of trust and understanding was forged. This was my very first client!

As the hours passed and Naiya’s strength wavered, I adapted her approach, offering reiki massage and positions that provided relief. I created a serene atmosphere, dimming the lights and playing soft music to create a cocoon of tranquility within the birthing room. With each breath, each encouraging word, I helped Naiya tap into her innate ability to bring life into the world.

And then, after a journey of courage, determination, and unwavering support, Naiya’s baby took its first breath. As she cradled her newborn in her arms, I stood beside her, a silent witness to the miracle of life. Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks & Naiya’s cheeks, mingling with the sweat of her effort, as she gazed at her precious creation.

In the days that followed, I continued to be a guiding presence. I offered breastfeeding support, shared soothing techniques for both mother and baby, and listened as Naiya recounted her birth story. My role extended beyond childbirth, as I helped Naiya navigate the intricacies of the early postpartum period.

Reflecting on her doula’s unwavering presence and gentle guidance, Naiya found herself in awe of the transformation she had undergone. She realized that her journey into motherhood had been an intricate tapestry woven with the threads of support, love, and empowerment.

Me being, the doula, had not only assisted in the birth of a baby but had also nurtured the blossoming of a confident and resilient mother. My presence had transformed a birthing room into a sanctuary of strength and positivity. And as Naiya held her baby close, she knew that the my touch & knowledge during this vulnerable time had left an indelible mark on her heart—one that would forever remind her of her own boundless strength and the beauty of the journey she had embarked upon.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a postpartum doula, I am invited into people’s lives during some of their most transforming, raw, and vulnerable times. Especially due to the maternal mortality rates in WOC, being pregnant during the pandemic, and Major depression goes undiagnosed and untreated at disproportionately greater rates in majority Black and Hispanic communities, leading to unnecessary suffering.

The impact I want to make is to improve the quality of life for the birthing person by nurturing maternal and infant/toddler development (continuity of care model). Expanding into sibling doula care for ages zero-3.

Healing & Wellness is looked at as a whole. I implement reiki in birthwork and it is very beneficial to reduce trauma anxiety pain. “Mindfulness allows not only the birth person, but the family as a unit to find peace in the present.” Mindfulness also can help you reduce your fears about childbirth and increase your confidence about birth and parenting.

I enjoy educating about the importance of diet & nutrition going thru the 4th trimester and beyond is so important not only for the birthing person but for the development of the infant/ toddler no matter if nursing or bottle feeding.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The road has not been smooth; I started my business during covid, and with the lockdown looming, fear was here! Hospitals stopped allowing doulas by the side of the birthing person, Stopped allowing partners and others in the hospitals. Being that I am a WOC, our needs, pain, and voice is unheard of in these spaces. Which is the reason I adapted to the virtual concept to continue providing care.

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

My passion as a doula comes from wanting to make sure the family (Mother, Father & Sibling of the baby) are supported through one of the most life-changing events they’ll ever experience(birth of a child), and come out on the other side with positive memories, not trauma induced- From Fertility, Birth, & Postpartum.

Being that the Maternal Mortality rates are increasing in WOC, there is a strong need for support for those women during the childbirth experience.
Being that I am a WOC our needs, pain, and voice is unheard in these spaces. I don’t birth babies, but I birth empowered mothers!

If I had a choice between being a doula and a cashier, I will choose a doula every time!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mooncyclemama.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mooncyclemama
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mooncyclemama
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrihoneywoodentrepreneur/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnyU20ENorr_ChzGiKS_lw
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@kiss.doula.kerri

Image Credits
Kerri Honeywood