We recently connected with Emily Austin and have shared our conversation below.

Emily , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My biological parents physically, emotionally, mentally, and verbally tortured me for the duration of my adolescent life. My “normal” was begging for love and safety that I would never receive. Each day in their home felt like a deadly video game. I would survive a day, or a level per se, only to be met with another. I escaped the cruel game when I was junior in high school. I was forced to graduate early and miss all the normal kid experiences like cheerleading, prom, homecoming, and my senior year. Instead, I was at work. I had an overnight job unloading freight at a retail store, a day job selling furniture, and an evening job at a hotel working the front desk. I was staying on friends couches and at risk of homelessness until I found a landlord who let me rent an apartment under the table before my 18th birthday. I escaped the wrath of my parents with my life but the obstacles I would face in the aftermath were just getting started. I didn’t get to attend college because there was no way I could afford the classes or the time off to pursue an education. Instead, I focused on my work ethic because it was the only thing in my life no one could take away from me. Since then, I have always been the hardest worker in every room I enter. I have a grit about me that not many others can boast. Being a survivor has made me ruthless. I will have a meaningful life despite the childhood, love, and safety I was robbed of.
So to answer your question – What did my parents do right?
My parents did everything wrong.
And yet, I became HER. The female, the friend, & the entrepreneur that I always dreamed of being.
So, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to my parents.
Thank you for every literal and figurative single hit, slap, kick, & spit into my face.
Thank you for every verbal insult, belittling comment, and hurtful thing you ever said to me.
Without you, I am not sure I would be the absolute powerhouse of a female I am today.
Sincerely,
Your ex-daughter

Emily , 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?

I work with every aspect of prenatal, birth, postpartum, and newborn care. I hold many titles including Certified Birth Doula, Lamaze trained Childbirth Educator, Newborn Care Specialist, Birth Assistant, Advanced NRP Provider and more!
I am currently enrolled in training for my Pediatric Sleep Consultant certification and I start midwifery school in a number of days! I provide comprehensive, inclusive, and warm care to family systems who need support.
I attend births as an emotional, mental, & physical support person. I do not offer medical advice.
Before entering the birth space I ensure my vibration illuminates warmth, calm, and light.
I aim to create a peaceful space for the birthing person by dimming lights, playing relaxing music, lighting candles, and limiting outside noises. Throughout labor I offer continuous support based off the clients desired birth plan and personality.
This can vary vastly from person to person. Overall, I am constantly encouraging my client and applauding their strength during such a vulnerable time.
Some of the common comfort measures I offer include: instructed movement with a birth or peanut ball, guided breathing, and counter pressure.
I also ensure everyone in the birthing space has what they need including nourishment and hydration.
In the final stages of pushing I sometimes coach my client, hold their leg for pushing, and sometimes even photograph the special moment! Once the baby is born, I help establish lactation and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
My primary role, as a newborn care specialist, looks a little different!
In this role, I enter the families village once they are home and settled after birth.
Usually, when baby is only a few days old!
I offer lactation and feeding support, education, and safe sleep guidance for their newborn.
This role primarily takes place overnight so new parents can get the rest and recovery time they desperately need.
I tackle every aspect of newborn care with expertise that my clients can trust!
In all of my roles I am a caregiver & support person!
I am deeply passionate about the work I do and the services I offer.
My desire to provide inclusive, judgement free, and warm care sets me apart.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Communication!
I notice a trend in all of the testimonials I receive from clients after my time with them ends.
They all note my communication skills during the hiring process and throughout my time with them.
It is crucial to communicate the perimeters of your role efficiently before contracting with a potential client.
When the expectations are crystal clear you can enter the role with confidence.
Once I am in the role, I establish touch base meetings with clients to allow both parties to express potential concerns or changes they would like to see. By creating a safe place for them to provide feedback I am able to gauge how I can maximize the assets I am bringing to their family. Learning to welcome and encourage feedback has been crucial to my success! After my time with a client is complete, I ask them follow up questions and ask they write a testimonial if willing.
These testimonials help me see from their perspective what I bring to the table!

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

My role is vastly different than an office job.
I am in the most intimate, private, and vulnerable spaces!
I think this creates a unique opportunity to foster connection and community with my clients.
I invite my clients to follow my business social media accounts and always allow them access to my personal cell phone number that they can text anytime!
Additionally, I share some personal details of my life with them to ensure our bond goes beyond surface level.
I think life is all about meeting people where they are at and acknowledging we are all human. I welcome authenticity, raw, and genuine connection.
I find that sending holiday cards and remembering details of their journey such as their child’s birthday or other significant moments really sets me apart.
They can tell I deeply care about them and loyalty doesn’t end when our contract does.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilythevillagedoula.carrd.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullspectrumbirthing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566574890640
• Other: https://doulamatch.net/profile/35956/emily-austin

  TikTok:
  FullSpectrumBirthing

Image Credits

Pamela Tormanen Photography