Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lyanna Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lyanna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As a certified Black doula, my journey is deeply rooted in a mission that extends far beyond individual births. It’s a mission to transform the landscape of maternal and infant health for families of color—a mission born out of a profound awareness of the staggering disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates that disproportionately affect Black communities.

The statistics are disheartening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. The risk doesn’t stop with mothers; Black infants are also more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives, real families, and real pain.

My mission is to be a beacon of hope, a source of unwavering support, and an advocate for birthing families of color. It’s about rewriting a narrative that has been marred by inequities, biases, and systemic injustices. Here’s how I’m working to make a difference:

Bridging the Information Gap: Knowledge is power, and I strive to provide birthing families of color with comprehensive information about their options, rights, and the importance of self-advocacy. Informed choices are a critical component of safer and more empowering birth experiences.

Emotional Support: Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative, and they can also be emotionally charged. I am here to lend an empathetic ear, offer emotional support, and create a nurturing environment where birthing individuals can express their fears, hopes, and dreams without judgment.

Advocacy: One of my key roles is advocating for the rights and dignity of my clients. I work tirelessly to ensure they are heard, respected, and treated with the care and consideration they deserve throughout their birthing journey.

Cultural Competency: Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, I bring an understanding of diverse cultural practices and traditions to my doula practice. This helps me connect more deeply with my clients and provide culturally competent care.

Collaboration: I believe in the power of partnerships. I collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and fellow birthworkers to create a continuum of care that prioritizes the health and well-being of birthing families of color. I do this as a community organizer for QI-TRACS in partnership with Corewell Health and by hosting monthly Birthworker Roundtables with Martin’s Village Doula Services.

Advocating for Systemic Change: Beyond individual births, I am a passionate advocate for systemic change within the healthcare system. I work alongside organizations and policymakers to address the root causes of disparities in maternal and infant health.

This mission is not just my calling; it’s my commitment to dismantling the barriers that have plagued birthing families of color for far too long. It’s about rewriting the narrative, one birth at a time, and creating a world where every birthing individual, regardless of their racial background, can embrace the joy and beauty of childbirth without fear or discrimination.

I carry the stories, hopes, and dreams of countless families with me, and I am determined to be a catalyst for change, one birth, one family, and one community at a time. Together, we can bridge the gap, honor the lives affected, and work toward a future where maternal and infant mortality disparities are mere chapters in history, not current realities.

Lyanna, 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’m Lyanna Moore, the proud owner of Moore 2 Love Doula Services located in Grand Rapids, MI. My journey into the world of birth work may seem unexpected, given my double Bachelor’s degree in Photography and Journalism from Grand Valley State University. However, my path was illuminated by a profound passion for lactation and maternal health.

The spark ignited when I became a mother myself in 2013. I had always envisioned breastfeeding my children, and this experience intensified my interest in lactation support. Eager to learn and share my knowledge, I found joy in assisting others who sought advice and guidance in their breastfeeding journeys.

In August 2017, during “The Big Latch On” event at a local park in Grand Rapids, I crossed paths with Asia, a young woman who introduced me to a breastfeeding support group for Black women called HUGS (Helping Us Grow Strong). The group was led by Bonita Agee, the Strong Beginnings Education Coordinator. Given my prior experience, I quickly became a Breastfeeding Peer Mentor, providing valuable assistance to fellow mothers within the group.

During my involvement with HUGS, I listened to countless stories of mistreatment and disrespect experienced by Black women in healthcare settings. This, coupled with my growing awareness of the alarming disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates among Black women, fueled a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in my community. I was determined to effect change without returning to formal education.

In 2018, amid a global pandemic, I pursued training as a certified lactation specialist, further honing my skills and knowledge in lactation support. My journey took a significant turn when I learned about a pilot community doula training program, scheduled to commence in early 2021. Eager to expand my role and reach, I applied and was accepted into the program. I was able to serve 6 families as a community based doula before certifying with Commonsense Childbirth Institute headed by Jennie Joseph. As of today I have helped over a dozen families have a positive birthing experience.

Over the past year, I have been tirelessly building my business, forging connections, and creating partnerships. Today, I proudly hold community partner status with organizations such as Alpha Grand Rapids Women Center, H.O.A. P., and Moms Bloom.

I presently provide a range of budget-friendly doula support packages, lactation guidance, and, more recently, digital products designed to aid expecting families. My primary goal is to ensure that my clients have an experience that leaves them feeling not just supported, but genuinely cared for, empowered, and well-informed.

In my approach to client care, I view each individual as a friend rather than just a client. My commitment extends beyond the specific services I offer; I aim to help them achieve success in all aspects of their journey. This involves offering unwavering support through challenges and equipping them with the necessary resources to navigate their unique paths to parenthood.

One of my proudest achievements is contributing to the path for emerging doulas, with a particular focus on supporting Black doulas. Alongside my colleague, Rachel Whittington-Cole, we’ve established a nurturing environment in Grand Rapids where birthworkers, especially those from the Black community, can come together. It’s a safe space for connection, debriefing, resource-sharing, and mutual learning.

Additionally, I take immense pride in the families who have chosen me as a vital part of their birth team. Their trust and commitment to the process empower me, and together, we’ve celebrated the arrival of healthy babies. Moore 2 Love Doula Services owes its existence to these remarkable families, and I’m deeply grateful for their role in our journey.

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

In my experience, the most effective way to connect with clients is through referrals. These referrals often come from previous clients who were satisfied with my services and from the strong relationships I have cultivated with community partners. My character and professionalism are reflected in the trust placed in me to support the loved ones and clients of others. This trust has reinforced my belief that what truly matters is the way I show up for my clients, rather than the accolades or awards I may receive.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the realm of social media, you must analyze your target audience. Where do they engage with content most frequently? Is it through traditional media like TV and radio, or are platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok their preferred channels? To effectively connect with your audience, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent online presence while delivering high-quality content.

Staying attuned to current trends and relevant news within your industry is paramount. This ensures that your business remains aligned with the evolving landscape. Additionally, fact-checking is essential to build and maintain trust with your clients. It underscores your commitment to sharing accurate information and endorsing reputable products or services, ultimately fortifying your credibility in the eyes of your audience.

Start with two accounts, look into the best times to post and just start. If designing social media isn’t your thing hire someone who can do it for you. Check into your network. Someone may be able to trade services to support you. Owning a business doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moore2lovedoulaservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moore2love_doulaservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moore2lovedoula
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lyanna-moore-8415a441
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moore2lovedoula

Image Credits
Headshot: FemPro Business Society All others: My personal photos