We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nahid Akter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nahid below.

Nahid, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My story of business begain with personal experience, societal need, and a keen observation of the market landscape. The idea begain when I was pregnant during COVID. As I navigated the uncertainties and complexities of pregnancy during such unprecedented times, I stumbled upon the concept of doula services. Prior to this, like many, I was unfamiliar with the role of a doula. However, upon discovering the invaluable support and guidance they provide to expectant mothers, particularly in challenging circumstances like those presented by the pandemic, I was struck by its importance.
In the midst of a global health crisis, pregnant individuals found themselves facing unique challenges. Traditional support systems were disrupted, hospitals implemented strict visitation policies, and the anxiety surrounding childbirth was amplified. It was during this time that the significance of having a doula by one’s side became glaringly apparent.
However, despite the evident need for doula services, there was a stark disconnect in accessibility. Particularly in densely populated areas like New York City, where resources abound, only a fraction of expectant mothers were able to access doula support. This staggering gap between demand and availability highlighted a glaring market inefficiency.
This realization ignited a spark within me. I recognized an opportunity not only to address a pressing societal need but also to build a business that could make a meaningful impact. By bridging the gap between the demand for doula services and their limited availability, we could not only enhance the childbirth experience for countless families but also tap into a largely untapped market.
Moreover, with the recent government approval to cover under Medicaid for doula services, the timing couldn’t have been more opportune. This not only validated the importance of our mission but also provided a significant boost to our prospects for success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Driven by a desire to make this support accessible to all, I embarked on a journey to establish Listen&Co. Our primary focus is on providing comprehensive doula support to expectant mothers and their families, with a particular emphasis on accessibility and affordability. Our services encompass a range of offerings, including prenatal education and support, continuous labor support, postpartum care, breastfeeding assistance, emotional support and prenatal yoga support at comfort of their home. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client, recognizing that every childbirth experience is different.
At the core of our mission is the goal of alleviating the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding childbirth, empowering expectant mothers to feel confident, supported, and informed throughout their journey. By providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth, we aim to enhance the overall experience for both mother and baby.
What sets Listen&Co apart is our unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. We recognize that doula services have historically been out of reach for many due to financial constraints or lack of awareness. As such, we strive to make our services accessible to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
What I am most proud of is the impact that Listen&Co has had on the lives of our clients. Every birth we attend, every family we support, is a testament to the positive difference we are making in the world. Seeing the joy and relief on the faces of new parents as they welcome their little ones into the world is incredibly rewarding and reaffirms the importance of the work we do.
Ultimately, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about Listen&Co is that we are more than just a doula agency – we are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to supporting families through one of life’s most profound experiences. Whether you’re seeking guidance, reassurance, or simply a compassionate presence during childbirth, we are here to support you every step of the way.

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

One of the most significant pivots I encountered occurred during the early stages of developing Listen&Co. Initially, our primary focus was on delivering traditional, in-person doula support. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled us to reassess our strategy and adapt to the swiftly changing circumstances.

Recognizing the imperative of maintaining essential support for our clients while upholding safety protocols, we knew we had to pivot our business model. This prompted us to explore alternative methods of providing doula services remotely. With Medicaid set to cover doula services, both in-person and remotely, starting in March, we swiftly transitioned our focus to virtual doula support. Utilizing technology, we provided continuous guidance, reassurance, and emotional support to expectant mothers and their families. Through mediums such as video calls, phone consultations, and messaging platforms, we maintained a robust connection with our clients, accompanying them through every stage of their childbirth journey.
Furthermore, the shift towards virtual support underscored the critical importance of flexibility and innovation in adversity. It served as a valuable lesson in embracing change and remaining adaptable to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The story of my first client truly exemplifies the resilience that defines my journey in providing doula services. This particular experience tested not only my professional capabilities but also my emotional strength and dedication to supporting mothers through the most challenging of circumstances. From the moment I met my client, I was determined to provide her with unwavering support throughout her pregnancy journey, regardless of the financial compensation. Despite not receiving payment, I was committed to being there for her every step of the way, understanding the importance of the support she needed during this transformative time.
As her pregnancy progressed, it became evident that she was facing a particularly challenging journey. Complications arose, and she was eventually induced, a process that lasted a grueling 72 hours. Throughout this time, I remained by her side, offering comfort, guidance, and reassurance as she navigated the intense physical and emotional challenges of labor induction.
Despite our best efforts, the induction ultimately led to an emergency c-section. Witnessing my client endure such a difficult and prolonged labor was heart-wrenching, but I remained steadfast in my commitment to supporting her through it all.
In the face of adversity, both my client and I demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the unexpected turn of events and the physical and emotional toll it took, we emerged stronger together. My client’s unwavering determination and courage inspired me to continue providing her with the support and care she needed, even in the most trying of circumstances.
While the journey with my first client was undoubtedly challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: Listenandcompany.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listenandcompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089099372515
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89662617/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDsJ4tQ86WbDhtb5E4MlFqw