We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Reeves . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.
Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?
I trained, tested, and certified as both a childbirth educator and as a labor doula with the International Childbirth Education Association, many years ago. I then went on to finish the Your Birth Helper apprentice training program with Pam Sauls out of Athens, Georgia. Pam uses mentorship and shadowing to teach leaps and bounds more than any book, training, or experience ever could. While there is value to certifications, we must consider other perspectives and value the uniqueness that non certified background can and will bring to the table, if given a chance.
Nikki , 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 am a Gwinnett County resident from Lawrenceville, Georgia. I have been a certified childbirth educator and certified labor doula through an organization called International Childbirth Education Association since 2018. I have over 4 years experience providing a variety of birth support to unique families all through out the state of Georgia. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in education and I am the childbirth educator for Emory Healthcare system at all three locations throughout metro Atlanta. I personally trained and completed the Your Birth Helper advanced doula program. Doulas are non medical members of the birth team that focus on supporting the preferences of the birthing person. I have personal experience in both epidural use and also unmedicated childbirth. I am a mom to three amazing young boys who I successfully breastfed for over 4 years combined. My experience and training makes me well equipped to teach and assist you on your journey . In addition, I organize and run perinatal mental health support groups for anxiety and depression. As a survivor myself, I offer a safe place to discuss your feelings freely.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I am very non judgmental, and my authenticity often attracts clients. My determination and persistence towards my goals keeps me pushing forward. My organizational skills are a strength that has helped me succeed as well.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The Harvard Implicit bias test is a great resource that everyone should take. I first took the test myself at a conference last year. It opened my eyes to some biases that I didn’t even know I held. My work and care has only improved from the awareness gained from a short activity. I highly recommend checking it out at https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/
Contact Info:
- Website: Yourbirthhelper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkireeves_yourbirthhelper/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourBirthHelperGeorgia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-reeves
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbirthhelper
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCYn4WQ37PjfwzTN37Xmunaw
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/your-birth-helper-colbert
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourbirthhelper
Image Credits
Headshot @ southern3photography