We were lucky to catch up with Nyasia Countee recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nyasia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
Starting my own practice, Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC, was a journey of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to improving maternal health outcomes. The decision to launch my practice was fueled by my personal experiences and a deep desire to address the racial disparities in birthing and lactation care in Michigan.
In the early days, the main steps involved in establishing my practice included thorough planning, securing certifications, and building a network of support. I began by researching the necessary certifications and training programs to ensure I could offer the highest standard of care. Obtaining certifications such as Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist, and Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor was crucial. Additionally, I focused on understanding the legal and financial aspects of starting a business, which included registering the LLC and creating a comprehensive business plan.
One of the key challenges I faced was overcoming the initial financial hurdles. Starting a practice requires a significant investment in training, certification, and setting up the office. I had to be resourceful, seeking grants and scholarships to fund my education and reaching out to community organizations for support. Another challenge was building credibility and trust within the community. This involved a lot of networking, attending community events, and collaborating with local hospitals and health organizations to establish my practice as a reliable and compassionate provider of maternal health services.
Knowing what I know now, I would have placed even greater emphasis on self-care. The early days of starting a practice can be incredibly demanding, and it’s easy to neglect personal well-being in the pursuit of professional goals. Ensuring that I had a solid support system and taking time to recharge would have helped me maintain a better balance.
For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice is to follow your passion but prepare meticulously. Understand the community you wish to serve and the unique needs they have. Seek out mentors and build a network of supportive colleagues who can offer guidance and encouragement. Be resilient in the face of challenges and remain flexible, adapting your approach as you learn and grow. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and values. Your commitment to your cause will not only guide you through the tough times but will also inspire others to support and join you in your mission.
Starting Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC was a leap of faith, driven by a profound commitment to maternal health justice. Each challenge was a learning opportunity, and every milestone reinforced my dedication to serving mothers and families with the care and respect they deserve.
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?
Hello! My name is Nyasia Countee, and I am a dedicated maternal health advocate and the founder of Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC. My journey into this field was deeply personal and transformative. At just 14 years old, I gave birth to my son, an experience that exposed me to the profound challenges and disparities within the maternal healthcare system. This early experience fueled my passion for improving birthing outcomes and promoting maternal and infant health, particularly for marginalized communities.
At Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC, we integrate ancient birthing wisdom with modern medical practices to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. Our services include birth and postpartum doula support, lactation consultation, perinatal education, and obstetrical surgical assistance. We are proud to be a Michigan Medicaid Doula Provider and a member of the Michigan Doula Advisory Board, actively shaping statewide doula practices and policies.
One of our most impactful contributions is the development of the Doula Services’ Present in Labor and Delivery policy for the Detroit Medical Center, which went into effect on November 1, 2023. This policy, approved by major institutions like Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Sinai-Grace Hospital, underscores our commitment to enhancing maternal care. Additionally, I have been instrumental in initiatives such as the skin-to-skin first latch in the Operating Room at Henry Ford Health and the establishment of comprehensive breastfeeding support systems at Sinai-Grace Hospital, where I taught the first prenatal breastfeeding class in ten years.
What sets us apart is our holistic and culturally competent approach to maternal health. As a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist at WIC, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, and Certified Lactation Support Counselor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my practice. We are committed to providing trauma-informed care and have partnered with physicians from the Detroit Medical Center to create Michigan’s first mobile lactation and postpartum support clinic, serving homeless women and domestic violence survivors.
I am also a passionate educator and mentor, providing guidance to aspiring birth workers of color throughout the USA. I routinely educate healthcare professionals about the benefits of doulas and lactation support, and I present at national and state conferences on topics related to maternal health. Notably, I have spoken at the 2023 Maternal Infant Health Summit, the National WIC Conference 2024, and the Michigan WIC Conference, where I addressed the revolutionary impact of doulas on maternal health care.
One of my proudest achievements is founding the Beverly McKeever IBCLC Book Scholarship for Henry Ford College, which supports the education and development of future lactation consultants. Additionally, as a Detroit IRTHAPP Ambassador, I advocate for the elimination of racial disparities in maternal and infant health care.
At Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC, our mission is to empower families through evidence-based education and compassionate support. We aim to create a nurturing and equitable birthing experience for all, especially those in marginalized communities. We believe that every family deserves to be informed, supported, and respected throughout their birthing journey.
In summary, Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC is dedicated to transforming maternal health care by integrating ancient wisdom with modern practices, advocating for policy changes, and providing comprehensive support to families. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of mothers and infants, and we strive to be a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in the maternal health market requires a blend of expertise, dedication, and impactful actions. Here are the key factors that helped establish my reputation:
1. Personal Experience and Passion
My journey into maternal health began with a deeply personal experience. Giving birth to my son at a young age exposed me to the significant challenges and disparities within the maternal healthcare system. This personal connection to the cause fueled my passion and commitment, making my advocacy and work more authentic and relatable.
2. Professional Expertise and Certification
Holding multiple certifications such as Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist at WIC, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, and Certified Lactation Support Counselor has solidified my credibility. My extensive training and ongoing education ensure that I provide the highest quality care and support to my clients.
3. Innovative Initiatives and Policies
Developing and implementing the Doula Services’ Present in Labor and Delivery policy for the Detroit Medical Center was a significant milestone. This policy, approved by several major institutions, underscored my commitment to improving maternal care and showcased my ability to drive systemic change. Additionally, initiatives like the skin-to-skin first latch in the Operating Room at Henry Ford Health highlighted my innovative approach to enhancing birthing practices.
4. Community Engagement and Education
I am actively involved in educating both healthcare professionals and the broader community about the benefits of doulas and lactation support. By presenting at national and state conferences such as the Maternal Infant Health Summit and the National WIC Conference, I have established myself as a thought leader in maternal health. My work in re-establishing breastfeeding support at Sinai-Grace Hospital and teaching the first prenatal breastfeeding class in a decade further demonstrates my commitment to community education.
5. Trauma-Informed and Culturally Competent Care
Providing trauma-informed care and partnering with physicians to create Michigan’s first mobile lactation and postpartum support clinic for homeless women and domestic violence survivors has been crucial. This initiative not only addressed a significant gap in care but also showcased my dedication to serving marginalized communities with compassion and sensitivity.
6. Mentorship and Advocacy
Mentoring aspiring birth workers of color and advocating for policy changes at the state level has helped build a strong network of professionals who share my vision. By fostering the next generation of maternal health advocates, I have expanded my impact and reinforced my reputation as a leader in the field.
7. Recognition and Awards
Founding the Beverly McKeever IBCLC Book Scholarship for Henry Ford College and being an IRTHAPP Detroit Ambassador are testaments to my contributions and recognition in the field. These accolades not only highlight my achievements but also enhance my credibility and visibility in the maternal health community.
8. Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice
My commitment to evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of my work. By providing accurate, up-to-date information and integrating ancient birthing wisdom with modern medical practices, I ensure that my clients receive the best possible care. This commitment to quality and integrity has helped build trust and respect among my clients and peers.
Conclusion
In summary, my reputation in the market has been built through a combination of personal passion, professional expertise, innovative initiatives, community engagement, trauma-informed care, mentorship, recognition, and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based practice. These factors have not only established me as a trusted and respected professional but also as a compassionate advocate for maternal and infant health.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, several key factors contribute significantly to success in the maternal health field:
1. Empathy and Compassion
Empathy is crucial when working with expectant mothers and families. Understanding their fears, concerns, and joys helps build trust and provides emotional support, which is essential for positive outcomes.
2. Effective Communication Skills
Clear and compassionate communication is vital. It’s important to convey information in a way that is easily understood by clients, helping them make informed decisions about their care.
3. Adaptability and Flexibility
Every birth experience is unique, and situations can change rapidly. Being adaptable and able to respond to unexpected challenges calmly and effectively is essential.
4. Advocacy
Being a strong advocate for clients ensures their needs and preferences are respected in the healthcare system. This includes advocating for policy changes that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
5. Building Strong Relationships
Establishing strong, trust-based relationships with clients, healthcare providers, and the community creates a supportive network that enhances the care provided and ensures continuity of support.
6. Cultural Competence
Understanding and respecting the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of clients is critical in providing personalized and sensitive care. This helps in building trust and ensuring that care practices are aligned with the clients’ values and needs.
7. Problem-Solving Skills
The ability to think critically and solve problems on the spot is invaluable. Whether it’s managing a complication during birth or addressing logistical challenges, effective problem-solving skills are essential.
8. Team Collaboration
Working well within a multidisciplinary team ensures that all aspects of a client’s care are coordinated and comprehensive. Collaboration with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals enhances the overall quality of care.
9. Resilience and Self-Care
The work can be emotionally and physically demanding. Practicing self-care and building resilience helps in maintaining one’s well-being and sustaining long-term commitment to the field.
10. Community Involvement
Active participation in the community through workshops, educational programs, and support groups helps in understanding the needs of the community better and fostering a sense of solidarity and support among its members.
11. Mentorship and Continuous Learning
Providing mentorship to aspiring birth workers not only helps in passing on valuable knowledge but also keeps you engaged and up to date with new developments in the field.
Conclusion
Success in the maternal health field is about much more than just training and knowledge. It involves empathy, effective communication, adaptability, advocacy, relationship-building, cultural competence, problem-solving, collaboration, resilience, community involvement, and a commitment to continuous learning and mentorship. These qualities help create a supportive, responsive, and effective care environment that can significantly improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ancientwisdomdoula.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthisancient/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AWBirthServices/