We recently connected with Rachel Whittington-Cole and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mother has always been a giver. Her house is known as the “Stuart Little” house in our neighborhood. She would always support young teens by holding space and providing pregnancy tests in our home, give clothing to kids in the neighborhood, and advocate for the needs of young women in the community. I always had a connection to that work. Although my mother was firm, she was and remains a giving person. She always created a safe space for those in need. That is where my passion providing for the underserved and creating a safe space for birthing folks and their families stem. In my work, I don’t speak for people, I help them find their voice because it matters. Its important to know who you are, what you want, and how to elaborate in a way that allows you to be understood. My mother laid the the groundwork for that to be a staple of my services.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I first got into this work when I had my first child 2018. She was born four weeks early and weighed less than 5 lbs. I started my first business selling items that I felt would support birthing folks in the post-partum period, but it quickly became a cosmetic store and that wasn’t my intention. I experience a loss in 2020 which was devastating, but shortly after found out that I was expecting my 2nd child and rainbow baby. During my pregnancy, I found out about a pilot community-based doula program in my area. After continuous efforts, it didn’t come to fruition for me. I spent quite a bit of time looking over other offerings, both local and national to become a doula. I knew how I wanted to serve the community, but didn’t have a clue as to which training would be the best for the population I wanted to serve. I planned out who I wanted to be by understanding what trainings I wanted to have under my belt to help Black families. After finding a program that fit my needs, I enrolled and began my journey into birth work. During my training, I had a career shift and became a home visitor with Catholic Charities West Michigan. This opened me up to more opportunities. In that time, I was able to become a Growing Great Kids Certified Home visitor as well as a Certified Lactation Counselor. I’m dedicated to furthering my expertise and skills as a doula to become a valuable asset to the vibrant community of Grand Rapids. I’m currently in the process of obtaining certifications that will not only enhance the quality of care I provide to expectant mothers but also contribute to the overall well-being of families in our city. My goal is to offer comprehensive support and guidance to parents during their childbirth journey, and these certifications are a testament to my commitment to continuous improvement in my role as a doula. As for my current services. I offer 3 comprehensive packages to meet the needs of every family with a la carte lactation support, meal planning and post-partum care which includes overnight support.

As a doula, my work addresses the pressing issue of the Black maternal infant health crisis by providing critical emotional, informational, and physical support to expectant Black families. This support is instrumental in reducing health disparities, alleviating anxiety, and ultimately contributing to improved birth outcomes and the well being of Black parents and infants. What sets me apart from others is my approach in this work. My care is judgement free with an equitable approach that fosters an environment for questioning. It allows for families to pay attention to how they question, process, and ask for help and understanding.

I am particularly proud of receiving the Mom’s Bloom Award for Health Professional of the Year, as it is a recognition of my dedication to maternal and family health. This award not only validates the hard work and care I put into my role as a doula but also underscores the importance of the services we provide to the community. In addition to this, I take immense pride in my collaborative efforts with Lyanna Moore and The Boys and Girls Club to create a space for doulas within the Grand Rapids area. This endeavor is groundbreaking and innovative, as it has never been done before in our community. By partnering with such a reputable organization, we are not only raising awareness about the vital work doulas do but also making it more accessible to families in need. It’s a step forward in providing comprehensive support to expectant mothers and their families, and I am honored to be a part of this pioneering initiative.”

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, I believe that a strong sense of community, meaningful connections, and a commitment to accountability are crucial for success in the field of doula work. As a doula, it’s not just about individual expertise; it’s about being part of a supportive village that empowers families during their childbirth journey.

Building a supportive community is essential. This includes connecting with other doulas, healthcare professionals, and organizations that share the same goal of improving maternal and family health. By being part of a doula community, we can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and provide a more comprehensive network of support to our clients. Establishing meaningful connections with expectant birthing people, their families, and healthcare providers is paramount.

Developing a strong rapport and trust with your clients fosters a sense of safety and comfort during a vulnerable time in their lives. Additionally, forging relationships with healthcare providers ensures better collaboration and communication for the well-being of the dyad.

Lastly, being accountable for the care we provide is a cornerstone of doula work. We must uphold the highest ethical and professional standards to ensure the well-being of the families we serve. This includes maintaining confidentiality, respecting cultural and personal preferences, and continuously improving our practice through ongoing education and self-assessment.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele as a doula has been a combination of consistency, unwavering presence, and a deep sense of confidence in my abilities.

Consistency is key in this field. It’s about showing up for your clients, not just when it’s convenient, but every time they need you. Whether it’s in the middle of the night or during a holiday, being reliable and consistent in your support builds trust with your clients. This unwavering commitment to their well-being is what sets you apart and leads to client referrals and recommendations.

There are moments when you might be tired or facing personal challenges, but as a doula, your presence can make all the difference for your clients. The power of being there both physically and emotionally, even when you don’t want to be in the room, can provide immeasurable comfort and support. Clients often remember the support you provided during these crucial times, and it strengthens your reputation in the community.

Confidence is essential not only in your abilities but also in your commitment to your clients. It’s about believing in yourself and your capacity to make a positive impact on the childbirth experience. When you exude confidence, it reassures your clients and helps them feel more secure and empowered. This self-assuredness is contagious, and it encourages others to believe in your abilities as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.martinsvillage.com
• Instagram: @martinsvillagedoula
• Facebook: Martin’s Village

Image Credits
Shawn Sandifer