We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Whittington-Cole recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel , appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Creating a more inclusive workplace is essential for a thriving community, especially for Black and brown doulas. My journey has shown me the profound impact of inclusion and mentorship, which can be transformative not only for individual doulas but also for the families we serve.

When I first began my journey as a doula, I often felt isolated and lacked guidance. There were no invitations to events, no offers of support, and no spaces for reflection. This lack of community made the path challenging and sometimes overwhelming. I remember attending a few professional gatherings and feeling out of place, not because of the profession itself but due to the absence of a welcoming environment that embraced diversity.

Building an inclusive workplace is more than just talking about togetherness; it requires intentional application. A community that actively includes all its members fosters a sense of belonging. This means creating spaces where everyone feels valued and seen. For doulas, who often work in emotionally intense environments, having a supportive community is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in this inclusion. For doulas, having mentors can significantly boost confidence and skill levels. When experienced doulas take the time to guide and support newcomers, it not only helps the mentee but also strengthens the entire community. Mentorship ensures that knowledge and experience are passed down, creating a continuum of care and support.

Through offering mentorship, I have seen doulas flourish. They become more confident in their abilities, which directly impacts the care they provide to families. Confident doulas are better equipped to handle the diverse and complex needs of the families they support, leading to better outcomes and more positive experiences for everyone involved.

Reflecting on my early experiences, I am committed to creating the spaces I didn’t have. This includes organizing events that are accessible and welcoming to all, offering regular support and reflection sessions, and actively reaching out to include those who might feel excluded. Seeing doulas walk in their purpose, supported by a strong community, is incredibly rewarding. It shows that inclusion is not just a concept but a practice that leads to real, positive change.

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

Hello! I’m Rachel Whittington Cole, the proud owner of Martin’s Village Doula Services. As a certified doula, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), Childbirth Educator (CBE), and certified home visitor, my journey in this field is fueled by a deep passion for supporting families during some of the most impactful moments of their lives.

I entered this profession because I recognized a profound need for compassionate, personalized support for families, particularly in underserved communities. My own experiences navigating the complexities of the medical industrial complex inspired me to become a beacon of hope and assistance for others. I was determined to create a service that not only supports families but also empowers other doulas to grow and thrive.

At Martin’s Village Doula Services, we offer a range of services, including:

– Doula Services: Comprehensive support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
– Lactation Counseling: Guidance and support for breastfeeding mothers.
– Child Passenger Safety: Ensuring the safety of children through proper car seat installation and education.
– Childbirth Education: Classes and resources to prepare families for childbirth and parenting.

One aspect that sets our work apart is my commitment to mentorship. I provide mentorship to local doulas, offering them the guidance and support that I once lacked. This not only helps individual doulas grow but also strengthens our community as a whole.

In addition to my work with Martin’s Village Doula Services, I founded Birth Advocacy Day, which is celebrated on May 16th in the beautiful state of Michigan to raise awareness and advocate for improved maternity care. This day aims to promote rights such as informed choice and autonomy during childbirth, influence healthcare policies, engage communities, and empower individuals with education about their options. Through rallies, lobbying efforts, and collaborative events, Birth Advocacy Day strives to ensure respectful, equitable, and safe birthing experiences for all.

Martin’s Village actively engages with our community through various local programs. We organize community giveaways and collaborate with grassroots organizations to provide resources and support to those in need. These activities ensure that our community members know we are here for them and remain accessible and personable. Being part of the community means being approachable and dedicated to making a positive impact.

What truly sets Martin’s Village Doula Services apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just provide services; we build relationships and create a supportive network for families and professionals alike. Our dedication to mentorship, active community engagement, and advocacy through initiatives like Birth Advocacy Day all contribute to a uniquely purposeful service.

I am most proud of the positive changes we have facilitated within our community. Seeing families feel supported and birth workers walking confidently in their purpose is incredibly rewarding. I want potential clients and followers to know that we are deeply committed to their well-being. Our services are rooted in advocacy, education, equity, and a genuine desire to uplift our community.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was understanding the importance of respecting others’ autonomy, especially when offering support. Early in my career as a lactation counselor, I wanted so much for families to succeed that I inadvertently added to the pressure they were feeling. Despite good intentions, my actions made them question their ability to feed their infant. This experience taught me the importance of staying within my role and respecting boundaries. Support should empower, not impose. It’s crucial to listen, respect autonomy, and offer help only when invited, ensuring genuine support without unintended harm.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has truly helped me build my reputation within my market is authenticity and consistency in being exactly who I say I am. From the outset, I’ve emphasized transparency and honesty in all my interactions. Clients and colleagues alike know that they can trust me to deliver on my promises and uphold my values.

A key part of this reputation has been my willingness to say no when I don’t have the capacity for something, rather than overextending myself. This integrity has allowed me to maintain high standards in the services I provide and avoid spreading myself too thin. By setting clear boundaries, I ensure that when I commit to something, I can give it my full dedication and expertise.

Equally important has been my openness to collaboration. I’ve learned that working with others not only expands my capabilities but also strengthens relationships and builds a network of support. Collaborations have allowed me to offer more comprehensive services and reach a broader audience, benefiting both my clients and my business.

Overall, my approach of being transparent, honest, and consistent has not only shaped my reputation but also fostered trust and respect within my market. It’s about showing up authentically, staying true to my values, and embracing collaboration as a pathway to growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @martinsvillagedoula
• Facebook: Martin’s Village