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

Alright, Rylee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Attending my first home birth, and especially my first free birth, were both incredible and defining moments in my practice as a birthkeeper / doula. Until then, my professional experience primarily revolved around supporting mothers and families having hospital births, even though the vast majority of them desired another model of care for themselves, and ended up having a (relatively) undisturbed physiological birth regardless. Witnessing the way home birth empowered the mothers and families in a whole new way was very exciting and invigorating. There was no fear mongering, no time limits, and no one taking charge of another’s body. There was only love, empowerment, autonomy, and trust. I took a leap to largely serve only in the home birth space and it birthed in me a new sense of purpose.

Rylee, 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 Rylee Ionascu, your go to gal for all things birth, breastfeeding, and crunchy motherhood. I am a home birth doula, placenta encapsulationist, lactation consultant, and mother’s guide. I initially got into this line of work when I was pregnant with my firstborn son, during the pandemic. Because of multiple reasons, but largely due to lack of self trust and fear mongering, I opted to choose the traditional model of care with an OB and a hospital birth. While I do not regret my choice, I do believe it was unnecessary. My birth still was everything I had dreamed of, but I knew it could be even better. I was unable to have a doula due to the hospitals policies, so I really took on the hat of being my own doula. I read, I researched, I listened, I watched. And then, I realized, no one should be put into that place of needing to do that all on their own. Moms and families deserve to have someone solely on their side being their guide, educator, and advocate. My main job is to ensure that mothers and families come out of their birth and postpartum experiences with empowerment and positivity. While our plans don’t always pan out perfectly, there are strategies a supportive team can utilize to ensure the parents’ wishes are honored and respected, wherever and however they decide to birth. I want women and partners to know that they were built to birth as they are made more than capable through God’s perfect design, and to learn the meaning of true surrender and trust, and to know that their birth and postpartum experiences do truly matter.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, what is most essential as a birth worker is the ability to read the room and adapt quickly. Mothers in labor land are not always able to communicate their needs at any given moment, therefore in that case a skilled birth worker needs to be so in tune with her, that she can reliably predict what she wants or needs. Sometimes that’s space, a sip of coconut water, or just a quiet reminder to soften and breathe.

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

The most effective strategy for growing your clientele is going above and beyond for your clients every time. Truly getting to know not only the mothers, but the fathers too, and any children or any other part of the family. Having a deep connection built on trust and communication is essential. In turn, clients become forever friends, and friends love to share their experiences with other friends. Word of mouth based on premium service is the hottest ticket to continuing to keep your books filled.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scrunchiemamadoula.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrunchiemamadoula?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Miranda Cram @solsticebirthphotos