We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tata Milan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tata thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My mother instilled in me the foundation to become my best self. From a young age, she prioritized self-awareness and self-discipline, and she poured into my potential with intention and love. She recognized my creative spark early on and nurtured it by entering me in talent pageants, giving me the confidence to express myself freely and be proud of who I am. She always encouraged me to reach beyond what felt possible, teaching me to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but necessary parts of the journey. Her perspective helped me understand that challenges are meant to strengthen me, not just to arrive at my goals, but to sustain the success when I get there.

That mindset has stayed with me, especially as I built my private doula practice. I often return to her words, full of faith, affirmation, and unwavering belief in who I am. Because of her fearlessness and encouragement, I’ve learned to stretch beyond my comfort zone and trust deeply in divine timing. She helped me believe that what’s meant for me will never miss me, and that truth has become a guiding force in both my personal life and the work I do for others.

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

I was called to birth work and Reiki healing long before I consciously answered. I’ve always been the heart of my friend groups, one who shows up, holds space, and offers support when it’s needed most. That natural presence has become the foundation of my work as a birth doula and energy healer.

I have the honor of guiding individuals and families through one of life’s most sacred transitions: birth. I provide holistic birth support, childbirth education, and Reiki services, helping my clients feel informed, empowered, and connected throughout their journey. From choosing how and where to birth, to navigating hospital systems, advocating for their desires, and teaching partners how to provide meaningful support, I walk alongside them every step of the way. My work is especially fueled by the need to support BIPOC families in the fight against racial disparities and obstetric violence. As a Black doula, I bring both lived experience and deep empathy to my practice, creating a safe space where every client feels seen, heard, and respected.

What sets my work apart is the balance of grounded education and spiritual presence. I don’t just serve the birth, I serve the whole person. I’m most proud of the transformation I witness in my clients as they realize their strength and power. My brand is rooted in authenticity, reverence, and empowerment, and my greatest desire is to help families birth not only their babies, but a new version of themselves.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to carry everything alone. I grew up confident and self-reliant, traits I’m deeply grateful for, but over time, that independence turned into a quiet resistance to receiving help and a habit of chasing perfection over progress. I believed that strength meant doing it all myself and getting it all “right”. Unlearning that belief was a profound journey. I had to let go of control and learn how to surrender, to trust life, trust timing, and trust myself. I started replacing limiting beliefs with daily affirmations and chose to stay present, aligned with my purpose, and rooted in authenticity. With that came a deeper self-awareness and a quiet confidence rooted not in doing, but in being.

This shift has transformed not only how I live, but how I show up as a doula. Birth itself is a practice in surrender. I remind my clients that while preparation is essential, birth unfolds in its own rhythm. When we release the need to control the experience and instead trust the process, we create space for beauty, transformation, and peace. Just like in life, it’s not about forcing outcomes, it’s about flowing with what’s meant for us.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been embracing the truth that I am the heart of my business. The more I pour into my own well-being, the more I can pour into my clients. When I’m centered and cared for, I’m able to show up fully for the families I serve with warmth, and genuine connection, grounded in my purpose. I treat my clients like family, offering unconditional support, intuitive care, and a safe space to feel seen and held during one of the most vulnerable and powerful times of their lives. That level of care leaves an imprint, one that clients often say everyone deserves to experience during their birth journey.

Most of the families I work with find me through word of mouth. A past client shares their story, not just about what I did, but about how they felt through our time together: supported, empowered, and deeply respected. That kind of referral is so meaningful because it comes from a place of trust and lived experience. To me, true success and growth is in watching my clients move into parenthood feeling confident, grounded, and connected to their own inner wisdom. That’s what this work is really about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Neuladoula.com
• Instagram: Tatamilan
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/aIft-kIKbAw?si=tYvlfQzcsXWjw4YB
• Other: Doula match profile:
  https://doulamatch.net/profile/24137/tata-milan

Image Credits

Shana Trajanoska