We recently connected with Taylen Cameron and have shared our conversation below.
Taylen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
The best advice I’ve given to a client, which I find has the most profound impact, centers around staying active and embracing natural, holistic practices throughout pregnancy. I always encourage my clients to integrate hikes, nature walks, and particularly prenatal yoga into their daily routines. The physical benefits of these activities, like improved strength and endurance, are well-documented, but it’s the mental and emotional health improvements that truly stand out.
Let me share a story about one of my clients, we’ll call her Emily for sake of privacy. When Emily first came to me, she was anxious about childbirth, feeling disconnected from the process and fearful of the unknown. I encouraged her to tap into a spiritual practice of her choosing, and introduced her to my preparation approach, which includes a detailed “natural induction protocol” that I’ve developed with insight from other birth workers. These tools not only prepare the body physically, but also helps to align mind and spirit as the due date approaches.
Emily embraced this advice wholeheartedly. She began attending prenatal yoga classes three times a week, spent her mornings on gentle hikes, and dedicated time each day to meditation. As her pregnancy progressed, I noticed remarkable changes. Physically, she was strong and her endurance levels were high during her check-ups. Mentally, she exuded a calm confidence that she confessed felt alien before.
By the time her labor began, Emily was a testament to the power of an active, engaged approach to pregnancy. She managed her contractions with a focus and serenity that even she hadn’t expected. Postpartum, she shared that the physical activities helped her manage pain and keep anxiety at bay, while the spiritual practices allowed her to connect deeply with her baby and her own birthing journey.
This holistic approach not only prepared Emily’s body for labor but also empowered her. She felt in control and strong, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. Witnessing her transformation and seeing her take her health into her own hands was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the significance of guiding expectant mothers to embrace these practices for a fulfilling and empowered birthing experience.
Taylen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I got into the birthwork industry in 2017, driven by a profound interest in holistic maternal care. My journey began with a passion for supporting the natural and empowering experience of childbirth, which led me to enhance my skills through the Rocky Mountain Professional Doula Program. This program provided me with an extensive understanding of childbirth education, labor support, breastfeeding, and postpartum care, ensuring I am well-equipped to offer a wide range of services.
At Sattva Doula Co, I provide a holistic suite of services that cater to the needs of expecting families. My offerings include personalized childbirth education, hands-on labor support with a variety of comfort measures, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive breastfeeding and lactation support. Beyond these, I integrate Ayurvedic principles, informed by my training as an Ayurvedic Chef and Culinary Instructor, to offer nutritional counseling and lifestyle adjustments that benefit both the mother and baby.
The problems I solve for my clients revolve around the need for compassionate, personalized care during one of the most transformative times in their lives. Many of my clients seek a natural and informed birthing experience, where they can feel empowered and supported. I provide this by advocating for body autonomy and applying my unique blend of Ayurvedic knowledge to enhance their overall well-being.
What sets me apart is my holistic and intentional approach. The Ayurvedic tools I bring into my practice are not commonly found in the birthwork field, making my services unique. These tools help create a nurturing environment that supports the health and flourishing of the entire family.
I am most proud of taking the leap into full self-employment, driven by a deep belief in my calling. It has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey, and I am proud of how I’ve persevered and made invaluable community connections. This has not only helped grow my business but also reinforced my commitment to making birthing support accessible and affordable, especially in the Roaring Fork Valley, where I focus on serving those often overlooked by the healthcare system.
For potential clients, I want you to know that Sattva Doula Co is all about empowering you and your family through every stage of pregnancy and beyond. My dedication to your health and autonomy, combined with a rich foundation in holistic practices, ensures that you receive the highest level of care tailored to your unique needs. Here, your vision for childbirth is respected and nurtured, ensuring a transformative experience that aligns with your personal values and desires.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and education, the cornerstone of my success in the doula profession is undeniably my deep-seated passion for birth. This passion fuels every aspect of my practice, from the long hours to the emotional intensity involved in supporting a birth. There truly isn’t a day when I feel overworked or dissatisfied because being a part of this transformative journey aligns so completely with my life’s purpose.
The fulfillment I gain from serving my community in this capacity is profound. Every birth I attend reinforces my commitment to this work. It’s a privilege to witness and support such a pivotal moment in a family’s life, one that is steeped in raw human emotion and incredible physical feats. The magic of bringing life into the world never ceases to amaze me, and each experience enriches my understanding and appreciation of this profession.
This passion also drives me to continually improve and adapt my services to meet the unique needs of each family. It inspires me to stay updated with the latest research, to refine my approach, and to deeply empathize with my clients’ experiences. It’s what motivates me during challenging births and what gives me the patience and energy to be fully present for every family, regardless of the circumstances.
Moreover, being deeply passionate about birthwork helps in building genuine connections with my clients. They sense my enthusiasm and commitment, which in turn helps them feel more secure and supported. These connections often extend beyond the birth itself, contributing to a supportive community that values and understands the significance of holistic birth practices.
In essence, my passion is the driving force that not only sustains me, but also distinguishes my practice in a field where emotional resilience, empathy, intuition and a profound respect for the birthing process are just as critical as professional knowledge and skills. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to engage in work that feels less like a job and more like a calling—an honor that I hold with the utmost respect and care.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One pivotal lesson I had to unlearn in my journey as a doula was the notion that I needed to model my practice after those who were seemingly successful in the field. Early on, I was captivated by the polished images and approaches of established doulas, whose methods and business styles were often touted as the gold standard for success. It seemed logical to emulate their paths, hoping it would similarly lead me to a thriving practice.
However, this approach initially left me feeling inauthentic and disconnected from the very passion that drew me to birthwork. I noticed a gap between what I was offering and what truly resonated with me and my clients. It was during a particularly challenging pregnancy, where conventional methods weren’t aligning with the mother’s needs, that I realized the power of integrating my unique skills and beliefs into my practice.
The mother was unable to find comfort in the standardized support I had learned. Remembering my training in Ayurveda, I went deep within myself and improvised by using specific dietary suggestions and gentle, guided meditations that aligned with her unique personal needs. The effect was profound; she found comfort and was better able to manage her pregnancy and later labor, which transformed her birthing experience.
This experience was a turning point for me. It underscored the importance of leaning into my unique strengths—my knowledge of Ayurveda, my culinary skills, and my holistic approach to maternal care. I learned that authenticity is far more impactful than trying to fit a mold set by others.
From that point on, I embraced my distinctive blend of services, integrating Ayurvedic principles more prominently into my offerings and communicating this unique aspect to potential clients. This authenticity not only set my practice apart but also attracted clients who were looking for exactly what I had to offer.
The lesson was clear: unlearn the need to follow suit. By embracing my unique approach and being authentic in my practice, I was able to connect more deeply with my clients and offer them a genuinely supportive and empowering experience. This realization has not only defined my career, but has also helped me contribute to the birthwork community in a way that is true to myself and beneficial for the families I serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sattvadoula.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sattvadoula/profilecard/?igsh=MW1lMDJvYXJjOGpzeQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylentlc?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
@simply blessing photography
-Emily Hodge