I am a Bilingual Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula and Wellness Coach. My mission? To educate, advocate, and empower families to mindfully create the birthing experience they want and deserve, but also guide families as they step into parenthood!
While I may not be a parent myself (though I eagerly look forward to it!), I have a profound understanding and deep compassion for parents. My insight comes from my education and the wisdom passed down by my own mom, aunts, grandmothers, friends, and colleagues – shedding light on the joys, challenges, and the incredible experience of bringing a child into this world. Despite not having experienced childbirth firsthand, I hold an immense appreciation for the wonders of our bodies and have delved into the various stages of pregnancy and postpartum through my studies.
Previously, I served as a Program Officer at a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. In the summer of 2020, I took a leap of faith and made my way to the West Coast, where I've discovered a sense of belonging and a fertile ground for personal growth in the vibrant city of LA.
When I'm not glued to my computer screen, you can find me immersed in the world of yoga, communing with nature, and basking in the endless beauty of the beach. My passion for travel, language acquisition, connecting with new people, exploring diverse cuisines, and embracing various cultures fuels my desire to continually learn, grow, and educate families about the importance of physical, mental, and nutritional wellness.
Hola, I’m Andrea
What changed…
In March of 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, I experienced a profound awakening. Despite my passion for my profession and my commitment to serving under-resourced communities, I realized I was far from where I wanted to be. My days were consumed by work, often stretching beyond 8+ hours. I frequently found myself tethered to calls, leaving no room to address my ever-growing to-do list. The result was burnout, overwhelming stress, and a constant sense of unhappiness.
It was in this moment of realization that I decided to make a significant change. I packed my bags and left Virginia behind, heading for the sunnier shores of California. Here, I discovered the precious space, time, and opportunities that had eluded me in Virginia. It was the fresh start I needed, and it marked the beginning of my exploration of new career paths. I applied to various graduate programs on the West Coast to pursue my passion for maternal and child health studies. Since things didn’t go as planned, I decided that pursuing my yoga teacher training and joining a business program would give me the clarity I was seeking.
AND guess what?
In 2022, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) course with East+West, and then my appetite for growth intensified. I went on to pursue specialized training in prenatal and postnatal yoga, as well as an Ayurveda certification program later that year.
In 2023, I completed my Birthing Doula + Postpartum Doula Certification. This shift in my career has brought so much joy and fulfillment, leading to making an impact in my community and globally…going back to my other passion in Global Public Health.
Why I became a Doula?
I chose the path of becoming a Doula to directly contribute to my community, fostering mindful living for families. This involves cultivating a healthy lifestyle, teaching coping strategies, establishing boundaries, providing nutritional education, and preparing them for parenthood.
As an immigrant and first-generation student, my passion, or dharma, lies in educating, raising awareness, advocating, and empowering parents. Recognizing existing disparities, both in this country and under-resourced nations lacking maternal and child health education, I aim to bridge these gaps. As a Doula and Public Health Specialist, my goal is to serve as a support system for families, guiding them to advocate for themselves and empowering them to shape the family life they desire.
What inspired me to take the first step?
My journey into working with parents and children began back in 2013 during my graduate studies. It was during this time that I became acutely aware of the importance of establishing open channels of communication for the parent to express their needs and challenges throughout the stages of pregnancy, postpartum, and natal care. My goal has always been to enhance health education and equip parents with the tools they need to elevate their overall well-being. I believe in achieving this through the integration of yoga practices, meditation, working through internal blocks, and nutrition, offering support not only during pregnancy and childbirth but also, and most significantly, during the transformative postpartum phase.
In 2021, a close friend of mine served as a source of inspiration when I observed the immense stress she faced upon returning from maternity leave. Her experience, marked by the overwhelming juggling act of meetings, calls, pumping, feeding, and grabbing a moment for lunch, epitomized the challenges many working parents were enduring, especially amid the pandemic.
This poignant moment led to a realization that there existed a substantial gap in achieving work-life balance and establishing healthy work boundaries, particularly for people of color.
What next?
As a member of a remarkable professional community, I've observed the critical need for support and education among families. This has fueled my strong motivation to continuously enhance my knowledge, contribute to my community, and reconnect with my roots in Global Public Health. I aim to have a more significant impact in Latin America by introducing programs and interventions that support Western medicine by promoting positive maternal and child health outcomes, addressing health disparities, and contributing to a holistic and empowering approach to perinatal care.
This includes:
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fostering positive mental health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, which can contribute to lower rates of maternal stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression, positively impacting overall mental well-being.
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addressing health disparities, particularly among marginalized communities. By providing culturally sensitive and individualized care, in reducing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.
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Advocating, informing, and empowering families to make choices that align with their preferences. This form of advocacy can increase literacy and informed decision-making.
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guiding families in having effective communication between healthcare providers for positive health outcomes. As a Doula, we work as liaisons between clients and medical professionals, contributing to a more patient-centered and collaborative approach to care.
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help decrease medical intervention rates during childbirth, such as cesareans and epidurals.
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serving parents during the 4th trimester as they recover and enter the world of parenthood. This can lead to better long-term health outcomes for both parent and baby.
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help foster positive birth experiences and maternal well-being. Impact community attitudes towards childbirth and contribute to a culture of support and understanding.
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recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social aspects of maternal health, doulas contribute to a more comprehensive approach to care.
My Approach
What sets my approach apart is my dedication to empowering the parent like you to create the healthy lifestyle you deserve throughout your pregnancy, postpartum, and the adventures of parenthood. Together, we'll delve into delightful 1:1 coaching, personalized strategies to meet your goals, yoga, and meditation techniques, valuable nutritional insights, and a wealth of additional resources to cater specifically to your needs! As a Doula I support you by providing emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals or couples before, during, and after childbirth, aiming to enhance the overall birthing experience.
Mission
To offer assistance and empower parents on their journey, including my role as a birth and postpartum doula, guiding them in enhancing their quality of life by nurturing their mind, body, and spirit. Encouraging progress one breath and one movement at a time.
Vision
My vision is to empower parents, incorporating my passion as a birth and postpartum doula, guiding them to establish clear boundaries in both personal and professional spheres. I aim to provide the tools and resources necessary for them to embrace a healthier and more balanced lifestyle throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.