I became a doula because I realized that the system was stacked against families and that they needed help learning to navigate a really complex system that was not designed to actually be very open and forthright about what the steps and stages were. It led to people feeling concerned and uncomfortable about what they were doing.
I became a doula trainer because I needed backup as the only doula in my area. I’ve continued doing the work because as I’ve come to understand change theory I understand that we need to have more people doing what I’m doing and I can make a bigger impact in my area by making sure that we have more doulas. I certainly can’t take all the births myself!
I honestly love doing the work that I do and have a tendency to be a bit of a workaholic. I love the process and teaching and learning all of the ways to make the class better so that the doulas get the most out of it. I get rave reviews on my doula training because, even though it’s virtual, it is very different from most classes that are just slide decks.
TaKiesha Smith, a certified lactation counselor and birth doula, brings over 25 years of experience to our doula training program. Specializing in lactation education, she is dedicated to helping doulas understand the fundamentals of lactation support. TaKiesha’s inclusive approach ensures that all birthing professionals are equipped with essential skills to support people effectively through their infant feeding needs. Her commitment to personalized education and advocacy for informed birthing choices make her an invaluable co-instructor in our program.
TaKiesha is a birth doula in Fishers, IN, working toward her IBCLC. She’s the owner of A Caring Doula, her personal doula business, and Neurospicy Birth, where she talks about neurodiversity, birth, and parenting.
Dr. Abby Jorgensen, a renowned sociologist and bereavement doula, enriches our doula training program with her extensive expertise. As the facilitator of co-working hours, Abby provides a supportive environment for doulas to collaborate and grow. She also leads the optional Basics of Bereavement course, equipping doulas with essential skills to support families through perinatal loss. Abby’s compassionate approach and deep understanding of family dynamics make her an invaluable asset to our team, ensuring doulas are well-prepared to offer comprehensive care in all situations.
Abby lives and works in St. Louis, MO, where she is also a professor of sociology, her research interests are in grief and bereavement. She blogs at AbbytheSociologistDoula and is the director and founder of Haven Bereavement Doulas.
PhD, MPH, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), CLC, LCCE, FACCE
Advanced Certified Doula and Birth Doula Trainer
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