Welcoming a new life into the world is one of the most transformative experiences a family can undergo. However, it can also be filled with uncertainty, stress, and overwhelming emotions. This is where Jasmin Williams, a Doula, steps in, offering vital support to expectant families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Through her role as a Doula, Jasmine has created a safe space for women to share their fears, concerns, and hopes regarding childbirth. She provides them with the resources they need to understand their rights and options, offering the guidance and support she lacked in her own experience.
Background
After Jasmin’s own challenging experience during her pregnancy in 2018, when a nurse broke her water and administered Pitocin without informing her or her husband. The emotional aftermath left her with more questions, and she wanted answers. Jasmin reflected on her experience, realizing she had not been fully informed about her rights as a patient during her labor and delivery. She became keenly aware of the need for informed consent in maternity care.
This realization fueled Jasmin’s desire to educate others, ensuring that no woman would have to face a similar experience without the knowledge and empowerment she wished she had. This was a pivotal moment that sparked Jasmin’s passion for becoming a Doula. In 2020, Jasmin became a certified Doula and established her business Love & Beyond Services. She embarked on a life-changing journey that would not only transform her life but also empower other women while navigating the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth. Her role as a Doula is dedicated to supporting and guiding women through childbirth with knowledge, compassion, and understanding.
Currently, Jasmin is a certified Doula, Community Healthy Birth Ambassador, Breastfeeding Specialist, Childbirth Educator, and Herbalist.
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not intervene in labor management or perform medical tasks. Instead, Doulas focus on enhancing the birthing experience by supporting the family’s desires and preferences. Clients still need to see either a midwife or OB/GYN for prenatal care and treatment.
Essential Role as a Doula
When it comes to childbirth, many people think of the traditional roles of doctors and midwives as the primary caregivers during delivery. However, Jasmin, as well as other Doulas, supports families, providing education and comfort during the birthing process while allowing medical professionals to carry out the medical aspects of delivery.
As a Doula, Jasmin’s mission is to be there for the family, supporting them physically, emotionally, and mentally. For example, she holds the mother’s hand during the contractions, offers words of encouragement, and creates a calming presence. She applies counter-pressure on the mother’s lower back or gently rubs her feet when the pain intensifies.
When the father needs a moment, Jasmin makes sure he has a glass of water or a few deep breaths. She reminds everyone that self-care is essential during this intense experience. Other times, she may take a step back, allowing the family to connect and find their rhythm, providing support quietly in the background. Ultimately, bridging the gap between families and the medical team.
Who Needs a Doula?
Due to the alarming disparities in maternal health, especially among black women. According to the CDC, the mortality rate for Black women is the highest among any racial group in the United States. By hiring Doulas, black women can combat these disparities one family at a time. It is crucial to hire a Doula. It’s about more than just support, but about taking back our power and ensuring every mother receives the care and respect she deserves.
Homebirths v. Hospitals
The conversation around homebirths versus hospital births evokes strong emotions and varied opinions. Jasmin explains that choosing a homebirth can provide a more personalized experience during the birthing process.
When you choose to give birth at home, you set the stage for your unique experience. Because your home is a place of comfort, a zone where you can be fully yourself. It is controlled solely by the client. This familiarity can ease anxiety.
In contrast, hospitals can often feel like intimidating spaces where protocols govern the environment. In such settings, patients may not feel heard and have to tolerate a system that unintentionally overlooks their needs. Sadly, many women enter this environment unaware of their rights as patients. Jasmin is aware of hospital protocols and serves as a bridge of knowledge and support, reminding families of their inherent power and rights. She encourages them to ask questions or even say, “no” to medical interventions they are uncomfortable with.
Conclusion
Hiring a Doula, such as Jasmin Williams, enhances a family’s childbirth. A Doula provides unique emotional support, physical comfort, and information, all tailored to the family’s specific needs through the birthing process. With their guidance, families can easily navigate the complexities of childbirth and enter their parenting journey with confidence and joy.
Jasmin has served a total of 23 families throughout Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, New York, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She believes Doulas should be empathetic and have a love for people. You can’t NOT love God’s people and do this work. This truly is ministry.
Families report higher satisfaction with their birth experience when supported by a Doula. By hiring a Doula, families can create a nurturing environment during labor that complements doctors and midwives.
To learn more about Jasmin Wiliiams, you can visit her website www.theloveandbeyond.com
To contact Jasmin Williams, you can email her at jasminwilliams@theloveandbeyond.com
To learn more about a Doula you can visit https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-doula
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula
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