What is a Doula?
In short, Doulas are professional birth companions & consultants that offer informational, emotional, & physical support around the birth experience. This can look like providing you with evidence-based research around your medical options, compiling a list of local resources, providing basic birth education, or giving you advice on how to prepare for this major life transition. During the birth experience, we support the birthing person's preferences with mental and emotional support; hands on touch such as massage & acupressure for pain relief and comfort; support with advocating for yourself and navigating the medical system; holistic support of the laboring process whether it be with or without medication; and more.
Click here to read an article that provides evidence-based research on the impact of doulas- including a more detailed list of what we can provide and what we cannot.
In short, Doulas are professional birth companions & consultants that offer informational, emotional, & physical support around the birth experience. This can look like providing you with evidence-based research around your medical options, compiling a list of local resources, providing basic birth education, or giving you advice on how to prepare for this major life transition. During the birth experience, we support the birthing person's preferences with mental and emotional support; hands on touch such as massage & acupressure for pain relief and comfort; support with advocating for yourself and navigating the medical system; holistic support of the laboring process whether it be with or without medication; and more.
Click here to read an article that provides evidence-based research on the impact of doulas- including a more detailed list of what we can provide and what we cannot.
Do you provide support in hospitals? Or only around homebirths?
I offer support wherever you are birthing! Hospitals, birthing centers, homes & beyond.
I offer support wherever you are birthing! Hospitals, birthing centers, homes & beyond.
What does Birth Bruja mean and why did you choose that for your business name?
The title Birth Bruja is a combination of English and Spanish. "Bruja" is the spanish word for "witch."
I choose to use the term "Bruja" because of my passion for decolonizing the birth space. Traditional indigenous practices such as welcoming in the ancestors for guidance & strength, using plant medicine, working with stones and animal allies, etc have historically been demonized as witchcraft/brujeria because of events such as the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem Witch Burnings. These, and more, were mass acts of genocide trying to eliminate anything that didn't support the imperialist/colonist perspective such as independently wealthy women, matriarchal societies, female crones/elders in positions of power, LGBTQ folk, folks with disabilities, folks that spoke out against the church, and countless black and brown cultures. Thus, what has been historically shown as "ugly" & "evil" is in fact a demonization of anything that isn't within heteronormative, patriarchal, capitalistic, mainstream views.
In recent times, there has been a mass reclamation of the term "Bruja" to be a powerful calling in on the traditions that were lost. A calling in to shift what mainstream society deems as "normal." A calling in for women to see themselves as powerful and innately connected to other realms of knowing. In birthwork, cultivating inner strength is a major part of cultivating an empowering birth. Many of our own cultures and traditions show us ways to draw up such spirit, strength, & wellness- thus, my invitation to each client is for them to use all realms available to them to prepare for their birth. Some DO weave in spiritual practices. Many do not. Whatever their birth vision, I am honored to help them hold <3
The title Birth Bruja is a combination of English and Spanish. "Bruja" is the spanish word for "witch."
I choose to use the term "Bruja" because of my passion for decolonizing the birth space. Traditional indigenous practices such as welcoming in the ancestors for guidance & strength, using plant medicine, working with stones and animal allies, etc have historically been demonized as witchcraft/brujeria because of events such as the Spanish Inquisition and the Salem Witch Burnings. These, and more, were mass acts of genocide trying to eliminate anything that didn't support the imperialist/colonist perspective such as independently wealthy women, matriarchal societies, female crones/elders in positions of power, LGBTQ folk, folks with disabilities, folks that spoke out against the church, and countless black and brown cultures. Thus, what has been historically shown as "ugly" & "evil" is in fact a demonization of anything that isn't within heteronormative, patriarchal, capitalistic, mainstream views.
In recent times, there has been a mass reclamation of the term "Bruja" to be a powerful calling in on the traditions that were lost. A calling in to shift what mainstream society deems as "normal." A calling in for women to see themselves as powerful and innately connected to other realms of knowing. In birthwork, cultivating inner strength is a major part of cultivating an empowering birth. Many of our own cultures and traditions show us ways to draw up such spirit, strength, & wellness- thus, my invitation to each client is for them to use all realms available to them to prepare for their birth. Some DO weave in spiritual practices. Many do not. Whatever their birth vision, I am honored to help them hold <3