Meet the doula/lactation consultant
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Eli (she/they)
Owner, Full Spectrum Doula Student, Lactation Consultant.
Eli had a birthing experience with her first, and a prenatal journey with her second that pushed them to ensure others would never have to go through the same. With extensive education as a post partum doula, Eli continued their education around lactation consulting, prenatal care, and herbal care. Eli is a strong believer that you are the Captain of your care and she is just a resource for you to pick the brain of, and have the support of.
When thinking about what is important to Eli in this transition to parenthood, Eli gravitated back to her experiences with their first doula. Working with Kerrie McDonald, and Sabia Wade was a breath of fresh air compared to many of the experiences Eli has had with others. Looking at their backgrounds, and the current programming available, it made sense to Eli to take both the Lactation Consulting and Full Spectrum Doula program at BADT—Sabia's school.
The programs offered here come from a very specific lens: birth access for all, lifting up those who may not have the same advantages as others, and ensuring all people facing pregnancy, birth, and new babies feel confident, and secure in their journeys. The inclusivity, importance of Black parenting, and unpacking/tackling racism within this field were things I didn't find in other programs that were both very important to Eli. Birth justice and the freedom to birth in a way that fosters autonomy, and agency are critical for all. Trauma happens when our voices are unheard. That's all it takes. And unfortunately, in the medical model of birth, it's so common for our voices to be dismissed, unheard, and unvalued. Instead, our voices as birthing folks should be honored, valued, and lifted up.