Meet Shelice Johnson

Celebrate Small Wins**:  I had to acknowledge and celebrate each step I took towards taking risks. This positive reinforcement motivated me to keep pushing my boundaries.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and their families before, during, and after childbirth. The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” While doulas are often associated with pregnancy and childbirth, their role extends beyond that to various stages of reproductive health, including fertility, birth, and postpartum care.

**Typical Responsibilities of a Doula:**

Emotional Support:** Doulas offer continuous emotional reassurance and encouragement to individuals and their partners throughout the childbirth process. They create a calming and nurturing environment, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.

Physical Comfort:** Doulas provide comfort measures such as massage, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and positioning suggestions to help manage pain and discomfort during labor and childbirth.

Informational Support:** Doulas provide evidence-based information about childbirth options, procedures, and interventions, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their birthing experience.

Advocacy:** Doulas teaches advocacy, and often times advocate for the individual’s preferences and desires during labor and childbirth. Ensuring that their wishes are respected and communicated to the medical team.

Partner Involvement:** Doulas work alongside partners to enhance their involvement and comfort in the birthing process. They provide guidance and support to partners in ways they can contribute effectively.

Postpartum Support:** Some doulas offer postpartum support, assisting individuals and families during the early weeks of parenthood. They provide guidance on infant care, feeding, emotional adjustment, and more.

Education:** Doulas often provide childbirth education classes to prepare individuals and their families for labor, birth, and the postpartum period.

Qualities of a Doula:**

**Compassionate:** Doulas exhibit empathy and compassion, understanding the emotional and physical challenges that individuals and families face during childbirth.

**Supportive:** They offer unwavering support and encouragement, fostering a sense of trust and security in their clients.

**Non-Judgmental:** Doulas respect the choices and decisions of the individual and their family, regardless of the birth plan or preferences.

**Empowering:** Doulas empower individuals by providing them with information and tools to make informed choices that align with their values.

**Flexible:** They adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and family, recognizing that every childbirth experience is different.

**Effective Communicator:** Doulas communicate effectively with both clients and client’s support team ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that the individual’s wishes are respected.

Being a doula is rewarding and a true honor to help families experience the birth they desire. Although I am a doula (Full Spectrum) I am also an Author (The Adventures of a Doula) can be found on Amazon, Business Consultant, ChildBirth Educator, Placenta Specialist, PAILadvocate, PSI Support Coordinator, Poppy Seed Advocate, Owner of Providing Mothers Joy Inc. (Non- Profit), Mother of 5, and soon to be realtor. I am currently in the process of opening a Community Resource Center. Having this safe place for families to come and receive the resources they need is my heart’s desire. Please visit the Go Fund Me link for more information https://gofund.me/a4ceaec3 I am #DOPEDOULALISA

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Certainly! Here three qualities or skills that Dope Doula Lisa possess:

**Empathy and Compassion:** A doula needs to be deeply empathetic and compassionate. I must be able to connect with individuals and their families on an emotional level, understanding and validating their feelings and concerns. Empathy allows me to provide the necessary emotional support and create a safe and nurturing environment during the childbirth journey.

**Effective Communication:** Strong communication skills are essential. I listen actively to my clients, understand their preferences and concerns, and effectively communicate with their support team and the birthing team when needed. Clear and open communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the client’s wishes are respected.

**Non-Judgmental Attitude:** I am non-judgmental and non-biased. I respect and support the choices and decisions of individuals and their families, regardless of their birth plan or preferences. A non-judgmental attitude helps clients feel comfortable and empowered to make the choices that are right for them. This is their birth experience. I am just here to coach them through.

My best advice for anyone early in their journey is to BE AUTHENTIC, Be persistent, and create your own path.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking for like minded individuals who are coachable and willing to network. I am building my tribe and launching a community resource center. I will need other birthworkers, chiropractors, business coaches, massage therapists, baby wearing instructors, more child birth educators, just to name a few. I desire the center to be a “one stop shop”. I can only do that with the help of those partnering with me.