Ana Dolan - Postpartum Doula, CLC
My passion for birth work was ignited during a study abroad program in the beautiful country of Peru. As a part of this program, I had the privilege of attending physician-led lectures covering a wide array of topics, including the Peruvian healthcare system, traditional medical practices, and surgical approaches using limited resources. The lecture that changed my life was titled “Labor Practices and Giving Birth in the Squatting Position.” Up until that point in my life, I assumed that all people gave birth in the supine position, and that this approach was superior for the laboring person. This lecture not only challenged my beliefs but also opened the door for me to develop
radical ideas about women’s health, the value of traditional medicine, and the need for intersectionality between old and new models within the birthing world.
After completing my B.S. in Psychology at UMass Amherst, I wanted to find a field where I could explore my passion for birth work and provide birthing people with the much-needed support that seemed to be lacking, especially for people of color. When I came across the doula position, I felt inspired. Everything about the role–the overall beliefs and approach towards pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period–was exactly what I was looking for. I completed the training and immediately began absorbing the relevant knowledge, gaining experiences with clients, and learning from experienced doulas.
As I’ve grown in this role, I have come to truly understand what it means to be a birth and postpartum doula. Being a doula means approaching each client with the utmost compassion, respect, and acceptance. It means taking time to understand your client's needs and meeting them where they’re at. It means being reliable, supportive, and open-minded, especially during difficult moments. It means sharing evidence-based information and providing parents with the tools they need to be confident during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. As a doula, I have the privilege of working with families during such transformative moments in their lives, which means I pour my heart and soul into ensuring my clients feel safe, heard, understood, and seen. Through my doula training, I have amassed a strong skill set that will allow me to help you navigate birth and beyond and feel empowered during the process.
As a doula, I am particularly passionate about working with underrepresented demographics and addressing healthcare issues contributing to reproductive and birth inequities. In support of this aim, I volunteer as a birth doula for the Birthing Gently Maternal Health Program and regularly attend conferences to connect and learn from other professionals in the birthing field. I continuously challenge myself to grow within my position and stay up to date with evidence-based research so I can equip my clients with the most reliable and relevant information. Currently, I am working to become a Certified Lactation Consultant and hope to complete the certification process
in 2024. With this additional knowledge and experience, I hope to strengthen my holistic care approach so I can address my client's needs and critically evaluate any challenges they may face.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing video games, weightlifting and watching sci-fi/fantasy movies. I also spend an excessive amount of time with my two dogs, Zara and Zelda!
Areas of focus on continued education: