Ashley Meek: My Beliefs as a Doula

I believe that our bodies were created to grow, birth and feed our babies. We should trust that. Birth is not a problem to be solved, but a natural outgrowth of love and evolution. Although we can not control birth, we can control how the Mother and baby are cared for. I believe it is the Mother's right to be an active participant in her own birth experience; being allowed to make her own informed choices. Choices about her birth setting; be it a hospital, home or birth center, who attends her birth. She should decide what practitioner she works with, and what interventions or lack of are done. She should be encouraged to carry out her own choices. I believe no matter what happens during a birth the Mother should be made to feel comfortable, empowered, loved and encouraged with continuous support. She should be helped to relax and trust in her ability and intuition through the birthing process. Ultimately leaving her feeling contented and and satisfied with her experience.

As a doula I want to help make the world a kinder, more loving place. I think this starts with our Mothers, who make our families and bring our babies into the world. I am a natural care taker and encourager. The birth of a child is the gateway to Motherhood and maturity. I want to help Mothers go into their parenting journey feeling strong, happy, peaceful and ready to take care of their baby so, as the baby grows, they can bring more light and love into the world. I want to be a doula that helps create a sacredness around “being women”. When women come together remembering their ancient wisdom of sisterhood and how incredibly strong their minds and bodies are, they can accomplish anything. I want to be a doula that brings a sense of calm, love and empowerment to the Mother, her partner and baby before, during and after the birth. I think this has a profound impact on the kind of world we are creating for future generations. It is so important to offer this sacred beginning of peace and love to the future generation of our planet.

I love to work with people. It is one of my greatest strengths. I think it is important working together with women because we create a sisterhood where we talk and listen to each other, care about each other, and encourage one another to shine! I think that we empower ourselves when we empower others. In giving each person opportunities to use their talents to learn and grow together, we become a team. Being a part of a team also means being responsible for the attitudes and vibrations you bring into the space you share. Remembering to be genuine, professional and caring to your team mates and community realizing that you are a reflection of the whole group.

I am a very accepting and open- minded person, regardless of race, sexual preference or beliefs. I remain calm and level headed under pressure. I am a creative photographer with some schooling. I would really love to incorporate some birth photography into doula work when possible! I am knowledgeable about the helpfulness of herbs, vitamins, tinctures, essential oils, skin care, and crystals. I make healthy, organic body products, such as lotion bars (they make excellent belly bars for stretch marks and itching), lip balms, massage oils, bath salts, etc. I make wrapped jewelry with rocks and crystals and sometimes feathers. I have also learned a lot about breast feeding through my own experience. I can offer many positive suggestions and encouragement to mothers who may have a difficult nursing experience. Overall, I am kind, positive, responsible and have a lot of love to give!