Being a Doula allows Ellie to combine many of her favorite things: being  intimately connected to other people, deeply listening, providing emotional and educational support, and working to make the world a more equitable and just place.  Ellie’s friends and family describe her as “patient, empathetic, passionate, a natural listener, and someone who would do anything she can to make someone feel supported.”

 

As a second generation Doula, Ellie did not realize how lucky she was to hear about her mom’s Doula stories! It modeled the type of relational community Ellie wanted to be in, and informed her understanding of what birth can be and feel like. Additionally, Ellie loves continuously learning something new as a Doula, and bearing witness to the amazing things our bodies can do! 

 

Ellie is a former educator, childcare worker, crisis manager, and current people and program director with almost ten years of non-profit experience, so she is no stranger to handling stressful situations. Ellie has cultivated her comforting, grounding presence and ability to remain calm and positive, and has seen how easy it can be to lose each other's humanity in these tense moments. Ellie is dedicated to keeping client dignity at the front of her mind… always. Ellie also is committed to building trust with each person she meets, listening deeply to their stories, and asking (not assuming) what would feel most supportive to them.
 

As a transformative justice practitioner and community organizer, being a Doula is more than just being there for individual birthing people; it is a way to work towards a more equitable healthcare system. It is essential to recognize the history of how racism and slavery continue to impact our current healthcare system, especially in maternal medicine. Racial disparities are widest in maternal health care, with Black women being 3-4 times more likely to die in connection to pregnancy or birth, in comparison to their white counterparts (CDC). Doula work is a powerful way for me to live out my anti-racist values using my natural gifts and learned skills, and to support more equitable and inclusive birthing experiences for all. 

 

When Ellie is not spending time with her clients, she loves to move her body, especially doing yoga, barre and running. She also enjoys giving thrifted clothes a good second (or third or fourth) home, and being with her chosen family and friends. In addition, Ellie  strives to keep a consistent meditation and mindfulness practice, including embodiment practices, all of which support her in her Doula work. 

 

Each time Ellie learns a new (evidence-based!) fact about about the birthing experience and the human body, she can hardly contain her excitement.