BIRTH DOULA
Hi my name is Erika. I am originally from Peru, but Athens became the place that I call home in October, 2005. I married my high school sweetheart in February, 2009 and we are blessed to have two kids- Daniela (November, 2011) & Lucas (January, 2019). After arriving in Athens, I graduated from Clarke Central High School (May, 2008). I have had the opportunity to work different roles within the Clarke County School District since July, 2010. I have always taken positions where I could best serve the people who need help the most. I love to listen to music, dance, drink coffee, and treat myself to the occasional milkshake from Chick-fil-A.
Why Birth Work?
Before having kids, I didn’t value or understand the importance of having a support system during pregnancy and postpartum. After my first pregnancy, I realized that women, myself included, did not always get the necessary support, information and resources from their healthcare providers. We are groomed to think that the doctors are ALWAYS doing what is best for us, when there may be other options to consider. I did not feel satisfied with this treatment and was left wanting more understanding and empowerment for myself and for my fellow women. In the midst of it all, my passion for birth work and empowering/advocating for women and their families, reignited!
Becoming a Doula has allowed me to return power to women, have more involvement in a mothers personal experience and enhance the first moments of that new relationship. My goal is for mothers to remember their birth, not as painful or dreadful, but as a moment where they took charge of their body and made the best, educated decisions for themselves, their baby and family. I will be by the mother’s side throughout the entire process, providing them with the tools that are needed for them to be the one leading the birth.
