Well Rounded Mamas | Zhaklina

My decision to become a holistic birth doula came from 15+ years of working in the caregiving industry as a nanny alongside mothers and families after completing a bachelor’s degree with the University of Maryland in College Park for Behavioral and Health Sciences. In my time as a caregiver, through the stories women would share with me, I grew to understand that birth experiences are not black and white and there is a need for more support for mothers bringing new life into this world. As a long-time mental health advocate (and artist outside of this field), I personalize my support with mental wellness and guidance at the forefront of my philosophy. Every woman has a voice and accessing that voice can feel overwhelming when we aren’t aware of that freedom and choice. As a Christ follower, freedom of choice is something I believe every person is given. By empowering and comforting you through your journey, I am filled with deep joy when I hear women say “I did that”, “I didn’t know I could try that- let’s try it!”, and “I feel so supported.”

While so much of birth is a mental and emotional process, it is also the most physical process and challenge women tend to go through. In 2022 I was professionally trained by Harbor Birth Institute and later became fully certified through HBI in 2023. I have been practicing as a birth doula for over 3 years now and am trained to provide you with physical, emotional, resourceful, and- should you choose- spiritual support through your pregnancy, labor & delivery. 

My natural inclination is rooted in holistic medicine. While I have not yet become a mother myself, I have encountered many personal medical challenges in my life that were not resolved by modern medicine but were healed and stabilized through natural modalities. I strongly believe that the food we eat and physical activity we practice plays a huge role in our well being. I tend to see medical intervention as a “safety net” that is great in emergency situations when nothing else works but am cautious in initially utilizing those interventions without having tried natural modalities first. And yet, I maintain a deep degree of respect and compassion for those who choose- and need- differently. Your birth is not about me- it is about you and YOUR needs. I am not here to tell you what to choose but to help you feel informed about your choices so that you may make the most authentic, safe, personalized choices for you and your baby. 

Clients describe feeling “heard, prepared, and intentionally supported” by my service. Clients appreciate my “strong degree of empathy”, “calm energy” and thoughtful assertiveness in advocating with them in the birth space. Doctors and nurses often describe me as “team oriented” and appreciate my steady support. My job is not to replace your partner, nurses, doctors, etc- my role is to, when invited, be a part of your birth team and support a peaceful and supportive environment for you and your family. 

It is an honor and privilege to serve families in this precious manner. From unmedicated home births to VBAC’s, planned (& unplanned) inductions and different kinds of vaginal births in hospital settings- my support is reliable, grounded in God’s deep love and present with you in your specific details. You are not alone.