Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaila Matthews.
Hi Kaila, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am and Birth and Postpartum Doula who is committed to increasing awareness amongst minority women around their voice and choice in their birthing experience. I believe all parents deserve to experience true wellness and safety during the 4th trimester.
I am trained in lactation support as a Lactation Counselor through the Healthy Children Project and a Lactation Education Counselor via UC San Diego. I am also a certified 200 hr YTT Yoga instructor, trained Placenta Encapsulator, trained in baby-wearing, and infant massage, a certified Spinning Babies Parent Educator, certified in Infant CPR and First Aid, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, and Perinatal Mood Disorders.
I love helping families navigate these areas as needed or find the community resources necessary. I am currently a board member for Six Twelve Sports and The Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition. When I am not running WhatTheDoula, I am serving as a Midwife Assistant at CHOICES, a non-profit in Memphis, TN offering Midwifery services covered by insurance. I just finished my first trimester of midwifery school and I’m set to have my CPM license soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anything worth having has some built-in struggles.
From funding issues to having a reserve for clients who need what I offer but can’t afford it to not having consistent space to host offerings has been a challenge. Politics and policies shifting towards honoring the work of Doulas are also creating a shadow because people expect insurance to cover us.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in lactation support, herbs, and using your body to work with the baby in labor through Spinning Babies ®️. I am one of 2 credentialed practitioners locally and pride myself on the efficacy of the body method to promote vaginal outcomes and comfort in labor.
As an LEC, I offer education classes before the baby comes or after and hands-on counseling in private or group settings. I am also an herbalist who makes and sells blends for pregnant and nonpregnant people. No other Doula in the city offers this combination.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a big energy with big ideas.
I will talk to a rock and follow it if it rolls away asking questions because I’m so curious. I was always involved in many clubs and Leadership positions and I loved volunteering. My interests were always helping people and leaving the world better than I found it.
Pricing:
- Doula services start at $1500 with payment plans available
- Yoga offerings start at $15/class and are offered weekly
- Doula training starts at $800
- Childbirth education and lactation classes start at $50
- Herbal tea blends starting at $4
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.whatthedoula.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/whatthedoula
- Facebook: Facebook.com/whatthedoula
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whatthedoula/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@whatthedoula?si=HwIfQTwKrcE44KCQ
Image Credits
Karen Jackson
