Claudia has always been a caregiver at heart. From her well over 10 years as a nurse to supporting family members and friends through pregnancy, her path to becoming a doula seemed almost inevitable, though she didn’t realize it at first.

“The Doula seed was planted for me through my own birth story. As a first-time mom, I lacked knowledge and support. I did not have anyone at my side, educating me throughout the pregnancy, nor did I have anyone in the delivery room advocating for me, which led to me having a cesarean. Then, fast forward to a few years ago, a family friend told me about the doula training, and that’s when I realized that my experience is what was silently driving me towards being a support to friends and family. I guess I was interested without even knowing it and became the doula I needed as a pregnant person,” she says.

Now balancing a full-time administrative job with weekend nursing shifts, Claudia dedicates herself to helping expectant mothers, especially those facing substance abuse challenges. She has expanded her work to include pregnant people with HIV, helping them with their lactation journey, as current guidelines allow chest/breastfeeding if their viral load is undetectable.

Her first experience as a doula was nerve-wracking, but with guidance from a mentor, she quickly learned how to provide effective support during labor.

“Each birth teaches me something new,” she explains. “Even when things don’t go as planned.”

For Claudia, the most rewarding moment is when the baby is born, and the parents experience those first precious moments together. She focuses on building trust with her clients, tailoring her approach to their needs and preferences, and using techniques like pain diversion to enhance their comfort.

Yet, the job isn’t without challenges. Claudia has witnessed hospitals pressuring mothers into accepting interventions that go against their birth plans, as they did with her pregnancy. She believes every facility should have 24/7 doula support and lactation consultants to better assist mothers, especially in underserved communities.

She has also observed disparities in healthcare. “One of my clients was treated differently depending on whether her white husband was in the room,” she recalls. As a nurse, she has seen how patients of color often face longer wait times and receive less attentive care.

Despite these challenges, Claudia remains hopeful. She sees a growing appreciation for doulas in medical settings, as they help ease the workload of nurses and doctors.

Looking ahead, she hopes doula services will be covered by all insurance providers and recommended by OBGYNs as a standard part of prenatal and postpartum care.

“I want every mother to have the birth experience they dream of,” she says. “I can’t promise perfection, but I can promise support.”

Stand with Southern Birth Justice Network as we continue to demand dignity, equity, and safety for all birthing people by joining the Florida Statewide Birth Justice Coalition. Help us amplify the Birth Justice Bill of Rights—a powerful declaration affirming every person’s right to respectful, culturally affirming, and empowering care. Be sure to explore and share the Maternal Health Guide, a critical tool created to educate, inform, and protect our communities.

Together, we can build a future where all births are just and all families thrive.