top of page

Wholesome Beginnings

 

My goal is to educate, strengthen, and help empower families to make informed decisions.  Having support and guidance is vital during the journey to parenthood, especially for black and brown families. It is a blessing and a privilege to serve families during this intimate period in your life. 

Meet Vanessa

bench photo.jpg

​

I have spoken with moms groups, yoga training students, perinatal counseling interns, and have been featured on 2 podcasts about the benefits of having a doula. 

​

I collaborated in planning the Annual DMV Perinatal Mental Health Symposium in 2020 & 2021. 

​

In 2019, I co-presented on behalf of the DC Breastfeeding Coalition at the United States Breastfeeding Committee's National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening.

Trainings

  • Perinatal Community Health Worker, 2015

  • Perinatal Mood Disorders/Anxiety, 2017

  • Certified Lactation Counselor, 2018

  • Facilitated Attunement Interactions, 2018

  • Growing Great Kids, 2018

  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL), 2021

  • Spinning Babies, 2021

​

I have been fascinated by birth since I was a teenager. I attended my first birth in 2013 with the birth of my baby cousin, Parker. Baby Parker's birth sparked my path supporting families during birth and postpartum. At that time I had no idea what a doula was, though I fulfilled that role throughout my cousin's pregnancy and birth. Parker's birth let me know things are not coincidence; it was preparation for my next step in my journey through life. 

​

Since 2015, I have served clients as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. In 2021, I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I have served 45 clients having vaginal births after caesarean (VBAC)  planned/unplanned C-sections, vaginal medicated and unmedicated births. 

 

I hold a Bachelors degree in Public Health. I am a member of The DC Breastfeeding Coalition. My previous experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Domestic Violence Advocate has taught me how to provide support to folks during stressful or challenging times. 

 

I enjoy reading, corny jokes, traveling and spending time with my family and friends. I am a DC transplant arriving here in 2014 I am a Midwest girl, born and raised in Michigan. 

 

 

Pronouns: She/Her

 

To see Vanessa's availability and client reviews

​

​

​

​

bottom of page