What is a Doula?

 

 

Hello, I'm Lucy, also known as That Haitian Healer. My journey into this profession was unexpected, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I've always been a passionate advocate for women in my community, especially when it comes to receiving proper medical care. After losing my mother, I became acutely aware of the challenges we faced as a community because it was now hitting home.

Since I was a child, my mother taught me the importance of herbal baths and the body's natural healing process. Little did I know that herbal baths would become a part of my spiritual business, Rue & Dagger. My mother would instruct me on how to gather leaves from our own backyard, so that they could be used to brew teas and used for healing baths. 

The inequalities that African American women and people of color face are deeply troubling. The story of women who have tragically lost their lives pre and post childbirth due to complications is one story we are hearing way too often. This issue has a personal significance for me and now I am answering the call and fulfilling my purpose by being involved in the birthing field to advocate for my sisters and to support them.

Through my work, study, and my mothers teachings, I have learned the importance of herbs, herbal baths, and other traditional remedies, which I incorporate into my daily practice. My desire to assist my community, particularly those struggling during childbirth and postpartum, stemmed from the recognition that many Black women were not being seen and heard during pre and post pregnancy. I recognized a gap that needed to be filled, which led me to explore ways to support these women. 

One of the methods I use is incorporating indigenous practices such as Bain Fey which is an herbal bath that has been done in the Haitian culture for hundreds of years. This bath primarily focuses on the after birth care which is also called the postpartum period. This bath not only helps to soothe the aches and pains that were felt during child labor, but also renew and revitalize the mind, body and spirit. 

We are currently seeking to work with families in the Atlanta area who is in need of a doula. Please note that these services are free and in return you get to help me complete my hours to become certified. Let me show your family the support, love and compassion that you will need during these beautiful and ever changing times. 

Please reach out to me via e-mail at thathaitianhealer@gmail.com for inquiries regarding our postpartum baths and our doula services.