When I began training for certification to become a Full Spectrum Doula I said I would share my journey and part of my journey includes this eye opening article from BADT regarding the role of masculine Doulas in Birthwork. I really enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the three individuals that were interviewed and how each of them impacts the experience of an expectant person or couple in different ways. I specifically appreciated how a masculine point of view can be very different and more engaging for some folks and now plan to actively seek professional relationships with masculine Doulas for future projects. If you or someone you know is a masculine Birthworker or Doula in Central FL please contact me! I'd love to connect, learn, and grow together.
Below are brief introductions to the three doulas interviewed and you can find their full stories here on the Birthing Advocacy Doula Training website.
Christian A'Xavier Lovehall
In 2017, Christian became a certified doula, affectionately known as Brotha Doula. By providing doula care that is inclusive of birthing trans men, gender non-conforming and non-binary individuals, Brotha Doula offers one-of-a-kind support to those who may not have access to non-judgmental, informed and confidential doula care. He is also a Board Member of DesireeAlliance and Strategic Committee member of The Black Sex Workers Collective.
Today, Christian continues to live his life spreading a message of peace, love and liberation “by any means necessary".
Mac Brydum
Mac Brydum is a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, and Certified Lactation Educator Counselor based in Seattle, WA. Mac passionately supports diverse families, and has extensive experience working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) families welcoming a baby by birth, surrogacy, or adoption. In March 2020, Mac and his spouse welcomed their daughter Rowan to the family.
Timothy Grank aka Teddy
My name is Timothy Gant, but I go by Teddy. I am a Full Spectrum Doula and Advocate. I recently started my path but I am constantly growing every day. I first found my passion for birth work when my mother told me her birth story. Hearing her experience while having me gave me a different outlook on life. It showed me how complex, yet beautiful pregnancy and birth can be. Every person on earth starts life this way, and I wanted to be able to help as many birthers as I can have a safe and successful birth. After hearing everything she dealt with, I felt obligated to dedicate my life to helping birthers have better experiences.
Sarah Foster is a Holistic Wellness Educator and Doula that provides whole person wellness education along with Full Spectrum Doula support for all birthing peoples. This support includes providing thoughtful emotional, spiritual, and physical support before, during, and after pregnancy and pregnancy loss. If you or someone you love in interested in support let's connect! I look forward to connecting!