Biography:

I am proudly Kriola-Chapina from Dorchester! As an aspiring Obstetrics and Gynecology physician, I am passionate about improving birth outcomes and experiences for families from underserved communities and historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The root of my practice is creating a birthing atmosphere that is empowering and fosters advocacy so that we can center the birthing person's wishes and intuition during the birthing process and the postpartum period. Being a doula is an important step on my journey to becoming a medical doctor. I am devoted to this experience because of how much I believe in the value of doula work and the importance of doulas in the care team.

Why did you become a doula?

Birth has always been made possible by community. Doula work saves lives and allows people to take the reins over their birthing and postpartum experience. Doula work is pivotal in the fight to improve reproductive outcomes for Black and Brown people. My hope in becoming a doula is that I can support families who may not have otherwise had access to additional support in the various stages of their reproductive course by providing accessible, culturally and linguistically concordant services. The emotional and physical support and advocacy from doulas can completely change an experience for someone. Doulas are a resource that should not only be reserved for those from privileged backgrounds but also extended to the masses to help families carry the weight that comes with all the reproductive events someone can experience throughout their life.

What is your personal connection to birth/family/community?

As an only child, I have always had a fascination with pregnancy and babies. When my aunt, who helped raise me, became pregnant with my little cousin in 2017, I remember being so excited to be a part of the experience with her as she navigated bringing her first child into the world after losing her son to a stillbirth in 2002. Being a part of her support as she navigated having a higher-risk pregnancy only further affirmed this fascination with caring for people in pregnancy. This connection to birthwork has felt very spiritual and deeply personal for me, in a way I could not describe, until I found out that my family has a history of birthwork. My great-grandmother was a midwife in colonized Cabo Verde, helping women in our community deliver their babies at home. After learning this, it confirmed that caring for people in pregnancy was something that was truly in my blood!

What is your philosophy of doula care?

Reproductive health and wellness have been so stigmatized throughout history. My goal is to encourage open and comfortable conversation around intimate topics. Being informed is powerful and allows us to make hard choices with greater ease. As a doula, I am here to help answer your questions with evidence-backed information and help you navigate potential solutions so you can make the best decision for you and your baby. I also believe pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period have been designed to be experienced in community. Not everyone has the privilege to have a community or a large one to lean on at this time. My personal belief is that doula work is meant to fill a gap that may exist so that people have an advocate, educator, and warm presence to be part of their community in this special and monumental period in their lives.

Who is your ideal client?

Anyone who is seeking compassionate, light-hearted support for their pregnancy and postpartum period and is willing to work with a passionate new doula!