Biography: My name is Irva, and I am a Haitian American doula fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole. I am dedicated to supporting birthing families, especially Haitian immigrants through education, emotional, and physical encouragement. I draw from my own experience as a mother, healthcare worker, and immunology-oncology researcher in women’s related cancer. My personal traumatic birth experience opened my eyes to the needs of Black birthers-- I vow to be a voice for individuals with language barriers to help them navigate the miracle of birth, by offering my trauma-informed, non- judgmental, wholehearted presence. I come from a deeply spiritual background and invite my clients to be their whole selves as they encounter the transformational journey of birth.

Why did you become a doula?: I vowed to advocate for birthing families especially Haitian with limited English oftentimes new to the system that can be frightening and confusing. I want them to feel comfortable speaking their language knowing that someone hear, see, understand them and want their birthing experience to be memorable.

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

All my clients refer to me as auntie to their babies and I love how they feel comfortable to share their stories with me and wish that my doula care never ends.

What is your philosophy of doula care?:

My philosophy of doula care listening, observing, resourcing, referring and sharing

Who is your ideal client?: My ideal client is anyone in need that I can fit in my schedule.

Areas of Specialization: Unmedicated birth, NICU families, First-time parents, High-risk pregnancy, Induction, Gestational hypertension/preeclampsia ,Gestational diabetes, Trauma-informed care, Breastfeeding, Pumping, Immigration, Community resources & referrals, Housing instability