Support This Doula's Journey Into Midwifery

Hi there,

My name is Xenna - for some of you, I am the birth doula who supported you prenatally + throughout labor. For others, I was the postpartum doula who traversed alongside your transition into parenthood. Maybe I was both. And for many still, I am the friend you could turn to when you needed advice, a laugh or a cry.

Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to my work as a doula for families in the Austin area. And now, I am ready to begin my newest chapter as a Midwifery student. While the journey of training will be in-depth and arduous, I feel so much excitement and eagerness to begin. I look forward to providing full prenatal support to growing families in our community in the future. But I need your help.

Your contribution to my education will go towards the following:

While the practice of Midwifery has been a part of bringing life into this world for centuries, there is an unfortunate history of racism tangled within this profession. I urge you to watch this video and further educate yourself on that history. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpf_pQLDS18)

Your contribution will bring our community closer to Reproductive Justice for all birthing people as they navigate their health outside of the Medical Industrial Complex. This is the piece that was most important to me as I began my practice as a doula, and what has propelled me forwards towards midwifery; As I continued to move deeper into the work, I understood that I had an important job, as an advocate for reproductive justice and bodily autonomy.

Being a person of color, I felt my place in this community would be to provide a safe space during pivotal moments of surrender. I know that it creates a shared sense of peace when a child and a parent are born into a space that honors not only their voices, but also their bodies. And that that peace could ripple further out into our communities. This is my hope as a midwife, to build relationships with growing families that cultivate a sense of safety, love and respect. I know that a midwife is an integral part of any community. My desire to continue on this path is to ensure access to culturally competent, trauma-informed, respectful care for all birthing bodies.

Thank you for your contribution.

Find me + follow me @bornandraisedfamilyhealth on IG