Janay’s Approach to Doula Work

From a young age, Janay had a genuine fear and intense curiosity about childbirth. She found herself in this position after listening to the many traumatic birth stories the women in her family had shared during her childhood. In 2012 Janay was invited to support 2 different pregnant family members during their upcoming birth experiences. Attending both births within 24 hours of each other forced Janay to reassess how she felt about this amazing and scary time.

Janay has spent years researching Black women’s birth mortality rate to understand the traumatic stories from the generations before her. While studying, she held space and coached more family and friends through their birth experiences. After careful consideration, she enrolled in a DONA International Birth Doula Workshop and 6-month mentorship with Portland Doula Love. She has been honored to support the births of various women, such as low-risk pregnancies and high-risk pregnancies, PTSD, maternal medical conditions, VBACs, and cesarean deliveries.

Janay’s primary goal when supporting families is healthy parents and babies! She is passionate about holding a sacred space for birthing individuals, partners, and their support team through the birth journey. She provides an unbiased, faith-based, heart-centered - holistic approach: Health and wellness coaching, pregnancy fitness (Prenatal Yoga and Pilates), and evidence-based childbirth education to empower birthing individuals to have the confidence to trust their bodies and advocate for themselves.

Janay’s Background

As a newbie to the Emerald City, Janay enjoys living a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. She loves traveling and exploring plant-based or multicultural restaurants and traditions—dancing, writing poetry, and grounding in mother nature during a run, hike, or a soulful yoga flow. Before relocating to PNW, she lived in Pasadena, CA, where she studied holistic nutrition, psychology, yin yoga, and interior design.

Janay currently volunteers at Virginia Mason Birth Center in Tacoma as a Birth Doula, and in April 2023, she volunteered with the Rebuilding Together Seattle annual home renovation project. You will always find her with a good book, hanging out with loved ones, or jamming to soul music.