Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Land.
Hi Morgan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Becoming a doula was never on my radar… for a VERY important reason… I have a FEAR of BLOOD! (yes, I know, I know… you can’t avoid blood in the birth world!)
I went to school for nutrition which lead me to the chiropractic world which I have been a chiropractic assistant for over 10 years. During my time in a chiropractic office I did a lot of education around preconception, pregnancy, labor birth, and postpartum. Patients could tell I was passionate and the conversations usually ended with “You should be a doula!” or “Will you be my doula?”
Long story short, God made it very clear I needed to pursue being a doula, I said yes (reluctantly), enrolled into a doula certification, and shortly after started to attend births as a doula.
I recently had my first year of attending births with supporting 15 vaginal births, 3 csections, 2 virtual supports, and attending a few births stepping in as a “back up” doula.
Oh and about that fear of blood… when it comes to the birth space, I’m totally fine with it. Yes, this is coming from the girl whose first memory of the school nurse is when I threw up from someone cutting their finger, sitting out in the hallway during many health class lessons, to still avoiding ketchup in her adult life and not being able to handle blood in any other context other than birth… God is good!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would not say it’s been a smooth road but I will say it has been natural organic growth in all areas. One of the biggest struggles is learning the “balance” of being a mama, full time team member at Healing STL (yes, I am still a chiropractic assistant) and part- time doula with a full time work ethic. Babies come when they want, and the on call life mixed with what is usually overnight marathon births can have it’s challenges when it comes to personal life, organizing a game plan for my son and chiro office. Add in the educational side of being a doula and that there is ALWAYS something new to learn or enhance my skillset in and sprinkle in the business side of things.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a holistic faith based doula specializing in preconception to postpartum my ultimate desire is for couples to understand the importance of preconception/fertility work. Allowing our bodies adequate time to ensure egg and sperm quality are top notch has so many benefits for all involved, including the health of the future baby.
My pregnancy support is all encompassing focusing on supporting mama mentally, physically, and emotionally. My program is tailored to stay ahead of the curve and educate both parents of upcoming tests, screenings, and pregnancy milestones. We are proactive instead of reactive the entire pregnancy including preparing for a natural, unmedicated, physiological birth. My main goal is to prepare dad for labor and birth as he is the best doula for a mama. I want to make sure he feels confident in understanding the stages of labor and how to appropriately support.
During labor and birth my number one role is to advocate for mama and dad’s birth preferences and support any way needed. I believe a mama intuitively knows how to birth her baby well. It’s not about telling her what to do (though I can in situations needed) but protecting her space and allowing her to birth the way she needs, mama’s the guide and I support her, dad, and the process along the way.
With all my clients, I make it clear that this is not typical birth support but my goal is to create a trusting relationship during preconception or pregnancy (depending on what stage clients come to me) to lead into a calm and beautiful birth and beyond! I believe everyone needs a doula, regardless of the type of birth they choose, but I know I’m not the right doula for everyone!
For both my clients and those who are under care with another doula, I co teach The Natural Birth Course along side of Dr. Tyler McNeil, which is a 5 week holistically focused course. I also offer virtual services for those who are not local.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Not shying away from the fact that I love Jesus and know God has called me to this work is incredibly freeing. This is always my foundation and from there it allows me to be transparent and just “real” which I find many parents value.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thenestingcollab
