Asian-American Ana Schecthman shares why she chose Janel to be part of her Aisan-American birth team
Janel was my doula during the birth of my daughter in July 2022. I reached out to Janel in late 2021 when I was looking for a doula to support both me and my husband before, during, and after my delivery. Specifically, it was very important for me to find a doula who was Asian-American/Filipina – one who would be a research-based birth advocate in the hospital, culturally attuned to the nuances between American and Asian beliefs around birth, and deeply supportive of both the birthing and non-birthing partner. Above all, someone who would feel like family or close friend during an important time in our lives.
I found Janel’s profile on Asian Birth Collective and I’m thrilled to say that she fit the criteria I listed above and more. Before the birth, Janel was patient and answered all our questions about delivery and interventions we would encounter as first-time parents. She came to us with birth plan options backed by research – never with any pressure to choose one option over another – as well as personal anecdotal experiences of birthing people she has supported in the past. We also received follow up emails that helped us do our own research to choose the plan that was right for us.
Personally, it was important to me to have someone in the room that had a shared cultural experience so I specifically sought out someone who understood my background and whom my Filipino family would be comfortable with. The shorthand in which Janel understood me and my train of thought coupled with more lighthearted moments about Filipino quirks made me feel at ease
Even during my delivery in which nothing went according to plan, I felt empowered about every decision I made in what would have otherwise been an overwhelming situation. As an Asian woman, the natural inclination is just to “go along” and not waste people’s time by asking any more questions than necessary. But Janel helped us feel like all questions were answered and empowered me to take up as much room, time and space that I felt I needed to feel good. Her presence was a great mix of deep care, empathy, and knowledge that both my husband and I needed during some very difficult points in the process. I felt like I had a sister that just happened to be really good at this “birth thing” in the room with me. In short, Janel is a compassionate, caring, and deeply knowledgeable doula who was absolutely vital to my birth journey. I wholeheartedly recommend her.