As I’ve mentioned before, I am blessed to know some amazing women- one of whom is Lisa Gendron. I first heard about Lisa being a doula from a friend, and then at a Doulas of Rhode Island (DoRI) event. I fell in love with her almost ethereal demeanor. We met, her pregnant belly and mine, talking across my dining room table, and though we decided (mutually) that it would be a bad idea to work together- we were due with our baby girls at the same time(!), we remained in touch.
With (now) three beautiful children, and our girls being SO close in age, I’ve found myself looking to Lisa for inspiration and advice- not just because she’s a wonder about all things birth, but because she is the kind of mother I aspire to be. Lisa approaches life with an artistic and loving eye, but is also level-headed, educated and passionate about her convictions. One of which is birth. Yes, she’s passionate about birth… all things birth!
I am fortunate enough to get to play with newborn babies and assist Lisa with her beautiful photography (she even makes me look pretty good!), but more than that, I loved asking her a few questions about her doula services and what being a doula means to her.
What does “doula” mean to you?
At the heart of being a Doula is a deep reverence for birthing, women and people, partners, babies and birth. To be a Doula means to be willing to suspend any prejudice, preconceived notions about how things should be and what choices people should make. My practice is rooted in the deep understanding that each person has a unique path that they will find. I cultivate the willingness to sit with each birthing person with compassion and respect for their individuality, choices, and needs. This support holds space for families to find their own meaning in the process.
What’s your specialty and why did you enter that niche?
I wouldn’t say I have a specialty per se, but I have a deep investment in the homebirth community in Rhode Island. After giving birth at home two times myself, working with the Rhode Island Birth Network supporting birth choices in Rhode Island, and co-founding the Rhode Island Homebirth Collective, I can say that helping families find the birth environment that feels best for them is a deeply important part of my practice.
How many births have you attended?
I can definitely say that I’ve attended dozens of births, but I actually decided to stop counting. I recognized that fixating on the number of births I had attended started to feel like I was putting notches on my bedpost. To me this did not feel aligned with my mission as a doula. The more births I attend, the more I feel humbled knowing that there is always something to learn.
Favorite/most anticipated moment about birth… besides the baby!
My favorite moment and birth isn’t actually the emergence of the baby at all. Of course that is an amazing moment for families and a completely unparalleled personal moment of joy and glory, but my favorite moment is actually the process that happens when the birthing woman or person has hit the wall, and they don’t think they can go any further, and they do- They do. It’s not a moment but more shift inside the woman or birthing person. It’s a transformation of will and consciousness. It’s something more profound than I can describe fully, I am in awe of it every time. It’s love.
Hardest part of your work?
The hardest part of my work is probably watching people suffer. Often there is suffering in birth, even in a beautiful empowered birth with providers that are wonderful and great support. As in life, suffering in birth is complex. It can be physical pain, the awakening of old trauma- many things. In birth a woman must face herself. The beauty of it is that suffering can be transcendent. Although it is painful to watch, I’m not afraid of this. I understand that birth, motherhood, and life invite us to learn from suffering. A doula offers her love, understanding and compassion to a woman who works to confront herself in birth. In the process there is unbearable pain, and unbelievable joy.
… and the most rewarding?
The Mamatoto- the unity of mother/ baby the perfect dyad. In surrogacy or birth where the mother gives her baby to a family that longs to love him/her, the selflessness of life giving and birthing.
A few words that you feel describe motherhood?
Motherhood: it’s raw, it’s exquisitely beautiful, it’s the most difficult thing I have ever lived- it’s the sublime.
What areas do you serve in RI/MA/CT?
All of Rhode Island Southern Massachusetts up to the Boston area and parts on the Connecticut border
Your hope for the future of your profession?
My hope is that every birthing person has a Doula. I suppose that means our profession must grow profoundly- that’s what I hope more than anything.
Your services are listed on your website and I know you’re always open to emails and messages! Is there anything else you want to add?
I provide sliding scale for families. I do not want financial restrictions to prohibit families from having a Doula. This is a social justice issue!
Want to know more about Lisa? Please visit her on Facebook and the web for Photography and Birth!
Wonderful interview…wish I had this option in my birthing journies!
I was so easy, though! 😉
martinkadelux recently posted…Agroterra Birth… RI Doula
I learned so much here. I delivered via a traditional OB/GYN and I was happy with my choice. I think we all have to do what is going to make us the most comfortable.
I have an OB, too! Doulas aren’t docs- they just help the mama in labor. I loved our team… then again I was in labor for 36 hours and think that they helped me stay out of the OR. I truly credit their ability to keep me calm!
martinkadelux recently posted…Survival of the Fittest
Lisa is truly a remarkable women. She is selfless when it comes to helping others. I consider myself blessed to know her. If I were pregnant, one of my first phone calls would be to her- having her as a support at your birth would be enormously helpful.
I totally agree, Janet!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Great post – I’ve always wondered about doulas since so many people talk about them.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP recently posted…Mamas & Papas Armadillo Stroller Review
I’m so glad that there is more awareness about doulas!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I have always wanted a more natural birth, and found that a Doula would greatly ease my comfort in asking for things that are not so traditional these modern days. Thanks for the better understanding in the services and support!
I’m happy that you’ve been able to find someone to help you have a birth experience more like what you wanted!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Love her description of motherhood. It is so very true.
Julie recently posted…DIY Cornered Tablecloth Tutorial (One-Hour Project!)
Yes!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
This is a very rewarding job I’m sure. I love how she puts her vision on motherhood. VERY true!
Jenn recently posted…Bathroom Cleaning Spots That Often Get Missed
She’s amazing… and that’s an understatement.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
After a very rough birth, I decided to become a doula. I love the idea that I could help give women the chance to have the birth that I wasn’t able to have.
Stefany recently posted…Pasta dishes for every night of the month!
That is amazing, Stefany! You are a warrior for those mamas!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Lisa sounds like a great doula, very passionate about her career. Her photography is beautiful too!
Pam recently posted…Helping My Daughter #Getashot At Life!
She is truly a talented woman- in so many ways.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Great interview! I wished I could have used a doula myself; but I didn’t know enough back them to even look for one. I think it definitely would have made my experience much more positive.
Amber Edwards recently posted…DIY Jewelry Holder from a Repurposed serving tray
I hope that you could have had a more positive experience, too!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Great interview! I wished I could have used a doula myself; but I didn’t know enough back them to even look for one. I think it definitely would have made my experience much more positive.
Amber Edwards recently posted…DIY Jewelry Holder from a Repurposed serving tray
I absolutely LOVE the photo and enjoyed hearing about the birth experience through a doula’s eyes. My sister-in-law had a doula and she had a wonderful experience. Both of my children were high risk pregnancies, so I was unable to explore my options. That was 20 years ago and it would probably be different today. 🙂
Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor) recently posted…Vera Badley Back-to-School Sale!
I am high risk, too, so no midwife for me. Without a doula, I know I would have been pressured into a c-section. I love that doulas give such a voice to their clients when there are so few people surrounding women who will.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
It would be so hard to watch other suffer, don’t we wish all had happy endings?! Thanks for the peek into the life of a doula!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Back to School for the Twins Plus One
I think, for me, having a doula makes the pain more like an experience of birth and less like a “pain” per se. I do know that being a doula is certainly not for the faint of heart!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Lisa sounds like a wonderful Doula and photographer! Her photography work from what I’ve seen is amazing!
Trisha recently posted…Comment on A Florida-Style Tailgate in NYC with Florida Orange Juice! #OJTailgate #MC #Sponsored by Nancy Lustri (StyleDecor)
Her talents are neverending! 🙂
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
That is just awesome. She sounds like an amazing woman. I had a Doula for my first birth and it was great!
That’s so great to hear!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Wow, I love her mentality of the entire process. It’s amazing to know that it’s that shift of pushing past perceived limits that really impresses her.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs recently posted…2014 Toyota 4Runner Review – For the Outdoor Enthusiasts
Her view on birth is, I think, her clients best asset in her. She’s so strong in those hard moments.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Wow I love the interview. I wish I had known about doulas when I was having babies.
Debi recently posted…Best Description of Marriage I’ve Ever Seen and my 2 Cents
I hope you still had wonderful birth experiences.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
Great interview! Wow what an amazing job, to bring a new life into the world.
Amanda recently posted…Back To School Shopping with Target: How To Choose The Perfect Picture Day Outfit #BTSwithTarget
I know, right? Such an experience!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
What a great interview. She sounds super qualified and a great person to deliver your baby.
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Construct And Play With eitech Construction Sets + Giveaway
Doulas are just there for support- they don’t birth- but I wish Lisa was a midwife! She’s so amazing!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
What a great interview. I love learning about the people behind the professions. Very cool.
Jennifer recently posted…Slow Cooker Recipes for Perfect Pasta Dishes
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I love this! I find the whole Doula concept very interesting. It was nice to learn a little about it.
Stacey – Seattle Mom Blog recently posted…Cooking with Kids Plus How to Create Great Videos #BensBeginners
I’m glad that it’s spreading information. I love doing this series. All of these local doulas are amazing women. I truly love them and all of the things they do for birth and birthing mothers.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I really love this interview. I’m very intrigued by the idea of a doula. It’s very spiritual.
Dawn recently posted…Homemaking Hacks: 10 Things to Do with Dish Soap Besides Wash Dishes
It really is.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I find the whole doula thing very cool. I wish I’d one when I was pregnant. My family was super supportive and helpful, but there are some things that only a doula can help with.
Courtney recently posted…Walgreens Race Around America + $25 Gift Card Giveaway! #RaceAroundAmerica
I have to agree. I love that my doula is there for me, and doesn’t have a familial connection to my experience.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
This interview was so much fun. I love learning new things, and doulas are very cool, indeed!
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy recently posted…European Cities on the Water #familytravel
Be sure to check out some of the other doulas I’ve interviewed!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I did not have a doula for either of my births. I always thought about it though. I will say my midwife was absolutely wonderful! Some of what you wrote reminds me of her.
Jenn Park recently posted…Keeping Kids Safe Online with Kids Email
That is so great! I wish I could have a midwife, but I cannot find a midwife that will take a high risk pregnancy.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
i have so many friends who had some amazing experiences with a doula. i wasn’t able to have one but would do it in a heartbeat.
That is great to hear! I hope you can have a doula if you choose, should you have another opportunity!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I wish I would have had the option of a doula. My doctor never mentioned it being a possibility and at the age I got pregnant with my first (23 and married) Iit just didn’t cross my mind.
Sofia recently posted…Smile bright with Smile Brilliant teeth whitening trays
My doctor with my first was not a fan of me having one (I switched practices for this child)- I’m thankful that I live in such an awesome community that has SO much birth information in it!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I wish I would’ve been able to have a doula when I was pregnant. I love those photos so beautiful
Tess recently posted…Affordable eDecor Series: Small home office
Lisa’s an amazing photographer!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
There was not a lot of information about doulas available when I was pregnant. I would certainly have used a doula. I think they offer an incredible service and are a fantastic support for the mother.
It really is. I hope that there is more awareness made to mamas to be about doulas and their services.
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
I like this picture of you pregnant, great shot! I think the idea of a doula is great.
Stefani Tolson recently posted…Sloppy Joe Panini Sandwich With #Manwich
Thanks, mama. Lisa really captured the moment beautifully!
martinkadelux recently posted…Flying Around #travel
This is such an amazing article. I’m so in awe of doulas I recently gave birth to my baby girl and I’m so grateful that I had my doula at the birth. Her help was imperative.
Whitney recently posted…A-Z guide: All About Doulas
I think a doula is the most important person at a birth besides the mom 🙂