Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy McAfee.
Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion for nurturing young children and families. My favorite toys were baby dolls. Prior to birth work, I held a career for many years as an Ealy childhood educator. My experience surviving the deep isolation of postpartum depression inspired me to explore birth work as a potential career path. During the training and certification process the role of a Postpartum doula deeply resonated with me. Providing families sacred postpartum support emerged organically and spontaneously.
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?
NO the road has not been smooth. Finding work life balance as a wife, mother and entrepreneur remains a challenge. The occupational hazards of compassion fatigue, burn out, economic stains and mounting admin tasks are also brutal blows to this small business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time postpartum doula providing in home support services during the day. I help families heal, adjust and thrive in the fourth trimester. My in-home support services include, newborn care, newborn care education, sibling care, infant feeding support, emotional support, isolation relief, light housekeeping tasks, lactation support, meal prep, meal service, facilitation of rest, errand running, administering herbal teas for bathing or for drinking.
It is within my scope of practice to provide postpartum support from birth to one year. However, my primary focus is supporting families within the first few weeks and months after birth. Each postpartum doula has their own unique brand of support. A postpartum doula’s brand of support includes special trainings/certifications or other such areas of non-medical expertise. I specialize in providing emotional support and coping skills. This focus is most useful to parents at high risk for experiencing perinatal mental health conditions. The level of care I provide to families is what sets me apart in this line of work. Every family I support can expect customized, holistic, attentive, non-judgmental, collaborative care. I’m proud to offer support that is deeply rooted in empowerment while remaining informed in the latest evidence-based practices.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Expecting families should know that the support of a birthworker is not a luxury service. Birth doulas and postpartum doulas create optimal birth outcomes. Don’t underestimate the value of having a great support system.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joythevillagedoula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy_the_doula/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joythedoula
