This is a series highlighting folks who identify as Radical Doulas. Are you interested in being part of the series? Go here to provide your responses to the profile questions and I’ll include you!
About Ursula: Ursula Sabia Sukinik is not only a certified childbirth educator, but is also a birth doula, a birth assistant, and mother of two teenage boys. Known for her easy laughter, radiant energy and knowledge of the birthing woman; to say that she is an inspiration is an understatement. She is a true believer in honoring women’s bodies and the natural process, Ursula not only inspires her clients to better understand how choices affect well being, but she takes the mind-body connection to a whole new level with her practice as a birth worker. Ursula has personally worked with thousands of women during the birthing process. With this passion she owns and runs Birth You Desire where you can find a list of childbirth classes, TENS rentals, workshops and speaking engagements in the DC Metro area as well as choose a doula to support you at your birth. Learn more about Ursula and her team at BirthYouDesire.com.
What inspired you to become a doula?
I have always been passionate about women’s choices and rights. When pregnant I searched out collaborative midwife program that allow for me to have a potentially high risk pregnancy in a low risk way. Through this process a desire to do birth work was inspired. But it was at my first solo birth as a doula that I was called to birth work. I was the only person in the small bathroom during a sudden precipitous birth. Catching baby Cole was for me a pivotal point where I was blessed to be given the honor of catching him and witnessing his mother in her full power. At that moment, I knew I had found my life’s work.
Why do you identify with the term radical doula?
For me birth activism is about working to improve the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences of those who are challenged to have positive outcomes. All births and outcomes needs to be supported from loss to rainbow births, from natural to cesarean deliveries, low risk to high risk, and traditional to LGBT. For needs outside of our scope, Birth You Desire works in partnership with many providers so that their clients get the best possible personal care. Our partners include Metropolitan Breastfeeding to support and induce lactation in both LGBT mothers.
What is your doula philosophy and how does it fit into your broader political beliefs?
Birth You Desire’s mission is to support, educate and inspire women on their personal birth journeys. Our doulas will support each family with personalized one-on-one care. No matter what the woman’s journey is, no matter where she is coming from or going, we will support her in the way she desires. Birthing can be a personal special event no matter the location.
What is your favorite thing about being a doula?
My favorite moment at the birth, for the mother, is when she finds her personal power and births her baby. My favorite moment to watch is the first time the partner looks at their baby. The moment on awareness of unconditional love in their face is very powerful.
If you could change one thing about the experience of pregnancy and birth, what would it be?
I wish that quality evidence-based informational support could be available to everyone. That mother’s could know their choices before being made to make a decision. And all families can be supported, educated and inspired to have the best possible outcome for themselves with out judgement.
Radical Doula 