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 Jessica Jimenez: I am a queer-identified postpartum doula taking clients in the Los Angeles area. DONA trained in New York by Jackie Kelleher, the woman who literally wrote the book on postpartum doula support. I am a trained and certified educator with a degree in Art Education, which is an awesome background to have as a doula because I have tons of teaching tools paired with a creative practice. Born to help others, you will usually find me mentoring, training, and educating outside of working with clients. Website: www.losangelestribe.com
What inspired you to become a doula?
Why I became a doula is two parts. One part, because I loved working with families as an educator. However, as an educator, there was already so much history to each child and family before I met them. I wanted to be there at the beginning of a family to help them have an amazing start. The second part is because there are gaps in the care new families receive and I have seen, in my friends and family, how those gaps can negatively affect the development of parents and children. I am a born nurturer and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my life than to fill those gaps of care to provide families with a lifeline at such a vulnerable time.
Why do you identify with the term radical doula?
I am a radical doula because I advocate for change. I stand up and educate when I see unfair treatment. I am a radical doula because I live to be the change I want to see in the world.
What is your favorite thing about being a doula?
The best thing about being a doula is serving my clients. Lifting their spirits, cheering them on, lightening their load, teaching them new skills, being a calm presence, hearing their stories, building their confidence. I am happy as a human when I can help others to thrive. I mean, what’s not to love about being a doula?
If you could change one thing about the experience of pregnancy and birth, what would it be?
I would change the blanket-style care in birth and postpartum. I would change the typical way people are treated in the same way no matter their personal preferences, fears, or identity. This method of care undermines parents and can strip them of their confidence to birth and parent the way they know they will be most successful. I want to see more personal, individualized care.
Radical Doula 