Today we’d like to introduce you to Aly Romot.
Hi Aly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I found my passion in birth work after my first birth experience in 2016. I took HypnoBirthing and hired a doula. I had a positive and empowering birth experience. Yet, I had so many friends who did not. They had trauma, felt like they failed, and ended up in the OR. I realized the difference was preparation and support. I felt so strongly about access to education and doula support. When I got pregnant with my second daughter, I knew I was going to quit my career as a broadcast journalist and pursue my new passion. I gave birth to my second baby at home. I quit my job and launched Mind Body Baby Doula. I now support pregnant people through childbirth education, doula support, and lactation support. I also work as a doula for Mount Carmel Health Systems. The program is one of the only hospital doula programs in the country that offers affordable or free doula support to the community. I’m passionate about uplifting BIPOC voices and leaders who are on the front lines of tackling the unacceptable maternal and infant mortality rate in Central Ohio.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Labor and birth is never a straight line! I walk these journey’s with parents and it’s intense. The emotional toll a doula carries is heavy. That is why many doulas are able to do this work just an average of 3-5 years. Learning to balance the emotional aspect of what I witness has been a learning experience. I’ve seen racism in the birth room, obstetrical violence and assault. I’ve had to learn how to adequately prepare parents for a hospital birth. I’ve had to learn through experience what kind of doula I am in the birth room when it comes to protecting my client’s autonomy and free will.
Another challenge with this work is the schedule! Babies are born when they are born. There is no schedule, no timeline, no calendar. I could not do this work without a supportive partner by my side.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Certified DONA Birth Doula. I’m also a HypnoBirthing Certified Educator and Certified Lactation Counselor.
I specialize in preparing parents with evidence-based birthing information. I’m passionate about preparing them for a birth in the hospital of their choice. I’m honest about the challenges and choices.
I’m probably most known for being connected to the birth workers in my community and making sure needs are met and connections are made.
I’m most proud of my clients! They all amaze me. This work isn’t about me. It’s about supporting parents as they enter a new phase of life. Each one of them amazes me as I watch them evolve through the process. I love watching the evolution of a partner. Watching them step up into a true advocacy role and birth companion warms my soul. My goal is to always prepare the parents enough that they could absolutely handle things without my presence.
I’m also proud of helping bring the doula community together with local leaders from the city of Columbus to expand doula service to pregnant people who need support but can’t afford it. The doula community has stepped up and helped serve marginalized communities.
My background in journalism sets me apart from other birth workers. I’m naturally curious and enjoy evidence-based care. I’m comfortable in an advocacy role and challenging the medical industrial complex.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Right now, doula work is not regulated by the state. This could change as there have been several bills trying to regulate this support.
I see doula support continue to grow in popularity over the next decade. Doula support is nothing new. We are seeing a trend back to informed birth and doula support goes hand-in-hand with that trend.
Pricing:
- $850 – $1200 for doula support
Contact Info:
- Email: alyromot@gmail.com
- Website: www.mindbodybabycolumbus.com
- Instagram: @mindbodybaby_columbus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindBodyBabyColumbus/
- Twitter: @HypnoBirthCbus
