Meet Chaundra Davis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chaundra Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chaundra, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I am certified birth doula, childbirth educator and certified lactation counselor. That being said, my work is governed mostly by birth, which is unpredictable. I can’t always gauge when someone is going to go into labor, and even scheduled procedures can take an unexpected turn. When I first started, I was taking 4-5 clients a month for birth while also teaching classes. I had to adjust that when I found myself leaving in the middle of some nights and not returning for 24-28 hours. I found balance by taking more scheduled daily work, while lowering the number of birthing clients I took, to make sure I am available for my family and other interests more regularly, while still making my same financial goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been in love with the concept of family and their relationship with their children, especially their infants. That is where I got my start and have been working with families ever since. Once I decided to move into birth work, I trained and hit the ground running. My personal experience with raising a family, gives me a more approachable style of supporting families as they navigate childbirth and the postpartum period. I become part of the family. I LISTEN. Was it easy? No. The work itself can be challenging both mentally and physically. But finding the right balance has been the key to my success thus far. Doula burnout is a real phenomenon and learning to avoid that allows for greater longevity and flexibility. Also, I know my worth. My brand is simply this, personalized care and support for all birthing people, in all situations, without judgement. Everyone deserves that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Any week long trip with me involved would be centered around food and music (my other profession is singer)
So meals at Kitchen Social, Mad Greek, the food halls like Budd Dairy and North Market. Karaoke singing anywhere we can find. Hopefully they are visiting during festival time so we can hear some live music. Topped off my enjoying a set at Ginger Rabbit on a night I’m singing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, Shout Out to my husband and children. As a wife and mother of 6, my family has had to navigate meals, family gatherings, just the day to day life stuff, without me at times. Not to mention the support they have given when I’ve had to recover physically from a particularly long birth. They have taken it all in stride.
Shout Out to my trainer and mentor Robin Elise Weiss for pouring into me.

Website: https://www.thisishowwedoula.com

Instagram: @chaundraddoula

Facebook: This Is How We Doula Birth Services LLC