Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Brown.
Mariah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2013, I relocated to assist a family member by offering support throughout her pregnancy, the birth of her child, and postpartum journey. I assisted with organization, planning, advocating, meal prepping, breastfeeding, and newborn care. It was a special time for me because now looking back, I realize that the birth of her child was my rebirth. For years, I’d been trying to find myself. This journey taught me a lot. I continued to offer the same support for others. In 2015, I read an article about Doulas. Prior to reading the article, I had never heard of a Doula. Upon reading the article, I realized that there was a space for what I had been doing. Also, being from Alabama, the 3rd highest ranked state for maternal mortality, I realized that what I had been doing was desperately needed.
In April 2019, I completed training to be a Doula. I finally met “my tribe”. Being around women who had a desire to serve, educate, and support other women was beautiful. It also peeked another interest, lactation advocate and support. In June 2019, I completed training and obtained my certification as a Lactation Counselor. I was so excited to be able to more adequately offer support with my new knowledge, from experience and research. A year later, I have supported over twenty families in two different states (Alabama and Georgia). I am so excited about this journey and looking forward to be able to assist many more families navigate their pregnancies and have safe, satisfying birth and breastfeeding outcomes.
Great, 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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the journey has been so very worth it. For my hometown, the idea of a Doula and even breastfeeding is a “new thing”. However, I have been successful with supporting families in other areas and I am hopeful that continuing to educate the community and the sharing of my client’s birth stories, my hometown will see the benefits and allow me to assist them in whatever goals they want to achieve related to their birth and/or breastfeeding journey.
Please tell us about PS Mariah Alyce.
I am a Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Postpartum Doula. I also offer birth photography. I design customized plans to assist families successfully plan and navigate their birth. My specialties include, but are not limited to, unmedicated birth and breastfeeding education/support.
I am most proud of my ability to include the expecting mother’s family in the labor and birthing process. The feeling of being able to witness a father confidently guide and support the expecting mother is unexplainable. I am also proud of my success rate in regards to satisfying birth and breastfeeding outcomes. More than 80% of my clients experience the birth they desired and planned for.
The thing that sets me apart is, my plans are specifically designed to fit the needs of the specific client. I don’t force unmedicated births. I educate and push clients to advocate for the birth THEY desire.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood was my mother supporting a breastfeeding mother in church. She was a young mom. I remember her baby crying. The mother attempted to get up and leave to feed her child. My mother got up, sat beside her, and supported her through her feeding right there in the sanctuary. Seeing my mom show support, compassion, and love, contributed to me being the woman I am today. It’s a memory I will always carry with me.
Pricing:
- Virtual Doula Support $400
- In-person Labor and Birth Doula Support $900 & up
- Virtual Lactation Consultation $50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariahalyce.com
- Email: psmariah.alyce@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ohmi_ohmy
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