Today we’d like to introduce you to La-Shonda Spencer.
Hi La-Shonda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I found my way to the mat after my trainer suggested I try yoga due to having tight hamstrings. I went to Birmingham Yoga in 2014 and was introduced to Ashtanga yoga. I fell in love with it through using props and variations of the pose until I was able to do the “traditional way”. I became consistent with it and attended Mysore classes to deepen my practice. In July 2019, I completed my 200 hour-training with Vulcan Yoga Teacher Training. I have my certification in Prenatal Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga for All (Yoga for Bigger bodies and Diverse communities). My styles of teaching are Ashtanga, Vin-Yin, Restorative, and Yoga at the Wall.
When I was little, I wanted to be an OB/GYN. I did an internship with an OB while in high school. As college started, my life went into another direction and I was on that path for years. While I was in Yoga Teacher Training, I heard about being a Doula and that was nobody but God reminding me that I need to get back on my purpose. Even though I went another route, I found out that being a Doula is just as important as being the OB. In Jan 2020, I went to BirthWell Doula training to complete my certification.
I was ready to start but COVID happened so plans had to shift. While everything was shut down, I met my mentor Nadia Gamby of Crown of Glory Birth Services. She has helped me to truly walk in my purpose and I had to do the work to show I was serious about helping families. One of the most amazing things about her is that she is a praying woman. We pray with and for the clients.
My best friend Felicia Underwood, made sure I did all the work that Nadia told me to do and reminded me that I got this; and with their help, I was able to start my business Gracious Beginnings Doula and Wellness. I have combined the practice of being a Yoga instructor and Birth Doula together because they are both needed. From breathing techniques to labor positions (which are yoga poses), people can understand how the combining of these practices are important.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road due to COVID-19 causing changes in the hospitals’ visitation policies because we [Doulas] are not viewed as essential. My journey has been better with having a doula mentor because doula trainings may not cover everything but your mentor will mention it or you will see it.
For yoga, the only struggle I encountered was transitioning from teaching in-person to teaching virtual classes. It is hard for some people to focus or relax because of the distractions they may have at home vs. coming into a prepped studio space. Some people love in-person yoga because that one-hour class is their self-care.
As you know, we’re big fans of Gracious Beginnings Doula and Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am here to help families with preparing and understanding their birth preference/ birth plan, the process of labor, body changes, prenatal and postpartum care, and offering support to them and their loved ones throughout. My goal is to serve the needs of the entire family through the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods. I offer yoga to show people that no matter your body type you can do yoga. As long as you can breathe, you can do yoga.
I specialize in Labor/Birth and Postpartum care. I am known for combining yoga into doula work since moms have the common issues of low back pain, hip pain, not enough rest, etc. I specialize in showing the benefits of yoga in the birth journey.
Brand wise, I am most proud of promoting the benefits of yoga in the birth journey. It’s amazing that the majority of the families are understanding and seeing how it can help. I enjoy seeing moms with their partner share a bond through yoga during a doula prenatal visit.
When you book services through me, we will discuss your birth preferences because those are important, you understanding your rights as the birth family, making informed decisions on behalf of you and your baby. I offer yoga packages and explain the benefits of each pose, how moms and their partner can be intimate with yoga styles such as restorative yoga. The overall goal is making sure the family is safe and well mentally, physically, and spiritually. If you need a doula and live outside the Atlanta, Ga., just send a message to discuss it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
God who provided me with the vision for my purpose
My parents and sister for encouraging me to start my own business
Felicia Underwood – my Best Friend – for pushing me outside my comfort zone and encouraging me when I told her I wanted to start my business. She is always my cheerleader and promoting me.
Nadia Gamby – my Doula Mentor – for pulling the gifts out that I didn’t see. Bringing me under her wings and showing me all sides of being a doula. Praying with and for me and reminding me that I have the tools to help the clients.
Shannon Hancock – for pushing me into the rabbit hole of Yoga Teaching Training and being my first yoga instructor
Nancy Rhodes – for hiring me at her studio, showing me ways of how my styles of yoga can be helpful in the community, and referring me for yoga opportunities
Norma Lacey – my prayer warrior, she is literally like a 2nd mom to me. She has encouraged me to go after all what God had called me to do.
Contact Info:
- Email: graciousbeginnings2911@gmail.com
- Website: www.graciouswellnessbyshonda.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shondafaye.yogi.doula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShondaFayeYogiDoula/
Image Credits:
Michael “Marley” and Ashley Rogers Jonathan and Ebony Skinner Bridney Harris Joycelyn Thomas Denesha Cuneo
