Rising Stars: Meet Alexis Chambers of Cumming, Ga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Chambers

Hi Alexis, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started when my epidural failed. I had just earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling a few weeks prior. I laid in a hospital bed with no knowledge of how to cope with labor pain. The nurses that I assumed would be with me the whole time were in and out, and not particularly patient. Overall, not my favorite experience. I knew that I wanted something different the second go around. I hired a doula who suggested that I find a more supportive provider, which also meant changing hospitals. Thank goodness for her wisdom. My second birth, despite experiencing shoulder dystocia, was 100% better. I felt more supported and safe.

I started to realize that “trauma” doesn’t always mean something horrific happened. Trauma is all about perception. The more supported you feel, the safer you feel, which leads to lesser instances of perceived trauma. I started to find myself drawn to pregnant and new moms, listening to birth stories, giving advice, and listening deeply. I was struggling to find my “niche” in the counseling world. Something that sparked joy, something I was excited about. After supporting my best friend through her c-section and sitting with her as she met her baby for the first time it was like a lightbulb went off. I knew this is what I was supposed to be doing, to sit in the thick of everything pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for mamas like you.

When I’m not talking about birth, or listening to a birth related podcast you will find me doing regular toddler mom stuff. I have two very active little boys so you can usually catch us outside getting sweaty. I enjoy some crafty activities like making homemade tallow and charcuterie boards. I love a fancy dinner date out every once in a while. But overall, I just love spending time with my family and friends and building strong relationships

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Things have been smooth so far, my business took off quicker than I anticipated. I hope to continue to grow my business in the coming years and be able to serve more families.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think what may set me apart from other doulas is my background in clinical counseling. I think a lot of mothers who are anxious or that have experienced birth trauma take comfort in having someone with my background by their side during their pregnancy and birth journey. I really love working with women with prior diagnosed mental health issues or that are on the autism spectrum prepare for birth and helping craft birth plans unique to them.

What matters most to you? Why?
Informed consent matters most to me. In the world of birth it seems as though informed consent gets lost pretty frequently. Women feel pressured and coerced into making decisions without adequate information. I have had so many women tell me, “everything just happened so fast, I felt like I didn’t have a choice, I felt like birth happened TO me.” At the end of the day I don’t really care how women choose to give birth. I don’t care if you want an epidural or if you want to labor in water. What I do care about is that you understand the pros and cons of every intervention and situation. I care that you feel like you have the ability to ask your provider questions and that they answer you respectfully, without coercion or manipulation. I care that you feel heard and that your values and plans are respected.

Pricing:

• $1200-$1700

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexischambersdoula.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexischambersdoula/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alexis-Chambers-Doula-Services/61558972544699/

Image Credits
The photos of me standing are courtesy of https://caitcarrphoto.com/