Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Benitez.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My work supporting women started long before I became a postpartum doula. Throughout my life, I have always empowered and worked with women in one capacity or another. However, my own life-changing journey into motherhood was ultimately the catalyst for the work I do now.
Becoming a new parent was both extraordinarily transformational as well as extraordinarily challenging. I struggled with my sense of self as I tried to understand my new identity as a mother and how that fit into the construct of who I already was. Along with my emotional struggles, I also had a difficult physical recovery from a long and strenuous labor and breastmilk supply shortage due to anxiety. To add to the already present uncertainties of motherhood, my little one was born during quarantine and the height of Covid, further contributing to the stress of new parenthood. The lack of physical support due to the circumstances surrounding Covid magnified the reality that many women do this completely on their own. My experience resonated so deeply with me and it became clear that there needs to be a much greater sense of community and support for mothers. No woman should have to do this alone.
During my postpartum journey, there were distinct moments where people’s kind gestures positively altered my postpartum journey. These moments solidified the importance of asking for help and leaning on the amazing village around me for support, guidance and to share a few tears with along the way. Having that community of love around me was absolutely crucial to my transition into parenthood. This invaluable support I received inspired me to change how I build that village for others.
Alright, 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?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. Has it been a rewarding one? 100%!
Throughout my adult life, I never imagined myself as a business owner. To be honest, I didn’t even know where to start. Becoming a new mother as well as starting my own business was not only an incredibly challenging juggling act; it was also a very humbling experience. And not to mention the ever-present self-doubt that creeps in when attempting something outside your wheelhouse or professional knowledge.
To say the least, it was not easy. However, I took a lesson that I learned through motherhood and leaned on my village for support. I reached out to friends and family who have had their own business ventures and asked all the questions I could think of. I did research and read books and watched videos trying to understand the legal end of things. I found a mentor within the parent support and birth working community who helped tremendously in learning more about the doula world and the ins and outs of running a small business. But most importantly, I had the loving support of my husband, family, and close friends who encouraged me along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Your Devoted Doula, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Your Devoted Doula was built on the foundation that emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual support is key to a successful transition into parenthood and a beautiful beginning.
The role of a postpartum doula is to help ease the transition into parenthood during the postpartum period and empower parents (or primary caretakers) so they can care for their newborn more confidently and how they decide is best. Services include but are not limited to help with postpartum care and recovery, newborn care guidance and education, baby soothing techniques, breastfeeding, bottle feeding and pumping support, food preparation and light meals, baby and parent product recommendations, referrals to local resources and services, and more!
I strive to provide supportive and safe spaces for families as they go through, arguably, one of life’s greatest and most difficult transformations. The vast range of experiences and emotions we face as parents is what makes every journey different. Not only are we learning to navigate the logistics and uncertainties of newbornhood/parenthood, we are also learning to navigate new self-identity shifts, family dynamics, and relationship changes that come with it as well.
I am passionate about creating non-judgmental, inclusive environments for families to encourage and serve parents during their postpartum journey. I also understand that each family is different and one size does not fit all. What “help” may look like to each family can vary significantly. Therefore, I believe support should be tailored and customized to fit the exact needs of the primary caretaker and baby.
My job is to make your job easier.
Your job is to recover, bond with baby, and begin navigating your role as a parent to a newborn. Mine is to make your transition into parenthood as smooth as possible and help you find your own voice, strengths, and confidence.
I am inspired every day by the families I serve. I am incredibly fortunate to feel truly aligned with my work and purpose. My goal is to continue to educate on the importance of maternal health, empower women, and normalize all things motherhood, hopefully resulting in a safer and more comprehensive and supportive narrative.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was born in the countryside of Northern California as a little rough and tumble, tree-climbing, barefooted, nature-loving, adventure seeker. (All of which I still am, minus the rough and tumble). I grew up surrounded by a big loving family. We were always together, celebrating someone or something. The importance of family was instilled in me from a young age, which is where I imagine; I also first learned the importance of community.
My grandmother was the matriarch of the family and the glue that held us together. I was surrounded by strong women and a mother and father who encouraged me to stand up for what I believed.
From the time I can remember, I was a little feminist. A girls-girl from day one! I recall this book I had as a child that I would read over and over. It highlighted amazing women throughout history and I remember always thinking how badass women are. It helped me recognize that women had the right to hold space in every arena of our society and that we didn’t have to be placed in a specific box. We aren’t just businesswomen, or scientists, or mothers- we can be all of those things!
I found the value of “women empowering women” at a young age and held on to it. Why compete when we can thrive together? That mentality followed me throughout my life often leading to advocating for or working with women in a vast array of opportunities until it landed me where I am now.
Who would have thought rough and tumble, adventure-seeking little Ashley would grow up to help people in one of life’s greatest adventures – parenthood!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourdevoteddoula.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama.you.can
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/your-devoted-doula-long-beach
