Today we’d like to introduce you to DeShaun Desrosiers.
DeShaun, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
While giving birth to my 1st child, I had a worse than negative experience, and almost became a statistic in regards to maternal mortality. Black women in the US are 3-5x more likely to die in and after childbirth than our counterparts – no matter our health, education, or income. The reason behind this points back to racism, implicit bias, and institutionalized racism.
My passion since then has always been to help others when it comes to health, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc. I learned that my story was like so many others. I want to put an end to preventable maternal mortality, educate the masses, and end the crisis the Black Birthing community is currently facing. Birth-work is truly my calling. During my 2nd pregnancy, I was engulfed in the desire to advocate for myself, and learn through studying, Midwives, and Doulas about every aspect regarding my body, my rights, and my birth. I went against all odds and had a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and beat the statistics. As a Doula, I believe that knowledge is power, and I want to give this knowledge to the birthing community across the nation. Now, i’m a Doula myself, providing educational, physical, and emotional support throughout the entire pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum time. Soon, you will see “CPM, LM” (Certified Professional Midwife, Licensed Midwife) behind my name – and I will be making changes bigger than ever.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. Becoming a Doula was and is wonderful, because birth work is my calling. I love everything about it. However, being a black birth-worker requires me to work three times as hard in every aspect of my profession. This job sometimes requires me to speak up when no one else will, and a lot of times – go against the grain. Sometimes I have to fight for my clients to get what they deserve. Sometimes it can be an emotional roller coaster, of course, working with a lot of pregnant people! There are even multiple challenges being a midwifery student – especially when it comes to the lack of representation. The mission, however, must still continue.
Harmonious Birthing – Doula Services – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Harmonious Birthing offers Doula services and childbirth education. Throughout the pregnancy, I work with expecting people/couples to teach them perinatal education, get them set up for birth, postpartum, and beyond. I’m there during labor and delivery for further support and advocacy, and I follow up with a number of traditional postpartum services. I’m also a Doula Trainer! So I can train and certify others aspiring to become a Doula, I actually have some upcoming classes soon.
I offer an array of health & wellness services and products such as vaginal steaming, herbal blends and teas, seamoss blends, elderberry syrup, etc. I’m also a published author of two children’s books, both available on Amazon.
“Our Home-birth With A Midwife” is the first children’s book ever published to showcase a black family with midwifery care and/or a home-birth. “Welcome to Haiti!” is a children’s book exploring the Haitian culture. A lot of people know me as the all natural, vegan, Doula and/or herb girl. I can’t really argue with that.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not a fan of the “luck” world. I will say, scary situations placed me in this field. Some things end up aligning just right though. Furthermore, I’d say a lot of people love me and what I do – so it encourages me and pushes me further. I believe there’s a lot of individuals rooting for me and my mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.holisticbirthandhealth.com
- Phone: 2817681497
- Email: harmoniousbirthing@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/harmoniousbirthing
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/harmoniousbirthing2
- Other: https://www.spotfund.com/story/f64ae547-6d79-43b6-bf27-bf20fe13ff6d?created=True&SFID=DYTJGv
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