Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Young.
Erin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
While attending Massage School in 2002, I was introduced to pregnancy massage and Midwifery care. I knew that birthwork was in my future. As I began my career as a massage therapist I felt pulled towards Midwifery school. My husband and I moved across the country in 2007 so that I could begin Midwifery school. As part of the prerequisites for admittance I was required to take a Doula training course.
When we were blessed with a baby of our own, we moved back to Texas to be closer to family and I began working as a Doula soon after our second son was born in 2012. Since then, I have taken additional trainings, classes and continuing education to expand my skillset and provide multi-faceted care and support to the families of Houston.
In March of 2017, I partnered with a birth photographer to provide a full service, all-inclusive experience for families.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. Adjusting to living my life “on call” was hard not only for me, but for our entire family. Juggling childcare while away at marathon births or long training weekends was another huge hurdle. Thankfully, I have a fantastic support team and it’s not as stressful as it once was.
Educating the consumer base of the benefits and value of labor and postpartum support has been another huge challenge, but there is a big shift in the way society is viewing labor and postpartum support these days.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mother Nurturing story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a Licensed Massage Therapist that specializes in Pregnancy and postpartum massage, although I also do massage for the entire family. (Moms, dads, babies, kids). I’m also a certified Childbirth educator, Certified Doula and Postpartum Specialist. I am certified, licensed and carry liability insurance for both my massage and my doula work.
My clients seek me out for my ability to walk with them through the entire pregnancy journey. From preconception to parenthood, I am able to provide my expertise and support regardless of how or where they choose to birth and parent their children.
I pride myself on being able to really connect with so many different people from so many separate walks of life.
I’m different from my colleagues because I offer so many different things, and can truly be a “one stop shop” for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Not only am I able to offer these things, but I also have lots of great working relationships with other care providers. That definitely benefits my clients.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
According to my certifying agency, currently only 3 to 6% of the population chooses to use a Doula during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I am anticipating an increase in this number as the work Doulas do becomes more mainstream knowledge.
This is definitely an increase from the 1980’s when the term “Doula” was introduced to the maternity health field. Prior to that time, Doulas were unheard of.
I really think that postpartum doulas are the next big thing. People are realizing the benefits of caring for newly postpartum mothers on a holistic level- Body, mind and soul. Recently, celebrities are touting the benefits of postpartum care and placenta encapsulation.
Pricing:
- Birth support ranges from $800 to $1500
- Postpartum Support is an hourly rate of $35
- Massage Therapy ranges in price from $80 to $225
- Full Childbirth Education Series (9 hours) $300 to $500
- Placenta Processing $75 to $350
Contact Info:
- Address: Located at Bare Root Collective in the Main Street Market Square of Old Town Spring
318 C Main Street
Spring, TX 77373 - Website: www.mothernurturing.com
- Phone: 7137147649
- Email: erin@mothernurturing.com
- Instagram: @mothernurturing
- Facebook: facebook.com/mothernurturing
- Twitter: @DoulaErin
Image Credit:
Isadora Photography
Bump 2 Baby Photography
Jessica Bodin- Illuminated Revelry
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
