Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Drummond.
Sheena, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from California, where I grew up surrounded by family and close friends. However, I moved to Houston not long after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Development. The move to Houston took me away from my strongest support system and in the beginning, it felt easy because my only concern was for what I needed to do to push forward in my studies to obtain my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. During my time in this program, I was working for a center where I provided care and treatment to youth with mental and emotional issues. One of the biggest things I noticed was their lack of familial supports. They had one another and the staff working for the facility as their strongest support system. My participation in circles of support felt like where I needed to be; however, I had to journey through various other job placements while continuing my studies. I have had the opportunity to work with couples, families, and high school-aged children since completing my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.
It was during my time studying for my master’s degree that I became a mother of a little boy. My son is my world; however, my experience in the supports I had while preparing for birth, during birth, and postpartum severely lacked. It took time to heal and move forward in figuring out in what ways I was meant to work with families, and it was when I began researching maternal health concerns and learned about Doulas. As soon as I read about them, I knew I needed to be one. It felt, and still does feel as though the role of a Doula ties in seamlessly to the work that I do as a therapist. It’s really all about the supports and educational piece. I tend to feel more inclined to do work that allows me to support others because at times, I reflect back on my need for these types of supports yet how I did not have them, nor was I aware of certain options. It is like being for others what I wished I had in a way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My business was birthed from both the challenges I faced in my pregnancy and the postpartum journey as well as the journey of those close to me. It has not always been easy, especially since I did not officially launch my business until we were in the midst of this pandemic. The stipulations put in place caused me to have to turn to offer virtual supports as not all places were allowing support persons into spaces and ultimately, some people were extremely nervous about obtaining support due to the uncertainty the pandemic has caused. I believe that there will always be obstacles or struggles along the way; however, the work that I do is needed, especially for Black women and other women of color, so I do not intend to allow any obstacles or challenges that may confront me to hinder my work.
Balanced Births – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist; however, this business focuses on my work as a Doula and Childbirth Educator. I offer virtual and in-person supports for birthing persons and their families. I specialize in ensuring the family as a whole feels supported and knowledgeable about what to expect and how to make plans A, B, C and any other that may be needed. Birth is not a one size fits all and even if a person has birthed a baby before their next birth will still be unique. I support birthing persons and their families by building relationships with them so that they feel comfortable sharing their wants and needs to ensure they have the best birthing and postpartum experience possible – This is different for each birthing person and family. I provide physical and mental supports, but I am also equipped to providing referrals about services that one may need.
As a Childbirth Educator, I also offer comprehensive classes that go into detail about the many things most do not get in appointments with their providers. These classes are what help both the birthing person and their partner feel well educated and prepared to make informed decisions about their labor and supports. I also enjoy working with herbs as I believe strongly in holistic care, so I provide salves, teas, and balms that are good ways to provide calm, nourishment, and/or pain relief during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. I am most proud that I push for a strong focus on maternal mental health because it is often overlooked and when mentioned, birthing persons are made to feel weak or ashamed.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as enjoying waking up to do what I do each day. I feel as though when you enjoy what you do and could do it even when confronted with obstacles, then you are successful. I also look at success as having balance so that not only am I able to enjoy what I do for a living, but I can do it while spending time with my family and other loved ones. There’s just something about having happiness in the work you do and sharing it with your family that ultimately makes me feel as though that is a success.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (760) 362-2847
- Email: Sheena@BalancedBirthSupports.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/balancedbirths/
instagram.com/tropicana_22/
- Facebook: facebook.com/BalancedBirthsHouston/
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