About Me

My name is LaChelle, I’ve been called to this work a few times, but I  wasn't ready until ’that day’. My first experience with birth took place in 2006. I was 19 and my younger cousin was pregnant with my, soon to be, Godson.  It was the summer, after my 1st year of college and I had no idea what and or how to support her through the process.  After passing her due date, her Doctor set a time and day to induce her. I was incredibly nervous but also excited to have been chosen to witness this miracle. The birth took 2 days. It was intense, to say the least, but in that delivery room, I was able to instinctively connect with her and act to relieve the pressure and  be a source of laughter and comfort, in a room full of medical strangers.  I was giving back rubs, breath coaching, and encouraging her to push, when the time came. 2 long labor days and an epidural later, I watched my first Godson emerge from his mother, all 7 lbs of him. The attending nurse looked over to me “You’d be an incredible Midwife,  have you ever thought about birth work as a career?” I was too embarrassed to admit that I had no clue what that was, so I bashfully smiled and shrugged, suggesting that I would consider the option.  I thanked her and quickly averted the attention back to my birthing cousin. The tears of joy flowed in abundance. As things calmed down, post delivery, I was able to take in the moment and appreciate my time spent. I had witnessed a successful birth, both mother and child were doing great and had other family to take over helping. I could finally leave the hospital and, Holy Sh*t, I just witnessed a birth. 

Shortly after college, I worked in a number of early childcare facilities, I was a nanny for 4 years and even worked in orthopedics at a major hospital in Boston. I have a natural gift for working with people, yet nothing quite seemed to last too long, or fit just right. From 2015-2019, I worked as a Restorative Justice Coordinator and security para At a K-8 school in my hometown. One of my responsibilities was teaching adolescent health to students in grades 4-8. I know plenty of people that would cringe at the idea of explaining sex and anatomy to preteens, it didn't bother me in the least. I also enjoyed the opportunity to be a resource of true information.  One that I know, I would have benefited from having at their age as well. I have such a deep passion for my work in education, however, I’ve always felt a divine calling to be of service via something else. I had looked into how to start a career in birth work, many times, but never followed through completely.  In May of 2019, I sustained a serious right ankle injury that left me unable to walk, out of work and seeking my highest self. That was one of the hardest and most rewarding summers of my life. I had no idea what I would do next or where I would be. 

I took that summer to focus on exploring creative dreams, a few of which happened to come true. By mid July, I was finally in a boot and slowly back on two feet  I put all of my efforts into manifesting whatever path was meant for me. I’ve been singing for as long as I could speak but never fully pursued music. I had been spending most of my time with family and close friends, when I was introduced to one of Boston’s most incredible rappers on the music scene and got the opportunity to sing background vocals with her band. I was connecting to new communities, new people, and delving into several  other endeavors, as well. It was such a full and thrilling time,  and by the end of December, I was getting ready to support my second Godsons’ birth. This time, I had a lot more knowledge about birthwork and experience being with children of all ages, in multiple capacities.. I was feeling very confident, and excited to share what I had learned, in life and about doula techniques online. My second experience with birth was just as exhilarating as the first. My best friend gave birth to my second Godson, 3 days after christmas. Her birth was very smooth and super quick. I stayed in the hospital with her, during her postpartum period, and then at home with her for several days after the baby was born. It was during this time that I spent supporting her postpartum needs, I accepted that providing this care felt natural to me. It felt honest, and I felt confident in it. I made a serious note that after the new year, I would start my journey as a doula. The new year came in swift and exciting, things were moving forward. I was having fun with music, I was writing and working on creating content of my own and about to start more. We were all devastated and directly affected by the  COVID 19 pandemic. This put a slow down to so many platforms and industries.  As the world quickly shut down, we were all forced to sit back, relax and reset. 

The winter and not so warm spring of the Northeast was a long ride, but by summer everyone was wearing masks and finding ways to be together outside. Things had begun to pick up again. In September of 2020 I met the incredible Perpetual Hepfron, at a shoot for a music video we were in together. I was immediately captivated by her beautiful chocolate skin and long flowing locs. I overheard her on the phone with a client and immediately got excited. As soon as she hung up, I politely jumped to inquire about her work. She introduced me to the MamaGlow Doula Homeschool Program ‘that day’.  It was finally my opportunity to commit to birth work and I didn't hesitate. I started with the MamaGlow Doula HomeSchool in October 2020.

Latham Thomas has created a fun, inviting, supportive learning space for the doula trainees in the program. She provides a wealth of knowledge as well as connecting students with an enthusiastic community of other birth workers to support you through your learning. I am more than excited and eager to be able to contribute, not only to my friends and family, but to my community and birthing persons all over the world.