Doreen Hamel-Smith

As a Doula for the past ten years, my experience has distilled my personal philosophy to, service to women. Every opportunity to support women, either as a prenatal yoga instructor since 2015, in labour and birth, or in the very vulnerable postpartum phase, gives me the greatest sense of satisfaction. To see a mother gain her confidence, become empowered, and create a strong connection to herself, her baby, together with her partner, definitely lights my heart up.
Working with the Doula Alliance of Trinidad and Tobago, as Chairperson since 2015, my hope and intention is for all women to be supported during their child’s birth, allowing the experience to be shaped by the mother’s needs and design. When all institutions everywhere recognize the benefits of supported births for mothers, and make this their right, rather than be isolated at this most significant moment of their lives, we will have evolved as a society.