Doula Spotlight: Alessandra Massacci

How long have you been a doula?

From 2018

What inspired you to train?

I had my daughter in 2013 and it was a terrible experience (caesarean and traumatic post partum). After that I decided I wanted to do something for others, I wanted to be there for new mums and I became an aquanatal teacher. After moving to London I discovered what a doula was and I really felt called. I decided to become a doula and I never looked back.

What has been your proudest moment as a doula so far?

Every time a mum thanks me and I know I was important for her/them, it makes me proud. My proudest moment so far was with a woman who didn’t even speak English. She was alone in the hospital but I was there. She didn’t understand and we spoke with the translator. I used a translation service and I just stayed there with her. After the birth she hugged me and she just said one word, sister. I will never forget her face, her look and this word.

What has been the most rewarding part of building your doula business?

I’m actually very known now in my region. People know about me even before meeting me. Also I built a very strong network and I work side by side with two midwives who really respect me and our job. Now other doulas would like to learn from me. I built something real and I’m really proud of it!

How has being a doula impacted your life? (personally, professionally, or both)

I always say that I don’t do this job, I’ve always been a doula! It changed the way people see me, it became one of the most popular subjects to talk about, it is something my entire family has to adjust to and it’s something that everyone wants to know more about. It’s my life, always.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since becoming a doula?

To not judge anything, never.

Which skills or knowledge from the Nurturing Birth course have helped you the most in your work?

Active listening for sure.

What challenges have you faced along the way? How did you overcome them?

I faced a lot of challenges: first it was the imposter syndrome, then creating a business, then getting clients, then setting boundaries, then moving and doing everything all over again. Mentoring sessions helped me a lot along with my family and friends and the fact that I knew that was what I was born to be.

What do you enjoy most about your doula work?

EVERYTHING!

What values guide the way you work with your clients?

Respect, presence, open heart and open mind.

What do you think sets you apart as a doula?

I never judge, for real. And I’m always listening.

Have you formed friendships or connections with other birth-workers local to you?

Of course! Midwives, osteopaths, yoga teachers, educators, other doulas, doctors, babywearing consultants, other aquanatal teachers, psychologists, social workers, childcare workers, etc.

What has surprised you most about being a doula?

The impact you can make and how much it feels right for me.

What’s your favourite part of a typical day as a doula?

Stay in circle with new mums and holding the space for them, then going to a client’s house and help her, then being called in the middle of the night for a birth!🤩

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a doula but isn’t sure if it’s right for them?

Do you listen to others without judging? Do people want to talk to you about pregnancy? Do women find easy to tell you how they feel? Do you like the perinatal world? Do you love to witness the miracle of life? If the answers are yes, you are already a doula! Go for it!

If you could go back to the start of your doula journey, what advice would you give yourself?

Do it before, without thinking, without feeling guilty. Do it, you are born to be a doula!

How do you see your doula work evolving in the future?

I would love to teach to other doulas and I see a place, my place to work in water with pregnant women and their families.

What's your favourite self-care treat?

Water, I go back to water when I need to recharge or just relax.

Your doula-bag must have

Tissues 😊

Your favourite affirmation or mantra

There’s no perfection, there is just the right birth for that mum and the right mum for that baby.

If you weren't a doula what would you be doing?

Working in water, for sure! Even though I was studying design when I got pregnant and everything started.