Becoming a Birth Doula with Carson Meyer
Becoming a Birth Doula with Carson Meyer
Fueled by a passion for environmental health, Carson Meyer is the founder of natural and sustainable skincare line C & The Moon and a DONA certified birth doula and birth photographer. Originally from Malibu, California, she attended New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study where she pursued studies in child development, art therapy, and alternative medicine, before returning to Los Angeles to begin her journey as a doula with training from Bini Birth founder and DONA President, Ana Paula Markel. Today, she works closely with mentor Lori Bregman and is a member of the Loom community.
Carson’s passionate about providing individualized support to parents throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, creating an environment that best suits their unique needs.
How were you introduced to the practice of being a Birth Doula and what attracted you to it?
I was first introduced through the documentary, The Business of Being Born. The film blew my mind and my heart wide open! It was the first time I ever saw real unscripted birth footage. I was in awe of the power of the female body and how different birth could look from the Hollywood depiction of it that we are accustomed to. I was also outraged to learn of the ways that our healthcare system has failed mothers for so many generations. However, it wasn’t until I met Hayley Oakes, a midwife and former doula, that I was inspired to become a birth doula myself.
What are some of the things you do with women and their partners to help prepare them for birth?
Before the birth I meet with my client and their partner to discuss the birth process, create birth intentions, learn about the options and choices one has, and walk through a number of comfort measures and techniques to ease the mind and body. I also offer a 12 week virtual pre-natal class where we meet weekly in a small group to discuss different topics to prepare for birth, postpartum, breast feeding, and more. We cover everything from nutrition to inner child exploration. Building community is such an important part of this process... now more than ever.
What are some pieces of advice you give to the mothers you work with that you also take for yourself?
Doing less, journaling more, and getting comfortable asking for help.
How has your acting career prepared you to be a Birth Doula?
In many ways I think acting drew me towards birth work. It was through acting classes that I became familiar with the concept of the mind-body connection -- practicing being in the present moment, improvising, and non-verbal connection -- all of which has served me in my work as a doula.
Working with mothers, what have you learned that you wish more people understood?
That it takes a village and everybody needs support.
What do you find to be the most beautiful part of the pregnancy journey?
To me, part of the magic is getting to see how different each and every birth is. I love supporting the unique needs of each family. No two births are ever the same and there is no one way or right way to approach the journey. It is beautiful to watch the birth of parents and see their innate wisdom surface.
How has becoming a Birth Doula affected you and your views of pregnancy, birth, and life?
As a doula I have had the opportunity to support safe and empowered births both at home and at the hospital. However, getting to see the standard of care offered by home birth midwives and the amount of support this model provides families has shaped my views completely. Over the past year home birth has become more popular due to the pandemic and the restrictions placed on birthing people. It has been exciting to see home birth become less stigmatized and instead recognized as a safe option for many.