About Me
Hi I'm Samantha Avallone Zimmer
Hi! I’m Samantha and I became a doula to help mothers during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. With the internet being as prominent as it is now, it is easy to share stories quickly. Several unfortunate stories were shared with me where a mother had a bad birth experience or was dismissed by medical professionals. These stories gave me the motivation to start looking into ideas of how to help moms. When I felt a calling to become a doula I knew immediately this is what I would enjoy and be able to make an impact. It might not be an impact that changes a world but it can change someone's world and that is worth it. I have loved all the training and I everything I have learned.
I have nannied for a while and have been around kids for years. During this time I have gotten to know the parents of the children very well and that has given me great insight on questions to ask to personalize birth plans for what can be right for each individual mother. I also have some medical issues myself and I know how dismissive hospital staffs can be and I have learned how to talk with them so they listen to what I have to say. This is very important for mothers who chose to give birth in a hospital setting but may feel they will be undermined.
My husband and I currently live down south for his job in the military. While I have yet to find a place to volunteer at this duty station I used to volunteer at a pregnancy center. I volunteered here because I want to help moms out any way I can. I know not all moms planned their pregnancies and some are scared so I wanted to help them and know they were not alone.
I attended Liberty University and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I originally intended on going into law enforcement but realized God had a different plan. I started focusing my time on making pro-life stickers. While I believe in life I also believe in helping all, regardless of their beliefs. After focusing on my stickers, I realized I wanted to do more to help mothers than just raising awareness; I wanted to help them personally.
Although I do not have any children of my own yet, I am still properly qualified to be a doula. I have worked many years as a babysitter and nanny and have gone through extensive training. I graduated from college in just three years with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. After I graduated I went on to get my certification as birth doula.
What is a doula?
Like travel guides in a foreign country, birth and postpartum doulas help support new families through the life changing experience of having a baby!
Whether it’s a family’s first baby or their tenth, a doula can help make the birth and postpartum experience better. Today, a doula is defined as follows:
a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
A birth doula is a professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. A birth doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the mother.
