Meet Rachel Whittington | B.S Psychology, C-FSD, CBE, CLC, Certified GGK Home Visitor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Whittington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, how does your business help the community?

As a Black birth-worker, my comprehensive support approach, encompassing advocacy, education, and equity, profoundly impacts the community by empowering families through education, advocating for systemic change within the healthcare system, promoting equity in access to care, offering lactation support, building a supportive community network, and inspiring future advocates.

By providing education on rights, options, and self-advocacy, Im able to empower families to navigate the healthcare system confidently, while your advocacy efforts challenge systemic flaws and promote policy changes. Through partnerships with community organizations and offering sliding-scale fees, I ensure equity in access to doula support, fostering healthier outcomes and breaking down financial barriers.

My lactation support services play a crucial role in helping families, especially those from marginalized communities, build trust with their bodies and instincts, contributing to their overall well-being and confidence as parents. Additionally, my collaborative efforts not only build a supportive network within the community but also inspire future advocates, shaping a new generation committed to promoting equity and justice in healthcare and beyond.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my strong commitment to providing thorough support that goes beyond what’s typically expected from a doula. I’m proud of how I focus on including everyone and making sure everyone gets fair treatment, especially those who are often overlooked. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve faced challenges, but I’ve always pushed through with determination, help from others, and by sticking to my values. My main goal is to ensure that every family, no matter who they are, gets the support they need in a fair and respectful way. It’s not just about helping families through childbirth and early parenting—it’s about making sure our healthcare system is fair and inclusive for everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For my best friend’s week-long visit, I’d tailor the itinerary to experiences that hold personal significance for me. We’d kick off our adventure with a visit to the African History Museum, delving into rich cultural heritage. To tantalize our taste buds, we’d indulge in soulful delights at 40 Acres, a renowned soul food restaurant. A night of poetic inspiration awaits us at Stella’s, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the rhythmic flow of spoken word. We’d savor serene moments by the lake, admiring the mesmerizing lights on the bridge. Retail therapy beckons at Rivertown Crossings mall, followed by a thrilling evening at Soaring Eagle Casino. The vibrant colors and festivities of the Tulip Time Festival would captivate our senses, while socializing at a JW Marriott event would add a touch of luxury. To ignite our senses further, we’d groove to live music at 21 Monroe and revel in the energy of a Van Andel Arena event. Throughout the week, each experience would be a testament to the cherished memories and cherished moments shared with my dearest friend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the families who entrust me with their lives. Their resilience, trust, and willingness to share their journeys inspire me daily. It’s an honor to support them during such intimate and transformative moments. Additionally, I want to acknowledge the community that has shaped me into who I am today. From the mentor who taught me the essence of being a good support person to my fellow birth-workers and healthcare professionals who understand that our work extends beyond ourselves, I am immensely grateful for the sense of belonging and support this community offers.

Website: www.martinsvillage.com

Instagram: @martinsvillagedoula

Facebook: Martin’s Village