CURRENT STATUS: Certified Labor and Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Trainer, Certified Elite Labor and Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified VBAC Specialist
Elysia Douglas grew up watching her mother care for elderly/ill relatives and helping out when she could. As a child she always knew that she wanted to have a career taking care of people as a pediatrician or animals as a veterinarian. Her doula journey began with a request to keep a laboring friend company until her support person arrived. She intuitively provided the physical and emotional support needed throughout her friend’s labor and birth. From that day on, she knew her purpose was to find a way to provide comfort and support to women and their families during pregnancy and childbirth. Elysia is now a professional, certified Labor Doula, Postpartum and Infant Care Doula, VBAC Specialist and Childbirth Educator serving the Metro Atlanta area. During her career as a labor doula, she has assisted over 100 families as they prepared for and welcomed their little ones into the world and now also serves families long-term through postpartum support. She offers mentorship to new doulas and works hard to build trusting relationships between doulas, other birth professionals, and the medical providers in her community. Elysia is also a diaper need advocate, hosting an annual diaper drive each year, rallying neighbors and local business partners, to benefit the patrons of three local non-profit agencies in her community. Elysia volunteers her time in the community with special events and has also served as a leader in children’s ministry with her church.
Elysia completed her initial doula training in 2012 and subsequently trained and certified with ProDoula in 2018 for Labor and 2019 for Postpartum & Infant Care. Elysia has a remarkable wealth of experience and expertise in providing the emotional, physical, and educational support her clients need and desire to enhance their birthing experiences. By keeping up with the latest recommendations and research and taking advantage of additional training and continuing education opportunities, Elysia is able to provide evidence-based information to both her clients and the new doulas she mentors in an unbiased and nonjudgmental fashion. Adult learners who take Elysia’s classes depart feeling informed, knowledgeable and prepared for the journey they have ahead. As a doula trainer with ProDoula, mentor with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies of Georgia, and contributor to the Doula Learning Channel, Elysia guides newer doulas of all ages and backgrounds as they complete the doula certification process and prepare to confidently and competently support new families.