Ashley Phelps

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Ashley Phelps. I grew up on the East Coast outside of Philadelphia and relocated to San Antonio in 2012. I have been a doula and educator in San Antonio since 2017. I am also a certified CPR/First Aid/AED instructor through the American Red Cross and am in the process of becoming a certified lactation consultant. I am a wife and mother of two strong-willed daughters. We also have two cats and a dog in what feels like our small circus of a home. I enjoy baking, reading, and being present with my family in my free time. We enjoy traveling and taking family trips, as well as our weekly tradition of competing against each other in Disney Jeopardy. 

HOW DID YOU COME TO DOULA WORK?

I first discovered the concept of a doula when I was expecting my first daughter in 2015. I struggled with breastfeeding and postpartum anxiety with no family and minimal friend support after my first daughter's birth and found myself researching professions that serve women during pregnancy and after birth. It became my goal to ensure that no other mama felt the overwhelming weight of motherhood the way I did. From there, I embarked on my doula training. I enrolled in a doula certification program and jumped into the world of birth work. I learned from many wise doulas and birth professionals in the area how to best serve the community and have continued to learn and grow in the profession ever since.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST OR FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT DOULA WORK?

To me, the most rewarding thing about doula work is being able to play a small role in a family's big journey. Everyone always focuses on the growing family and the baby and rarely stops to truly listen and understand the parent. I have a heart for mothering the mother. I love the opportunity to offer unbiased education and emotional and physical support to the families I work with. It is my goal that all families have the birth and postpartum experience they desire because they are given the information and tools to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions that work for their families. 

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES OR AREAS OF PARTICULAR PASSION?

I have a passion for all birth work. It is hard to narrow it down to just a small group. After spending years focusing on the underserved population of San Antonio, I would have to say that I have a heart for teen parents and families that are struggling or recovering from addiction and single parents. I also have experience with twins, high-risk pregnancies, and special needs siblings.