Doula Spoltlight: Allie McFadin, SBD
The first birth I ever attended was when I was nine years old. My warrior of a mother was birthing her 4th child, her third home birth. At the time, I had no idea how full circle my life would become. Her birth inspired my future. I didn't realize this until after the birth of my own child.
I grew up in a very "normal" family. I married my high school sweetheart, Jordan. We've grown up together and he is absolutely my soul mate. He's a firefighter/paramedic. We have 3 children. Our daughter Peyton, who was born still in 2011. And our two rainbow boys, Isaac (4) and Easton (1). Before I was a doula I worked in marketing and have a BA in Communication Studies.
People would describe me as outgoing, empathetic, silly, and brave. I'm definitely someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. I used to think this was a weakness but now I see it as one of my greatest strengths. I love to read, spend time with my family, and cook good food.
After the loss of Peyton I started having friends/acquaintances ask if I could support someone they knew, or themselves during a pregnancy loss. This encouraged me to look into how I could better support bereaved families. I decided to certify as a birth & bereavement doula through Stillbirthday.
I fell in love with birth work and supporting families through such a precious time, during all types of births. I also offer childbirth education classes, belly binding, and postpartum care. As well as serving as a founding board member of Ellis County Birth Network.
My favorite part about being a doula is watching women transform into mothers. It might be their first or fourth. Regardless of how they birth; unmedicated, medicated, cesarean...each time it's incredible to watch the strength they posses as they welcome their baby into the world.