26 - offering support: life as a doula, the power of your testimony, and chronic migraine
This week’s guest is Tracy Abney, a mama of 4 who went from wanting to teach little ones to teaching women about supporting each other through one of the most transformative days of their lives- the birth of a child. Tracy started the journey toward becoming a doula herself after giving birth and wishing she’d received more support…someone who could be there just for her. Since she’s always had a love of teaching, her natural next step was to train others to do the same and eventually open her own doula agency. Tracy has faced ups and downs along the way, and we discuss needing to reevaluate goals, living with chronic migraine, and using your story to pour into others. This conversation was full of laughter (just wait until the end… I got so tickled), as well as real-life insight that you won’t want to miss.
Tracy’s parents used to tease her that she was born with an innate ability to teach. She was often found enthusiastically teaching her neighbor friends in the backyard and guiding her parents through high stress situations with her memorized facts. It was all the time she spent as an educator and leader in her own family and community that led her to a degree in elementary education. Tracy’s affinity for teaching and nurturing others evolved into being in the classroom as a teacher, in the workout studio as an instructor, and in families homes as a nanny for multiple years. It’s no wonder that Tracy stepped into Doula work in 2009 and continues to teach in many capacities where her infectious personality and enthusiasm serves as a motivator for many. Tracy’s natural place in the teaching seat is best seen as the owner of Rocket City Doulas where she oversees a team of birth and postpartum Doulas. She has spent her last 14 years educating clients and building strong relationships with providers and hospital staff. Tracy is married to her high school sweetheart and has 4 children.
