Alandreia “Awa”

Awa's journey as a doula began on…

February 7th, 2015, when she was left in awe, her mouth agape, at the birth of her niece Gabriell René. In that moment, she knew that women deserved far more credit and praise than society often affords them. Women are the portals between this realm and the spiritual, with their wombs being where flesh and spirit first meet. Witnessing her sister give birth was the most incredible experience of her life, one that made her feel destined for this work. In her heart, Awa believes she was a doula before even knowing the word for it. Shortly after this life-changing event, an Erykah Badu interview introduced her to the world of birth work.

In August 2016, Awa decided to formalize her passion by enrolling in the Ubuntu Wellness Academy’s apprenticeship program, where she trained under the guidance of Omitola Yejide Ogunsina. Here, she gained numerous skills and certifications, including Holistic Birth and Postpartum Doula credentials, and later earned her certification in Placenta Encapsulation. In 2018, she became a R.O.S.E. (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Currently, she is advancing her knowledge by studying under Ms. Jennie Joseph at Common Sense Childbirth, pursuing Childbirth Educator and Lactation Educator certifications. Awa has also been accepted into midwifery school at Mercy in Action College of Midwifery, where she is currently attending. Her passion for birth work continues to grow, as she plans to obtain additional certifications to expand her offerings and better serve her community.

Awa strongly believes that as birth workers and healers, it is our responsibility to remember and apply ancestral methods and techniques to best support our communities. She emphasizes the importance of self-care—mentally, physically, and spiritually—so that we can hold space for women to birth and, more importantly, to heal.

Her greatest desire is to create a safe, supportive space where women of color can gather without judgment, where they feel free to share, cry, and open up about their journeys. Awa envisions a place where women are embraced by a circle of peers who look like them, sound like them, and deeply understand their experiences. She believes that with such a community, women can more easily navigate the various phases of life and the transitions that come with them.

Fun Fact: I write poetry and I sing!

Hometown: Lima, OH

Contact: 844-743-9662 Ext:810 Awa@sacredhouseofeden.com

Testimoniales

We are eternally grateful for the women who take the time to share their experiences with others considering S.H.E services. Whether busy with newborns, sleep-deprived, or managing daily life tasks, these women sacrifice their precious time to provide reviews that will help others decide that we are the best option when it comes to women’s health matters and sacred healing.

Awa changed my outlook on pregnancy. I am very thankful she was my doula. From the beginning to end she was VERY professional. I felt extremely safe and protected in her care. She went over and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied with her services! When it came down to finally being in labor, she was a team player for real. She never ever left my side. I was in rare form but she literally gave me some tough love. She was so motivating and stern. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without her there. If you are looking for a doula who is real about her work...Choose Awa. I can’t express that enough. I had my son natural and I still don’t know how I got through without losing my mind. We had a beautiful birth and if I could do it all over again I would! I gained a lifetime friend. Awa has a huge place in my heart #BESTDOULA! 

Awa is a vessel of information for those who are wanting to experience a natural birth or have someone there who supports their birth plan. She is very communicative and ensures your birth plan is what YOU want. She also has a plethora of information such as videos and articles over natural births and child birth. She will answer any questions that you may have and ensure you are comfortable in all of your decisions. She is very friendly and personable. You will love her personality!

As my best friend and first time doula, Awa was beyond amazing. I was grateful for the experience as well as the support throughout the whole process. Even though I had doubts, she reassured and encouraged me throughout the entire journey. I commend and recommend her for her great services. This is her true calling and I would most definitely refer her to anyone else. And if I ever decide to do it all over again, I know exactly who to call.

Awa was exactly what I needed during my pregnancy & birth. she’s honest & very supportive. I had a very intimate blessing way & felt like a princess, she made sure my needs were all fulfilled. Awa was at the hospital from when I got into triage until after my daughter was here. any time I had a contraction she massaged exactly where I needed it & kept me encouraged. I can honestly say if it were not for her I would’ve had gotten an epidural. she will be my doula for all my births, In Shaa Allah. I thank you for everything & I love you!!

Awa was amazing! I have so much respect for her. Her energy and personality instantly made me feel comfortable. Not only was she reassuring for me, but for my husband as well. She educated me and never left a question unanswered. In a short amount of time she boosted my confidence and I actually looked forward to giving birth and wasn’t as nervous as I was before. During labor she was there every step of the way making sure I was comfortable and all my needs were met. She not only coached me, but got my mom and husband through it which was a big help for me. Without her and Abijah I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did! We even had the best postpartum check as well! I would definitely recommend her. She’s a blessing! 

It’s been 1 week and 5 days since I have been out the hospital from giving birth to my baby girl. I still think of every moment I spent in labor. Never would I thought I would ever say I had planned a natural birth and stuck to it. Awa, is the doula I hired. The whole time during my pregnancy I couldn’t picture how labor would be having her beside me. I knew she would be there to encourage me but I couldn’t quite put my finger on how it will actually work until the day finally came. 

As I think back on that day, I could have never went through it without her. Awa was amazing and very hands on. I’m not really a touchy person, but it was something about her spirit that made me feel so comfortable around her. It was like I’ve been knowing her for years. She made me believe in myself that I could accomplish this goal I had planned for me and my child. From the massages, to directing my husband to be hands on, to the songs, to music, and the oils to make me feel relax during this time of joy, I am blessed to have her by my side. Awa, I just want to say thank you, because of you, I CONQUERED and  I SUCCEEDED one of my biggest fears in life, a natural birth. Thanks for believing in me and never letting me down. 

I recommend Awa to anyone woman. She’s the best. She gets to know you, encourages you, and gives you hope. She also, educates. I learned so many things about birth and what a doctor can’t make you do. I stood my ground and not let my doctor take over MY decisions. Her spirit and heart is within her job. It shows that she loves what she does.

 Peace and blessings. 

Awa made me feel like family. Since the time we had our first conversation I could feel her energy through the phone. After an extended research looking for a doula that would support my wishes of freebirth I knew she was the one. When Awa had freebirth as one of her options I was in! Having her comfort and knowing she was just one call away when I needed her brought great peace over me. As a female having another sister present during labor and birth brings a lot of necessary grounding. I thank her for being present, for giving exactly what I need it. Sometimes all we need from a doula is her presence, to feel secure, to fill that space inside of us birthing mommas. Thank you for showing up as you are. Really, really thankful.

As I sit and stare at this little human while he sleeps it’s finally starting to sink in that I’m a mom. There’s this overwhelming feeling of gratitude and happiness that I’ve never felt before. I reflect on my labor experience and can’t believe I did it all natural just like I planned and I cry tears of joy! You never know what to expect and many people tell u that you can’t/shouldn’t do it and question why would a woman ever want to go through labor without the Golden Medicine “The Famous epidural” it was my own choice and what worked best for me and my baby. I have to give a huge shout out to my doula Alandreia who was my advocate and encouraged me since the beginning and continues to support me now. I can’t thank her enough,she was there from the beginning with prenatal doula visits to discuss MY wishes,thoughts,fears, up until now postpartum coming to love on OUR baby,prepare a meals, house cleaning, wrapped my belly and focused on my mental health. She focused on restoring me as a woman/new mom and I thank her for that. After the birth of a baby usually the focus turns to the baby but she focused on us both. I wanted to give up when those contractions were unrelenting but she wouldn’t let me, she knew I could do it and instilled the confidence in me and helped me cope and push through and just after laboring for 3 hours OUR baby was born. She isn’t just a doula she’s family!

Awa was amazing. She was kind and informative. She's down to earth like family while still being fair and professional. She loves her work and it shows. Her support was essential to my delivery experience. Though I came to her later in my pregnancy, everything went great. Would do it again from the start if I could!

Indiya R. Bowling Green, KY

When I first found out I was pregnant I knew for sure that I wanted to have a natural birth. 

I'm forever grateful that Awa was recommended and she helped my partner and I through the labor and birthing of our daughter.

I was nervous at first because I came to Awa halfway through my pregnancy. That didn't change a thing! She just caught us up to where we should have been and never missed a beat! She made us feel comfortable to ask the most bizarre questions. 

When I finally made the call to determine if I was in labor, me being unsure she came right away! It was very helpful to have Awa as my doula! Looking back I don't think we could have done it without her preparation and guidance.

Postpartum Awa still has been just as available and helping as we get to know our little one. I really enjoyed that she comes on day three top to cook a meal for the family! It's extremely helpful and it was delicious! 

Awa even made a warming oil to assist with wrapping my belly which has been extremely helpful as well with getting me back to my "normal" self. I purchased the placenta encapsulation package as well and I love that I can still provide the nutrients to myself and my baby that come from me.

I was even nervous the first week because I wasn't sure if my breastfeeding was going well. Aww made sure to get the lactation specialist in touch with me to be sure I was doing everything correctly. That was also a HUGE help!

Awa is an amazing doula. She's definitely called to be a birth worker. She made my natural birth experience great. I can't wait to share my positive experience to show women that natural births are not all bad and that having a doula can make a difference in how/what you experience during pregnancy and when giving birth.

 20 out of 10 I would recommend Awa  and even have her as my doula again!!!

This was actually my second go around with having the experience with Awa. It went a lot smoother than my 1st time so the transition to having my baby earth side was easier said than done. Also motivates me to do a home birth if I'm so fortunate to conceive again.

Awa supplied all the tools and comfort throughout my pregnancy like I literally could have birth my son at home alone. We got to the hospital and I was 8-9 centimeters and ready to push. Overall, it was another successful pregnancy thanks to Awa being there every step of the way. I recommend her.

Awa is absolutely AMAZING!

I had the honor of being her client with my youngest son 2.5 years ago, and was  extremely happy to work with her with my twin pregnancy this go round. I had an extremely high risk pregnancy (dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, heart issues, hyperthyroidism, and low iron). Awa was very supportive throughout my pregnancy and offered insight and advice to help with my complications.

I didn't want to participate in a Blessingway due to Covid, so she ensured I was still celebrated and arranged a massage and Reiki session for me. Our plan was another unmedicated vaginal birth, but due to my Twin A being transverse when we arrived to the hospital, a c section was scheduled. Awa was supportive the entire time and even though only my husband could be present in the OR she lifted us in prayer, and continuously checked in on us. She was such a huge help as my postpartum doula. She traveled an hour every day for a week to help me with household duties and meals. She also assisted with the twins and my other 3 children until my husband returned from work in the afternoons.

Awa is apart of our village and we are truly grateful for her!!!

Awa was a joy to have with us during our pregnancy and birthing journey! My husband and I are thankful she was with us especially during birth for support and advocation. This was our first child and we definitely would hire her again for the future. She listened, provided thorough information/ knowledge, communicated, was supportive, advocated when needed, and was very approachable with anything we needed. Our questions were always answered and if she wasn't sure she either researched, found someone more knowledgeable about the question, or did both. It was very easy to get ahold to her and she answered back promptly. I had a hospital birth and even though I wasn't sure she consistently encouraged me and made sure I was comfortable and confident. She came as soon as I needed her during birth and was a constant help. We definitely appreciated having her with us and making sure we were heard especially my husband. She not only was present during pregnancy and birth but most importantly my postpartum journey. She continued to check in on me and even cooked during her first post visit. The meal was beyond delicious!! Speaking of the trimester teas are also great! My favorite was the 2nd trimester tea. It was absolutely perfect before bed. Overall our experience with Awa was beautiful and we couldn't have picked someone better to have with us for the process. Thank you!

My experience preparing for, birthing, and caring for my first child was made incomparably better by hiring Awa as my doula. She really became a doula for both me and my husband and is now a part of our family.

At first, I was going to an OB/GYN and was not feeling the "warm and fuzzies." Awa encouraged me to create the birth plan that felt right for me, so she helped me find a midwife that would help me birth at home. I felt so proud doing this the way I wanted to. Awa also provided access to a birthing class that helped me get through my labor like a champ. She also encouraged me to stay active with yoga, and was a constant source of support and friendship.

I was pregnant during the height of the COVID pandemic so I was definitely feeling some anxiety about birthing and having a newborn during that time. Awa was so great in making sure I felt comfortable by masking up and still giving me a small Mother's blessing where I got beautiful henna on my baby bump and was able to eat and fellowship :) She was there for me every step of the way and made sure celebration and affirmations were always a part of our sessions.  

By the time I started going into labor, I was feeling strong and confident. I was in labor for 3 DAYS but Awa worked tirelessly to support me and my husband. There was a blizzard, a bombing in the city, and I also labored through Christmas. I felt so guilty taking up her holiday but she was so sweet and assured me that this is her passion and she was happy to be there with me through my birth. It was so reassuring!

Soon I had a sweet baby boy and was able to share my progress, questions, and experiences within Awa's new mothers' group. It was so helpful to have that network of new Mom’s to turn to during a time where I was trying to figure things out and wasn't getting much sleep. Awa also came to the house a few times after my baby was born to clean, cook, and keep me company. It was amazing and helped me keep my head on straight when I wasn't getting much help from family. I don't have a lot of family here and it was a pandemic so we were on our own most of the time.

After my body had time to heal, Awa blew my mind with a sealing ceremony. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. She worked laboriously to give me a day ALL about me to commemorate and celebrate my journey into motherhood. I had a massage, reiki session, yoni steam, release, ancestral blessing, vegan feast, spiritual bath, and sealing ceremony. It was truly transformative. I told Awa that no one has ever done so much to make me feel so special. I don't think I really let the gravity of becoming a mother hit me until the sealing ceremony but I did the dang thing!! And it really gave me time to reflect and feel confident about it.

If you're looking for a doula that will get to know you and provide you a curated pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support, then look no further. Awa is the one! Especially if this is your first baby and you want to learn as much as you can to become more comfortable with the idea of becoming a Mom. I will definitely work with Awa on the next baby!