Bella (she/her) is a doula and artist currently living on traditional Muskogee land.

I am honored and privileged to accompany families as they cross the threshold into parenthood. My practices are rooted in Mexican and Andean traditions and I am honored to carry forward these sacred lineages.

As a doula, I seek to ease this transition by providing emotional and informational support throughout pregnancy and labor.

Pregnancy is a rich liminal space in which we begin to turn inward, towards ourselves, our partners, our home and of course our babies as we prepare for the tectonic shift into parenthood. Unfortunately, most of us find ourselves scrambling to learn all we possibly can about birth and how to advocate for ourselves within the medical system. It can be overwhelming and distracting to what otherwise could be a contemplative, nourishing, and sweet time in our lives. As a doula, I help parents navigate this time by providing preparatory guidance on the physiology of birth and the ins and outs of obstetrical and midwifery care and hospital birth with evidence based information. I support all types of births and seek to create an environment in which each client feels informed and supported to birth in whatever manner suits their needs.

What I love most about this work is the opportunity for growth that this shamanic journey offers. In labor and birth we are pushed up against the edges of our knowledge, comfort, endurance and capacity and on the other side waits a stronger and more courageous version of ourselves ready to lead our little ones through the world with grounded feet and an expansive heart.

During the postpartum phase, I provide household assistance, guidance on postpartum healing, lactation/chest and bottle feeding, parent nutrition, infant care, and much more. Sometimes a new parent needs an experienced companion with which to process the big feelings of it all. I especially love this aspect of the fourth trimester and provide a few different methods of metabolizing and integrating the experience of birth via art-making, ceremonies, alter dedications, and storytelling.

Most importantly, I believe that compassionate, parent-centered care is an absolute human right and should be accessible to all birthing people, especially those who do not typically see themselves reflected in the Western world of birth and parenting and are particularly vulnerable to the structural and systemic failings of our current medical system. I am always open to discussing payment plans, sliding scale options, and custom packages for those in need.

MOVEMENT and bodywork

I am passionate about fostering pleasure in the body and enlivening intuition through mindful breath and embodied movement practices. As a professional dancer, I have spent years exploring the body’s potential for movement and expression choreographing works for The High Museum, La Choloteca, dance on film festivals, and many collaborations with Atlanta area dance companies and independent artists. Alongside my dance career, I have taught yoga and barre fitness for over a decade, receiving specific perinatal training and working with many clients throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery. I have found great joy in a compassionate and playful approach to movement health for birthing and healing bodies.