Charlotte Cuestas, Birth Doula

My journey to becoming a birth doula was deeply influenced by my own traumatic birth experience. During that time, I felt unsupported and realized I lacked the knowledge to advocate for my birth plan. Months later, I learned about the vital role a doula could play in providing the support I wished I had. This experience ignited my passion to hold space for others, offering compassionate and unbiased support to every birthing person. My goal is to empower mothers, helping them feel in control and creating a more positive birth experience.

I bring a strong background in mental health counseling to my doula practice, which enhances my ability to support families during this transformative time. My compassionate listening skills allow me to validate emotions and feelings, fostering a nurturing environment. I believe in the power of positive affirmation and encouragement, essential elements during labor. By remaining neutral and unbiased, I ensure that the focus remains on the birthing person, allowing their experience to take center stage.

Although I don’t currently volunteer, I am a passionate advocate for Postpartum Support International. I often share how their resources have impacted my own postpartum journey. I believe it’s crucial to provide readily available support for mothers facing perinatal mental health challenges, as these experiences can be isolating and overwhelming.

I live in Miami, Florida, with my husband, our 18-month-old daughter, and our beloved dog. Our dog, who has been with us since she was a few weeks old, traveled with us during my husband’s military service, including a memorable 10-hour flight to Orlando. She serves as my emotional support companion, helping me through the challenges of military life and deployments.

Originally from Hawaii, I spent most of my life there before relocating due to military commitments. The frequent moves have brought new experiences, but Hawaii will always be home to me.

Outside of doula work, I focus on activities that nourish my soul. I start my mornings with yoga and workouts, and I have a keen interest in crystals and energy work. Spending quality time with my husband is a priority, especially given his deployment schedule. I enjoy taking my daughter on walks and discovering new coffee shops, as I’m quite the coffee enthusiast.

When it comes to entertainment, I have a soft spot for reality TV, especially “90 Day Fiancé,” which has become a fun ritual for my husband and me. I also enjoy true crime shows like “Law and Order: SVU,” satisfying my curiosity for intriguing stories.

Through my work as a doula, I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for every family I assist, drawing from my personal experiences and professional background to make a meaningful impact.