Today we’d like to introduce you to Zarema Maxwell.
Hi Zarema, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Nearly 10 years ago when I was having my first baby, I had a traumatic birth experience. Unfortunately, most of the things that were done to me during birth could have been avoided if I only knew then what I know now. My husband fired two nurses on the spot and our doctor kept telling us she needs to remove my uterus instead of saying placenta. At some point I was put on a timer and threatened a C-Section without clear explanation. Even though it started as an induction and I had unnaturally strong contractions back-to-back due to the Pitocin, I still refused an epidural and stuck to my plan. After that experience, I knew there had to be better way to give birth. My husband and I realized we should have hired a doula to support us and that’s when I decided I should become a doula myself to help other women have more agency in their own birth experiences. I started very slowly, as very part time gig while working in corporate. Slowly I gained more clients and officially opened Doulas Association of Tennessee in 2021. Today, we are a team of three full-time doulas, and I am also certified lactation counselor. We work with all types of family and cover pretty much the whole middle Tennessee, although most of our mamas give birth in Nashville.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say the biggest struggle so far was dealing with Tricare (military insurance). I believe in this coverage especially for military families and that is why I made sure to figure out how to become an in-network provider. A couple years after working with them they switched their software and I was not being reimbursed for more than six months but, as with many government-provided programs, eventually it was corrected, allowing me to stick with them for my fellow military moms.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Doulas Association of Tennessee provides pre/post-natal care and labor and birth support. We support women and families during their transition into parenthood. Every mama is different, therefor we customize our plans to make sure to provide what is needed and desired by our clients. We also offer lactation support and overnight support for families with infants.
How do you think about happiness?
Every time I get to see a baby being born it gives me such a joy and happiness! I cry every time and every time feel so honored to be a tiny part of someone’s miracle. This is such an important event in parents’ lives, so to be able to assist in any way that I am able, brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doulasoftn.org
- Instagram: @doulasoftn
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/doulasoftn
