Today we’d like to introduce you to Seneca Summit.
Hi Seneca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was always the kid who didn’t know what they wanted to be when they grew up. All I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a mom at some point. I began college, hoping that I’d be able to figure out what I wanted to major in. Nothing there appealed to me, but the idea of becoming a doula had crossed my mind a few times. After getting married in 2019, I realized that there was really nothing I wanted to be more than a mom, and I wanted that to be my focus unless we needed extra income or our kids were older. In 2021 I had my first baby, a little boy. I had gone through a relatively healthy, but difficult, pregnancy and soon came to realize that postpartum was not going to be any easier for me. The past year and a half, I’ve gone through many challenging times, including dealing with postpartum anxiety and depression, among other things. I felt crushed with fear and anxiety. It felt as though I alone was responsible for keeping my baby safe and alive, even though my husband and family tried their best to help and offer support. I could barely accept help, and it’s still something I’m working on. After the first 6 months, the stress and worry eased up enough for me to recognize it for what it was- postpartum anxiety. Knowing what was going on allowed me to develop better coping mechanisms and not spiral into panic mode every time I had an intrusive thought. Around this same time, a family I know had a baby and I instantly felt pulled to do something to help them, even though I didn’t know them super well. So my husband and I took them a box with diapers, wipes, nursing pads, etc., along with a meal (paper plates included). This and other similar experiences opened my eyes to how much I truly just wanted to help and support other moms, whether or not they were going through the same things that I had. At the end of 2021, I decided to officially look into doula programs and that was when I realized that postpartum doulas existed, not just birth doulas. The rest is history. I certified with Birth Boot Camp in June 2022, and have been working on building my business ever since. After never having any career stand out to me, I just knew without a doubt that this was what I wanted to do. It makes me emotional to talk about it because it means so much to me. I know that an extra hand and a kind smile can go such a long way when your days and nights are filled with feeding, burping, changing, and soothing. Every single family deserves and needs a village after each new baby! Pregnancy and birth is amazing, and often planned for and talked about. But postpartum lasts for 2 years after having a baby and it’s usually overlooked and not as much is known about it. Postpartum mood disorders could be so much more manageable with the right knowledge and someone watching out for you. I want more than anything to make a difference in how families view, prepare for, and enjoy the postpartum period.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest journey so far. If it had been, it probably wouldn’t be worth it! Starting a new business when you don’t know much about how to run a business is a learning curve. I often feel like the doula part comes easy; it’s the business part I need help with! I am still getting my business off the ground, and finding clients is difficult. I also still have days where I struggle with postpartum depression, and I can be pretty hard on myself. I find myself feeling like I have to be perfect and know as much as doulas who have been working for 10 years. In those moments, I just have to take a deep breath and remember that everyone has to start somewhere and that the people who need me will find me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I came up with the name Mama Loves Mama because those two things are such a big part of my identity. First and foremost, I’m a mom, and I love being able to help and love other moms and families. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I’m very intuitive to others’ needs and pay close attention to detail. I always am finding myself noticing things that I could do for those around me. I really care about people. I love making other people laugh and be happy. I had the opportunity to be an aunt from the time I was born, and have always really enjoyed spending time with kids and helping my siblings with their children. I want the readers to know that I am down to do pretty much anything that will help my clients, within my scope of practice. Cleaning, cooking, caring for babies and siblings, talking, listening, being a shoulder to cry on, and helping families adjust and develop healthy habits. I can also provide local resources and am knowledgeable about breastfeeding and infant care. I will go out of my way to serve you and take care of you the best I can, in the way you need it most.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am actually a little bit shy. My passion for this work overshadows it though! I was super shy in 7th grade, and let’s just say if 12-year-old Seneca could see me now, she’d be both shocked and amazed at what we’ve accomplished so far.
My son has a severe milk allergy as well as asthma (most likely), so I have learned a lot about that in the last year.
I can speak Portuguese a little.
Also, I’m a huge Twenty One Pilots fan!
Pricing:
- $25/hour unless we discuss something different.
- Postpartum doulas can be paid with an HSA/FSA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamalovesmama.wixsite.com/bbccpd
- Instagram: @mamalovesmama.utah
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083183565750&mibextid=ZbWKwL
