a spirited welcome to you*~

my name is Shilpa and i’m an Ayurvedic doula ready to support you as you discover your greatest inner wisdom.

my mission is to support birthing people during times of reproductive transition through the lens of decolonization and Ayurveda. I bring to my practice the belief that food and plants are love+medicine, that often we hold the answers within ourselves, and that together, we can build a better world for everyone. my vision is for a womb carrier to have an empowered, informed, and transformational experience that leaves the person feeling nurtured, held, and capable.

I’m committed to supporting aligned individuals & families of different shapes, sizes, cultures, races, heritages, genders, sexualities, life experiences, religions and spirits. Birthwork is everywhere, but outside of it, I am also dedicated to abolition, collective liberation, decolonization and indigenous land back movements. That said, sometimes I can’t be everything for everyone and I’m happy to support you in finding the best fit for you.

my doula journey began when I was young, before I ever knew the word ‘doula.’ at the young age of 3, I had to conscientiously re-parent myself. I learned very early on how to care for myself and that life, without any rhyme or reason, can be tough. perhaps this is also why throughout childhood, as a teenager, and then as a young adult, I endeavored to find connection, foster empowerment in others, and, perhaps with a bit of naiveté, “make the world a better place”, as they say. while I engaged in a professional 9-5 life in public health, non-profits and social movements-based data+tech, something was completely missing. the restlessness awakened me to who I am, which I am humbled to say is a constant process of shadow work. time feels increasingly unreal but I use the year 2020 as a marker as it’s the year I felt blessed with the space to evaluate what my spirit has to offer this world.

my offerings

how i approach

The moment you become pregnant, you’re in a sacred, liminal space - regardless of where that pregnancy may lead you. I welcome this intensity. This work can really bring our shadows to the forefront. I embrace what might be under the hood by nurturing it, allowing it to surface and come to light — with curiosity, non-judgment, transformative justice, and radical attention.

curiosity

I believe in the power of the subconscious. Birth work is shadow work; my mind and heart will be open and curious with you.

non-judgment

I practice with the absence of judgment. I leave my ego at the door.

transformative justice

As a daughter of a working class, immigrant, single parent, I remain committed to economic justice and nurturing community. I will stay challenging white supremacy, racial capitalism, western imperialism, ableism and other forms of oppression.

radical attention

I like to call what most people call compassion, radical attention. Providing radical attention is a love language.

education
(in reality the learning is infinite)

 

post-2020 (chronological):

  • Abortion Doula Training with Bay Area Doula Project

  • Full Spectrum Labor and Postpartum Doula Training with Ancient Song Doula Services

  • Postpartum MasterClass Part 1 + 2 with Erica Livingston

  • Lactation Basics for Doulas with LaShanda Dandrich

  • Newborn Care for Doulas with LaShanda Dandrich

  • Abhyanga Ayurvedic Massage Certificate with Massage Around The World [14 Hours CEs]

  • Sutika Paricharya (Postnatal in Ayurveda) Course with Dr. Priya Jain from Uvas Ayurveda

  • Gender Affirming Birth Work with Moss the Doula

  • PAIL with Nneka Hall

  • The Cradle Coach Academy’s Newborn Care Specialist Course

  • Inner Sun and Moon with Sarva Blackwell - Abhyanga Massage, Ghee Making, Ayurvedic Belly Binding, Ayurveda & Herbal Practices For An Easier Labor

  • Intuitive Plant Medicine with One Willow Apothecaries (current)

  • Birthing from Within Birth as a Heroic Journey: Birth Doula & Childbirth Mentorship (current)

pre-2020 (chronological):

  • Bachelors in Science in Public Health; minors in Psychology & Biology at Rutgers, State University of New Jersey

  • Masters in Public Health, concentration in Community & International Health at New York University

  • Software Engineering Fellowship at Hackbright Academy, a women’s coding bootcamp

Contact me.

Based in Oakland, CA.

chandjaandoula@gmail.com
(732)-979-7459
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