If you’re looking for doula support in Boulder, chances are you’ve heard of Balanced Beginnings Doulas—and if you haven’t yet, you’re going to want to know about them!
This amazing group was founded by Lisa Waldo, who has been supporting families in the Boulder area for 25 years, and has over 36 years of experience in birth work. That’s not a typo—she’s been helping families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum longer than many new parents have been alive! 🙌
From Teen Support to Lifelong Birth Work
“During college, I supported BIPOC teens throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey,” Lisa shared. “Witnessing the positive impact that doula support has on the birth and postpartum period is what continues to inspire me.”
That heart for support is what drives Lisa and the Balanced Beginnings team every day.
Building Lifelong Connections
You can tell how much Lisa loves her clients by the way she talks about them. When I asked her what her favorite part of the job was, she said, “The connections that we build with families! I LOVE getting college graduation announcements from families who I supported years ago, and seeing my walls lined with holiday cards from 100’s of families who trusted me to support them.”
That’s what happens when someone supports you through one of the most life-changing days of your life—they become part of your story.
Doula Support from Boulder to Dubai!
I asked Lisa to share a proud moment in her work, and this one really wowed me:
“Having a family travel to the US from Dubai twice so I could be their doula.” Now that’s trust!
What Surprises People About Doulas?
A lot of people assume doulas are just there for the birth—but there’s so much more to it. Lisa shares “That when I am in town, I am basically on call 24/7.” Yep, doulas are always ready when the call comes. (Sound familiar, birth photographers? 😅)
Another big misconception? That doulas take over or get in the way. “[It’s a misconception] that we replace the partner or cause conflict with the medical staff. We are there to be a part of the team!” Teamwork makes the birth work!
A Birth to Remember
I asked Lisa if there was a memorable experience she’d had while working in this field that stands out? This story is WILD and amazing and very on-brand for birth work.
“Crawling under a mama whose baby was coming quickly while she was standing up in a parking lot while we were waiting for the midwife to arrive. I was happy to be a soft landing place for the baby while getting showered in amniotic fluid.”
Um WHAT!? Freaking awesome!
Lisa’s Top Tips for New Parents
These are GOLD:
- “Stay active, eat well, keep stress down and focus on getting good sleep.”
- “Hire a doula.”
- “Put equal energy into your postpartum plan as you do your birth plan.”
What If Lisa Weren’t a Doula?
If she wasn’t doing birth work? “Maybe own a Bed and Breakfast in a village in Scotland where I grew up.” How cozy does that sound?!
When she’s not attending births or supporting families, Lisa loves “spending time with my family, reading, hiking, skiing, traveling, yoga, ocean swimming, and sleeping 8hrs. a night.”
(Goals.)
If you’re planning to welcome a baby in the Boulder area, you’ll want Lisa Waldo and the Balanced Beginnings Doulas team in your corner. Her experience, wisdom, calm, and support are unmatched.
📍 Learn more at www.balancedbeginningsdoulas.com
📷 Follow them on Instagram: @balancedbeginningsdoulas
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