Meet Alyssa Audrey Basile

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Audrey Basile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa Audrey, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The name of my business Mothering Audrey- is an Ode to my daughter Audrey Lou who was stillborn at 34 weeks. Audrey is my middle name and a family name that has been past down for at least the last 4 generations. The inspiration that I hold in my heart, what fuels my compassion, empathy, patience, and endless love for the babies and families I tend to is how I would have wanted to show up as a Mother for my daughter Audrey. By helping to mother others not only as a doula, but also as a friend, who listens, educates, provides resources; is how I’ve learned to heal my heart and soul. I would be remiss if I didn’t share that 1 in 4 woman experience pregnancy loss. As a doula it is our duty to hold space not only for all of the joys and highs but also the hardships and heartbreaks of bringing life into this world. Holding space for for those who are not able to hold their living baby, wrapping those mamas up in a warm embrace, tending to their broken hearts and nurturing their bodies and souls is all part of the role. The role of Doulas isn’t a 21st century idea, doulas derive from ancient times and we need the wisdom, friendship and sisterhood of other woman to help empower each other, overcome challenges, and find a sense of belonging. So if I’ve worked with your family in the past, present, or future; thank-you for being part of my story and my way of Mothering Audrey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Becoming and stepping into the role of a Postpartum Doula has never felt more natural. I hold a bachelors of science in Health Education and a Masters in Elementary Education both degrees give me the background needed to offer guidance and support to the myriad of growing families needs. During the last 2o years of my ever evolving career I have always found the most fulfillment in my heart and soul when I’m able to cultivate relationships with families and their children. Be it an aupair in Switzerland for 5 year old quadruplets, an on call nanny for vacationers in Vail, a kindergarten teacher, camp counselor, English teacher in Japan, the list goes on. Now as I have stepped into a full time role as a postpartum doula I’m able to interweave all my experiences as a caretaker as well as pulling from my own motherhood journey to authentically and compassionately care for my families during their postpartum period.

So what exactly is a postpartum doula? By definition a doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. As a postpartum doula I focus on caring and tending to families and babies from birth up to 12 weeks.

One of my services is cooking easily digestible foods like soups, broths, high protein one handed snacks like cottage cheese egg bites or peanut butter protein balls. Having a fridge full of healthy nutritious meals and snacks to help fuel families through their recovery is crucial.

Offering evidence based newborn care and support as well as where to find data driven information is also a big piece of my work . There can be a lot of decisions that have to be made as parents navigate the newborn phase; how to feed your baby, what products to use, what exactly is safe sleep, just to name a few. There is so much contradicting information to filter through as a new or even seasoned parent. Having someone you can trust to bounce ideas off of and problem solve with can help to build confidence and trust. My role as a doula is to provide trusted resources so families can feel empowered in their decision making.

Last but not least I offer night support my families too. Sleep is critical for recovery especially during the postpartum period. My shifts are during peak sleeping hours, typically I am rooming in with the newborn, tending to their needs in the evening, keeping them well fed and snuggled in a safe environment so parents can get deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Being a doula means being a lifelong learner. I am thankful for this career, the continuing education I seek out and the opportunities this work provides to make a difference and a positive impact in so many homes and hearts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Summer and Fall are my favorite seasons here in Colorado and I always aim to get outside as much as possible. Nederland makes for a great little day trip for all seasons, drive up the canyon, grab breakfast at New Moon Bakery, do a little hike up in Indian Peaks Wilderness, if kids are in tow stop off at the Carousel of Happiness. In the evening- theres no better place to experience some good ol fashion Colorado fun, then dinner and dancing up at Gold Hill Inn!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful for Lisa Waldo who owns Balanced Beginnings Doulas. She saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue postpartum training with DONA which has in turn opened up an entire new world of opportunities for my career and family. I am honored to be part of the Balanced Beginnings team, where I am surrounded by such incredible woman doing powerful work. To be witness to all the Mamas and Papas out there who have welcomed me into their homes and have let me nourish their families during such a beautiful and transformative time in their perinatal journey has made my cup overflow with love and inspiration. To my son Dexter, who taught me what it means to me a Mom, and keeps me motivated. And lastly, of course I have to give a shoutout to my husband Mike who has always stood beside me in all my endeavors. Without his love, flexibility, and support, I wouldn’t be able to be the mama, doula, and wife that I am today.

Website: https://www.motheringaudrey.com