Meet Nikki McDaniel | Postpartum Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki McDaniel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There is a lack of continued care after a person gives birth, and it is crucial to maternal health and the health of the family as a whole that changes are made. A postpartum doula helps fill that gap and it is important that we educate on the benefits and need for continued care in the fourth trimester.

A postpartum doula reduces postpartum mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression. A CDC study shows 1 in 8 birthing people experience symptoms of postpartum depression.

We help improve breastfeeding success.

Healing of the birthing person is quicker with the support of a postpartum doula.

We give parents more confidence in their abilities and there is better understanding and communication to meet the needs of the baby.

With the support of a postpartum doula there are deeper bonds between the parents and the infant due to lower rates of abuse.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula by definition is a trained support person that offers physical, emotional, and informational support to a new birthing person and their family. A postpartum doula is so much more than that definition.

Something that sets me apart is my passion for what I do. I have always had a strong connection to care for and nurture other people. It grew stronger when I had my first child and my husband and I were lacking the support we needed. We were left as new parents a week after my daughter was born with no family or friends near by, the decision to return to work or stay at home, sleep deprived, and second guessing everything. No one can really prepare you for parenthood, and that is when the wheels of becoming a doula started. I thought to myself, ” No one should have to struggle like this. What can I do to change that?”

I am most proud of my mindset and being able to stay positive even when things get hard.

I don’t think anything is easy about starting a business. You start with an idea of what you want to do and it sounds great until you realize all the things you have to do legally and also build your clientele. It takes endless hours of research, networking, and putting yourself out there when you are most vulnerable. When I first decided to start this journey, I reached out to my birth doula and told her I decided I want to be a doula and would love for her to tell me where to start. She has been by my side guiding me through my journey and referring clients to me.

My biggest challenge was putting myself out there and getting out of my comfort zone. I come off as confident most times, but I always get nervous before talking to a potential client or networking opportunity. I read affirmations often to keep the positivity flowing, and also play a good song to help calm my nerves before a meeting.

The biggest lesson I have learned is that clients aren’t contacting you because they do not know you exist. Put your name out there, talk to people, sponsor groups, connect with other professinal in your industry, and most of all stay positive. A negative attitude brings negative energy and things tend to cascade.

I want the world to know that I truly care. I often put others before myself and I always have an open heart to anyone that I meet. This is shown in my every day life and business. Caring for others is what I do!

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.
If my best friend came to visit the first thing we would do is eat. I am a big foodie and pasta is my favorite, so we would stop at RARE Italian in old town. We would also have to stop and get some margaritas at Blue Agave. Some time during her stay we would go to Rocky Mountain National park and check out the views. Its a great place to go on a hike but neither of us are hikers. We would visit Estes Park and check out the local shops and grab ice cream at Flavors of the Rockies. Since I have two littles we would have to take a trip to Denver and explore the Childrens Museum and do some shopping at the 16th street mall. We would probably end her visit eating lunch at 415 and take a walk on Spring Creek trail.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Kevin for his unconditional love, support, and encouragement. My daughter Haven and son Malcom for being my inspiration and pushing me to be better everyday. My doula mentor Julianne Curtis for believing in me, guiding me, and being my number one referrer. My parents for always reminding me that I can do anything.

Website: www.mtnmoondoula.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mtnmoondoula

Image Credits
@homeskilletphoto @katyfrancisphotography