Meet Tara Mathewson | Doula & Social Worker

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

Hi Tara, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I wish I could say I’ve perfected work life balance. Finding balance is always something I’m aiming for and really try to uphold to the best of my ability (aren’t we all). An important value is not allowing anything to overshadow the priority of family and taking care of myself. Earlier on in my career while working with a high-risk population, I learned the hard way how quickly burn out can become a reality. I was incorporating the importance of balance with my clients but wasn’t practicing the same for myself. This forced me to work on physical and energetic boundaries in order for my work to be sustainable. I want to feel passion in the things I do and in order for that to be attainable, I have to fill my days with the people, places and things that nourish my soul.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always said that I want to live many lives within this life. That rings true for how I show up in the professional world. I always knew I wanted to do something that is rooted in community, empowering individuals, human rights and social change. My personal experiences have been the catalyst for this work. I encountered wonderful people that helped me in life when I needed it most, and they inspired me to do the same for others.

I started my career working in community corrections halfway house. The purpose of community corrections is for people who have been incarcerated to adjust back into the community, with added structure, treatment and support. This job forever changed my life lens, as it brought to light how the problems for high-risk and marginalized communities is largely a systemic problem. Being in that environment fueled a fire within me to be part of the change and treatment of people in these settings. I wanted to bring the humanity back to human interaction. This was a real challenge in an industry that historically dehumanizes specific segments of the population.

I’ve always been drawn to birth, especially being a mother. I walked away from my first birth with deep trauma from multiple medical interventions, I also walked away asking, why? My third birth, when we welcomed our daughter into the world was revelatory. I realized that the support for birthing people was seriously lacking, and it made me aware of the injustices that are ubiquitous within perinatal care. This is when I made the jump to become a birth and postpartum doula. A doula provides emotional, physical and educational support for birthing people.

The primary challenge of doula work is the serious lack of awareness of options for birthing support and education. That is why I am so grateful to be a doula that is part of the wonderful collective Peaceful Birth Company, whose mission is to make birth support accessible to all people. In addition to working directly with clients, I am also the grant coordinator for the collective, and I work to build bridges with community partners to provide funding and make birthing support more financially attainable. I also help coordinate our relationship with Salud Health Partners, to ensure birthing people with Medicaid have access to doula support with grant funding. Birth work is my heart’s work, and my greatest hope is for birthing people to have a positive birth and postpartum experience. Every birthing person deserves to feel empowered, informed and the center of their care.

I want to inspire others to find the humanity in their relationships. I want my brand to represent equity, care for each other, and hope. This world is hard enough without us making it harder for each other. Being of service doesn’t have to be your job, and it doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as holding the door, smiling at people in the store, or giving someone a genuine compliment. I find those moments of service to be when I feel most connected the community and people around me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would have to start by throwing the kids in hiking packs and start the morning with a hike. We have so many beautiful trails to choose from, but my favorites are in Rocky Mountain National Park. Then we would head to my favorite Colorado restaurant, Morning Glory Cafe in Lafayette. Every single item on that menu is otherworldly and the staff creates a chill and welcoming environment. The patio views make for the best brunch spot. Afterwards we would spend some time in the Fort Collins area, making a stop at the CSU flower gardens followed by a stroll around old town. Of course, there would be a stop at one of the many local coffee shops or breweries Fort Collins has to offer. During a longer visit, a drive up to Mt. Princeton to relax in the hot springs is time well invested. They have six different pools and a river to lounge in, and it is tucked away, providing solace and peace to recover and heal.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been gifted with so many supportive people that show up daily with love and encouragement. First, my family! Without them I don’t know how I would be able to succeed in all my endeavors. Birth work can be unpredictable, and they have supported me with incredible flexibility. Everyone is just as excited about each birth I attend. Along with that, is their grace when I decided to go back to get my master’s in social work. This was a big step for our family, and they knew it meant some daily shifts. Through all of it they are there cheering me on. They definitely keep me going and we all are counting down the days to the graduation date. Second, my Peaceful Birth Company family. This collective of doulas are my people. Each and every one of them have a significant place in my heart. I have truly found home away from home with them. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being your authentic self and being met with nothing but acceptance.

Website: https://peacefulbirthcompany.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunarbabiesdoula?igsh=czh3czB6Mm1lOW1y

Image Credits
Rebeka Torres-Mawana Birth