Meet Safca, a Birth Doula with Ann Arbor Birth and Family!
What are some of your specialties, trainings, and unique offerings?
I am DONA trained and trauma informed.
My unique offerings are my social work background and work with refugees/DV/SA!
What makes you really shine or feel like you’re thriving?
I meet clients where they are on their journey, listen to their goals and walk with them.
I support my clients wishes and encourage compassion and self-care/love.
What are the best 3 words to describe yourself?
Kind.
Intuitive.
Contemplative.
What can we find you doing when you are not with a client?
I spend the majority of my time with my husband and children outside hiking, birding, or at museums and theaters! I also have a circle of friends and family who I love to make time for, even if it’s just a quick bite to eat.
What is your favorite bit of advice or words of encouragement for new parents?
Your feelings of (fear, anger, frustration, exhaustion, elation, joy – or all of the aforementioned) are VALID and NATURAL. I encourage you to relax, sleep as much as you need, stay in bed, and eat well.
How are you changing the world? What is your legacy you are building for future generations for our community?
Primarily, I am influencing our community by raising our children in a mindful, gentle way, they are our priority!
Second, I am balancing my career with non-profit work in addition to my time with Ann Arbor Birth and Family. I chose Ann Arbor Birth and Family for the camaraderie with a team of professionals eager to share their expertise and because my passion for non-profit work is supported by Ann Arbor Birth and Family.
I want to be a part of the shift in how pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care is viewed in our community and I am eager to provide comprehensive, evidence based care to families.
What are some of your favorite books or podcasts?
Books: Cold Mountain, Emma, Tess, Island Beneath the Sea, Maya’s Notebook
Podcasts: NPR politics, On My Mind, Moth, On the Media
What is your favorite quote/mantra/manifesto?
“Choose Mercy”
Who are you paired with and why do you make a great team?
Ligia and I met in training in the winter of 2019. I was in my first trimester of pregnancy and at times was overwhelmed with morning sickness. While practicing a ball technique I found so much comfort working with Ligia, her comfort techniques and energy are so calming.
We make a great team because Ligia and I are passionate about birth work, continuing education and training, and we share a commitment to refugee and immigrant communities.
Ligia and I feel strongly about supporting our client’s goals, there is no “”right”” or “”wrong”” way to labor, birth, or feed a baby! There are MANY options available to our clients and we are confident in our team’s willingness to help our clients explore what works best for them! “
What are some fun facts about you that you would like to share?
Our family loves learning and trying out new things. My husband and I are both dedicated to our careers but we take our family time very seriously! I believe strongly in a healthy work/life balance that includes nature, exercise, diet, and hobbies. We enjoy gardening, birding, taking classes, art, and relaxing at home.
Thank you for being a part of our team Safca, your gentleness & compassion shines through when you enter the room.