Chillin' with Ceres Chill: What Doulas Really Do – A Conversation with Tintawi Kaigziabiher 

By Rebekah Scroggy, RN, BSN, IBCLC 

When it comes to birth support, doulas are often the unsung heroes of the birthing world. In this inspiring interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Tintawi Kaigziabiher — mother, birth advocate, ordained priest, doula, and Executive Director of Our Birth, CPA — to explore what doulas actually do and why their work is so vital to modern pregnancy and postpartum care. 

You can watch the full interview here 

What Is a Doula? 

Doulas go by many names: birth attendants, birth workers, parteras, Comadrona, and more. At the core, Tintawi defines a doula as “non-medical support for people during birth and postpartum.” While doulas don’t replace OBs or midwives, their support is invaluable—emotionally, physically, and practically. 

From labor coaching to postpartum assistance, doulas provide wraparound care that helps birthing people feel empowered, heard, and connected to local resources. 

Why Doulas Matter More Than Ever 

Tintawi has supported births across New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, and even Ethiopia. Trained in both Mexican Midwifery traditions and African diasporic postpartum practices, she brings cultural depth to every birthing space. 

One key message? Community doulas are essential bridges to crucial services like transportation, mental health care, diapers, and even help deliver breast milk. Their work supports not only the birthing person, but the entire family. 

Full-Spectrum Doula Care 

As director of Our Birth, CPA, Tintawi trains doulas in full-spectrum support — which includes guidance through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy loss, and abortion. 

While doulas in the U.S. aren’t formally regulated, most programs include core education in anatomy, birth physiology, and hands-on comfort practices. Tintawi encourages future doulas to research certification programs that align with insurance reimbursement or Medicaid doula coverage, now available in several states. 

Beyond the Birth: Doulas as Everyday Support 

A doula’s presence extends far beyond the delivery room. Tintawi shared how doulas: 

Every family has different needs—and doulas meet them with care and flexibility. 

Rethinking Postpartum: It's Not Just 6 Weeks 

Too often, postpartum is treated as a short recovery period. But as Tintawi powerfully stated, “Postpartum is for the rest of your life.” 

She urges the media and medical field to normalize and represent realistic postpartum bodies, recognizing the lasting physical and emotional changes birthing people experience. 

Birth Planning, Advocacy & Informed Choice 

One of the most empowering roles of a doula is helping create a birth plan and offering real-time advocacy. Doulas help families prepare for comfort measures, medical interventions, and how to maintain autonomy throughout labor. 

Tintawi emphasized: “Sometimes you have to make immediate decisions, but sometimes there's room to gather more information and make an informed choice.” Doulas help parents stay calm, informed, and centered. 

Community Doulas & Inclusive Birth Support 

Whether hospital-based or working in homes, doulas play a transformative role. Community doulas are especially critical for the global majority and marginalized communities, offering culturally informed, relatable support. 

Many doulas accept insurance, offer sliding scale pricing, or barter systems to improve access. 

Final Thoughts 

Doulas are more than birth assistants—they are educators, advocates, and trusted partners through one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. Their work improves outcomes, builds confidence, and connects families to the care they deserve. 

If you're curious about becoming a doula or want to work with one, explore Tintawi's work at Our Earth. 

Let’s keep chillin' with changemakers who are reimagining birth and postpartum care—one Ceres Chill and iced coffee at a time. 

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#DoulasSupport #BirthAdvocacy #CommunityDoulas #PostpartumSupport #BreastfeedingSupport #CeresChill