I’m so thankful for the community of birth workers in Columbus. For the last week of Black History Month, I want to spotlight some of the wonderful Black doulas that Columbus has to offer. Each of us brings something unique to our work and we all bring different skills and gifts to our clients. First up is Tiana Montella, The Labor & Nutrition Dietitian. I partnered with her last spring and really enjoyed sharing all of her knowledge about how best to take care of yourself during pregnancy and the postpartum months. Today we get to hear from her about why she does this work - and more!

What's your reason behind why you do this work? I do this work because most deserve to have the support of a doula. Providing the education for them to have the best birth experience and guiding them through the process gives me joy. 

How does your doula support differ from that of others in the area? The one thing that I offer is personalized nutrition support as a registered dietitian. I am able to provide meal plans and education based on my client's needs, especially for gestational diabetes and hypertension. While I have experience within the intensive care unit, I am able to help translate medical terminology to my clients and help them make educated decisions. I offer a postpartum nutrition accountability course,  giving the birthing person 6 weeks of my professional nutrition guidance to provide the proper nutrition for them and the baby especially if they are breastfeeding. 

What do you wish you knew about labor and birth that you now can't imagine living without? The one thing that I wish I knew when I was pregnant with my son is that I had options. I didn't know that an epidural would prolong my labor, or know that I should have had informed consent for the MD to perform an episiotomy. Knowing these options opened my eyes and gave me the confidence to help guide my clients through their options. 

What's your availability for clients March-December 2023?

March birth- 1 early March, nutrition 2 clients

Postpartum 1 clients

April 1 birth early April, 2 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

May late May 1 birth, 2 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

June 1 birth, 1 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

July 2 birth, 1 nutrition 

August 1 birth, 1 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

September 1 birth, 1 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

October 1 birth, 1 nutrition, 1 postpartum 

November 1 birth, 2 nutrition

December 3 nutrition