Who is behind Rainbow Baby?
My Story
My name is Aleah Walker and I am originally from Wichita, Kansas. My mother moved my older sister and I to Atlanta, Georgia when I was 6 years old. I always thought I wanted to deliver babies when I grew up. That dream changed and I embarked on a journey as a nutritionist graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in Dietetics.
During my 6 1/2 years as a nutritionist, I met with many mothers and their children; one in particular who spoke with me about a labor coach called a Doula. This intrigued me and I knew I wanted to know more about these women called Doulas.
After several years of marriage to my college sweetheart, I found myself about to begin a new journey as a mother. Little did I know, I was about to experience one of the hardest times in my life. After only 17 weeks of pregnancy, I discovered that I was no longer going to be able to make memories with the little bun in my womb; his heart had stopped beating. Although it didn't come to us as a complete shock since in the beginning we were told there were some concerns, it was still devastating. We waited a few months and almost immediately we were expecting again. I knew I wanted to have an unmedicated natural water birth with a Doula in attendence. So I did, and it unraveled a whole new desire to empower women through the birthing process and give birth back to the mother.
My first glimpse of my daughter.
My son just as he was birthed.
Photography: Kara Linker
I began by searching for and enrolling in a Bradley Childbirth class. I feel that it is important for a woman to review various childbirth class methods to determine what works best for her and her family. Next step was to search for, interview, and hire a doula. Little did I know I would end up with two doulas for my birth.
As this was my first full term birth I was not surprised that I was at 41 weeks and still very pregnant. When it was time, I went to the hospital where it was time to put what I had learned from both my childbirth educator and doulas to use.
My doulas were already there, ready and waiting for me. The support I received from both of them was unparrallel to any support in any endeavour I had previously endured. Sometimes there was physical support and sometimes there was mental and emotional support. That was what was key in helping me acheive my goal I had set out to conquer.
I know that I am fully capable of delivering that same type of loving care, support, empowerment, and encouragement to a mother and her family. Furthermore, my experience with breastfeeding will offer continued support even beyond your delivery. My passion for breastfeeding is insurmountable. Having breastfed my daughter for almost 3.5 years gives me insight to the different stages that is breastfeeding.
What's In A Name?
My business namesake comes from the birth that is my daughter. A Rainbow Baby is the baby that is born following a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or infant loss. It is not to say that the little baby I lost was a storm, but the storm of emotions that took place after he was no longer with us was pretty severe. My daughter was the rainbow I needed to regain my hope and faith in the birthing process and that is why I named my business after it.
My Philosophy
I believe that birth is a rite of passage into motherhood and parenthood.
I believe that every woman should be offered a chance to have the birth that she wants and desires.
I believe that every woman deserves a Doula at her birth if she so chooses to.
I believe that every family needs a postpartum Doula for the transition into their new lives as parents.
Birth, be it natural, medicated, surgical, adoptive, single parent, same sex parents, grandparents, or any type of situation where a baby is introduced to a family is a magical thing.
It is our duty as doulas, to hold the space and light the candle to help guide the way through the transition into parenthood.
My Mission
Rainbow Baby Birthing Services strives to offer unique, unbiased, and nonjudgmental labor and postpartum doula services in addition to private lactation support to women and families in a 30 mile radius from Dallas, GA.
I promise to listen to your desires and help guide you on your journey in the gentlest way possible. If your journey deviates from your plan I promise to hold your hand and your space and be right there by your side.
With my services, you can count on me to ease your fears and empower you with a strength you may not realize you possess.
My Education and Training
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics
Georgia State University, 2008
Lactation Achievements
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
(expires: December 31, 2025)
DTI Certified Labor & Postpartum Doula
Doula Trainings International August 2015
