Brief Introduction
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Ms. Marna Armstead stands out as an Executive Director and Cofounder of Marna Mama Doula, a distinguished Private Community Doula Consultancy. Her leadership extends to the SisterWeb Community Doula Network, where she is also a proud owner. Ms. Marna’s unwavering dedication to maternal care and her innovative approach to doula services have established her as a pillar in the community. She is deeply committed to nurturing expectant mothers and their families, providing them with comprehensive support throughout their pregnancy journey. Her expertise and passion for maternal health shine through her work, making her a trusted and respected figure in the field. Ms. Marna’s contributions to community doula care are not only transformative but also a testament to her profound impact on improving maternal outcomes. Connect with Ms. Marna to learn more about her exceptional services and the SisterWeb Community Doula Network.
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Why did you choose the profession you are in?
It feels like this profession chose me. On January 11, 2000, I found out I was pregnant, and it was unplanned. I was a scared, single mom, trying to figure out my life. Little did I know, my journey through that pregnancy would lead me here.
Even though I was excited to be a mother, my life was a mess. My relationship was falling apart, and I knew I'd be raising my child alone. Thankfully, my sister and mother supported me, and I welcomed my daughter with joy and pride. During those moments, I had a revelation: I realized I had the strength to help other women find joy and strength during their pregnancies and births.
That experience planted the seed of SisterWeb in me. I started thinking about other women who might not be as fortunate as I was. I decided to train as a doula and began looking for clients. However, I quickly found that it was tough for Black women to make a decent living while supporting their communities during such a crucial time in expecting families' lives.
I began connecting with community members and brainstorming ways to ensure doulas could be paid sustainably. Eventually, I met my cofounder, Alli Cuentos, and that's how SisterWeb was formed. We both agreed that doulas need to be paid.
Looking back, as a scared, pregnant single mom just trying to figure out my life, and later as a struggling new doula, I had no idea my journey would lead me here. But here I am.
Even though I was excited to be a mother, my life was a mess. My relationship was falling apart, and I knew I'd be raising my child alone. Thankfully, my sister and mother supported me, and I welcomed my daughter with joy and pride. During those moments, I had a revelation: I realized I had the strength to help other women find joy and strength during their pregnancies and births.
That experience planted the seed of SisterWeb in me. I started thinking about other women who might not be as fortunate as I was. I decided to train as a doula and began looking for clients. However, I quickly found that it was tough for Black women to make a decent living while supporting their communities during such a crucial time in expecting families' lives.
I began connecting with community members and brainstorming ways to ensure doulas could be paid sustainably. Eventually, I met my cofounder, Alli Cuentos, and that's how SisterWeb was formed. We both agreed that doulas need to be paid.
Looking back, as a scared, pregnant single mom just trying to figure out my life, and later as a struggling new doula, I had no idea my journey would lead me here. But here I am.
What is your favorite part of being a Co founder and Executive Director?
I love making an impact in my community. Knowing that pregnant women in San Francisco have reliable, well-trained, and relatable doulas supporting them is incredibly fulfilling. It’s deeply rewarding to see how our work helps mothers during such a crucial time in their lives.
On a larger scale, it's exciting to influence doula compensation and training standards nationwide. By advocating for fair pay and appropiate training, we're helping to uplift the field and ensure that doulas are respected and valued for their essential work. This kind of advocacy can change the landscape for doulas everywhere, making it a sustainable and respected profession.
Sharing data on the deep impact doulas have is another highlight. When we can show how lives change with the support of doulas during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, it reinforces the importance of our mission. These stories and statistics are powerful tools in gaining support and expanding our reach.
Creating a safe and healthy work environment for our team is also something I cherish.
We’ve built a culture where we genuinely care for each other, making even the hard work enjoyable. Our team’s camaraderie and mutual support are vital to our success and to the positive impact we have on the community. We all believe in what we’re doing, and that shared passion makes all the difference.
I also derive joy from using my skills to help others solve problems and use every opportunity to gain new perspectives and approaches to my work. Combining these new perspectives and my existing knowledge and skills will help me become more successful in supporting the causes and organizations I care about.
On a larger scale, it's exciting to influence doula compensation and training standards nationwide. By advocating for fair pay and appropiate training, we're helping to uplift the field and ensure that doulas are respected and valued for their essential work. This kind of advocacy can change the landscape for doulas everywhere, making it a sustainable and respected profession.
Sharing data on the deep impact doulas have is another highlight. When we can show how lives change with the support of doulas during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, it reinforces the importance of our mission. These stories and statistics are powerful tools in gaining support and expanding our reach.
Creating a safe and healthy work environment for our team is also something I cherish.
We’ve built a culture where we genuinely care for each other, making even the hard work enjoyable. Our team’s camaraderie and mutual support are vital to our success and to the positive impact we have on the community. We all believe in what we’re doing, and that shared passion makes all the difference.
I also derive joy from using my skills to help others solve problems and use every opportunity to gain new perspectives and approaches to my work. Combining these new perspectives and my existing knowledge and skills will help me become more successful in supporting the causes and organizations I care about.
What routines do you follow each day?
I wake up a little earlier than necessary most days to pray and meditate. This time allows me to appreciate my God, family, friends, career, and circumstances, making sure I don’t take any day for granted.
Throughout the day, I take moments to breathe and remind myself that my job is to help solve problems. I always keep in mind that I’m not working alone; everyone I work with has their own feelings and experiences. I aim to see how we can all collaborate effectively.
I try not to take negatives personally and instead, learn from each challenge. Before bed, I review my day, noting what went well and how I can replicate those successes. I also reflect on the challenges and think about ways to prevent or solve them. I focus on how I can be my best self tomorrow. Lastly, I try to go to bed early to ensure I get a good night’s rest.
Throughout the day, I take moments to breathe and remind myself that my job is to help solve problems. I always keep in mind that I’m not working alone; everyone I work with has their own feelings and experiences. I aim to see how we can all collaborate effectively.
I try not to take negatives personally and instead, learn from each challenge. Before bed, I review my day, noting what went well and how I can replicate those successes. I also reflect on the challenges and think about ways to prevent or solve them. I focus on how I can be my best self tomorrow. Lastly, I try to go to bed early to ensure I get a good night’s rest.
What would you suggest being taught in the high school that would encourage and help students to discover professions like doulas?
I think bringing back trade and vocational training in high schools is really important for a few reasons. First, not all learning happens in traditional classrooms, and not every student wants to go to college. We need to offer different options that fit various interests and strengths.
For instance, when I was younger, I wanted to help pregnant women, but the idea of becoming a doctor and spending years in school didn't appeal to me. I didn't know there were other career paths that could let me follow my passion.
We need to invest in trade training in schools that involve hands-on work, like doulas. These jobs are crucial for our society and economy. Vocational training gives young people the chance to explore these rewarding careers.
It's also essential to teach students practical life skills, like money management. Knowing how to budget, save, and invest money is crucial for everyone, no matter their career path.
Entrepreneurial training is another area. Teaching young people to think creatively and start their own businesses can help them become leaders and make a positive impact on the economy and their communities.
Finally, as I mention leaders, we need to promote diversity in leadership. This means encouraging culturally diverse and differently-abled individuals to become leaders. Diverse leadership brings new ideas and perspectives, leading to better solutions to the challenges we face.
For instance, when I was younger, I wanted to help pregnant women, but the idea of becoming a doctor and spending years in school didn't appeal to me. I didn't know there were other career paths that could let me follow my passion.
We need to invest in trade training in schools that involve hands-on work, like doulas. These jobs are crucial for our society and economy. Vocational training gives young people the chance to explore these rewarding careers.
It's also essential to teach students practical life skills, like money management. Knowing how to budget, save, and invest money is crucial for everyone, no matter their career path.
Entrepreneurial training is another area. Teaching young people to think creatively and start their own businesses can help them become leaders and make a positive impact on the economy and their communities.
Finally, as I mention leaders, we need to promote diversity in leadership. This means encouraging culturally diverse and differently-abled individuals to become leaders. Diverse leadership brings new ideas and perspectives, leading to better solutions to the challenges we face.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Well, I've got a strong drive to keep making a positive impact on others. I'm really passionate about delving into the reporductive health needs of Black women that reaches beyond pregnancy. Based on my own experiences and the challenges I've seen families, friends, and others face, I feel there's a deep-rooted history we need to unpack to improve how we manage our health today.
I'm not exactly sure where to start, but I feel this excitement bubbling up inside me to make it happen. And you know what? That's exactly how SisterWeb got started. So, I've got this smile on my face and a little wink because, who knows what the future holds, right?
I'm not exactly sure where to start, but I feel this excitement bubbling up inside me to make it happen. And you know what? That's exactly how SisterWeb got started. So, I've got this smile on my face and a little wink because, who knows what the future holds, right?
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