Life and Work with Ann Pollack

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Pollack.

Ann, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for birth started at the age of 16 when I was invited to attend my sister’s birth of her 2nd child. It was amazing to witness life coming into the world! I’m grateful I learned early in life that birth is normal and natural, and can be an empowering, life-changing experience, rather than something to be feared. I went on to have five children, most of whom were born at home. However, my last birth took me on a new journey that taught me the need to be flexible.

Through the years of raising my family, I was blessed to support several family members and friends through their birth experiences, both at home and in the hospital setting. This was long before I learned there was such a thing as a doula. A doula is a person who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing families before, during and immediately after childbirth. A doula recognizes birth as a key life experience the birthing person will remember all her life.

In 2001, I became a certified birth doula with DONA International and have supported approximately 300 families. In 2012, I became a DONA -Approved Birth Doula Trainer, training close to 500 incredibly passionate doulas to date. I spend much of my time teaching workshops and mentoring my students. I still actively attend births because I’m passionate about supporting families at such a vulnerable time. I also feel it’s important to keep up-to-date on current practice, therefore helping me to be the best teacher I can be for my students.

Many do not realize the alarming statistics that exist in maternity care in this country. Currently, one in every three Americans is born through major surgery, twice as many as are medically necessary. The U.S. has the highest rate of maternal death and injury of any other industrialized country, with women of color dying at 3-4 times the rate of white women. An estimated 15-21% of pregnant people experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, while 36% describe their birth experience as traumatic. Through research, we are learning doulas improve outcomes and can have a positive impact on these alarming statistics. For example, studies have shown doulas reduce the first time cesarean, shorten labors, reduce the request for pain medication, enhance maternal-infant bonding, reduce postpartum depression and improve overall patient satisfaction. Who wouldn’t want a doula?

Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been ups and downs through the years, which has provided me with endless opportunities for growth. I like to think that every experience, whether good or bad, has brought me to where I am today. I’m determined to continue to grow in self-awareness, knowledge and compassion. Learning and making personal improvement should be a lifelong journey.

It’s also taken a lot of effort, both from individuals and organizations to spread the word about the many benefits of doula support and get this information into the hands of all birthing families. Currently, only 6% utilize the services of a doula. Some aren’t familiar with a doula’s role, while others find they cannot afford to pay for doula care. DONA International’s vision is, “A doula for every person who wants one.” I support this vision and am doing what I can to see that everyone has access to this valuable service, whether they can afford it or not.

I would encourage anyone wanting to become a doula to be confident in the service you provide for families! You DO make a difference in how families perceive their experiences, you help them be aware of their choices, you support them without judgement, you ensure they are listened to and respected, you nurture and empower families of all kinds, who choose births of all kinds. You are an integral part of the birth team!

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
As a doula, I meet with pregnant families several times prior to their birth. During these visits, we talk in great detail about their goals and desires, along with the options they have. We practice comfort measures and coping techniques to use during labor. We discuss unexpected events and how to make informed decisions about their care. We also plan for what to expect postpartum. I stay with families throughout their labor and birth and up to an hour or two postpartum, making sure they are settled in and breastfeeding is off to a good start.

As a trainer, I teach a very interactive, hands-on workshop. My students learn how to offer unconditional support to the birthing families they serve, helping them find their voice and thus feel empowered. They learn multiple techniques to support families in a variety of situations and leave my workshop feeling confident and well prepared to offer this vital service.

I’m proud of the services I provide both to my doula clients and to my student doulas. Each family, each birth experience, every student I interact with is unique and important to me. Their life experiences influence who they are, it’s what motivates them and the choices they make. I’m there to support and to guide. I couldn’t ask for a more satisfying, fulfilling career.

I have often been referred to by my students as “A Doula for the Doulas” I’m honored by that statement. I stay connected to my students long after the initial training. They know they can reach out to me when they are facing a challenging situation, when they need to brainstorm options or when they simply want to share their excitement. They are genuine, caring, compassionate and reliable. I am proud to be a part of their journey.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Currently, my favorite resource is Evidence Based Birth. Rebecca Dekker provides an abundance of evidence-based information for both families and birth professionals by means of articles, webinars, and podcasts.

I watch or listen to webinars and podcasts almost on a weekly bases on a variety of topics related to birth, such as advocacy, cultural awareness, communication, optimal fetal positioning, etc. all from a variety of sources. Thankfully, there are many educational opportunities out there to take advantage of.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DenverDoulaTraining.com
• Phone: 303-916-7969
• Email: ann@denverdoulatraining.com
• Instagram: ann.pollack79
• Facebook: Denver Doula Training

Image Credit:
Katie Torres, Allie and Jay

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.