Charity Vazquez
Certified Labor Doula | Birth Photographer
(she/her)
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Labor Doula Training: CAPPA & DONA International
Breastfeeding Basics: DONA International
Spinning Babies
Hypnosis For Birth Training
PTSD Awareness
Building Better Caregivers Training
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate Training
Aloha! I grew up on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Growing up in Hawaii gave me a unique perspective on life. Often, when people think of Hawaii, they think of beautiful beaches, palm trees, and hula dancers. And while these things are true and a part of Hawaii, there is so much more to island culture. Hawaii is a deep, rich place. For me, home will always be the rich colors of the fruit stands, back roads in the mountains, wild chickens, and celebration leis. Hawaii is old wood, red dirt, and plantation houses. It’s the smell of salt air, Grandma’s gardenias, and old sugar mills. Growing up in Hawaii provided a strong sense of acceptance and belonging; you were loved hard and without conditions. The community is one of sharing and generosity. The people are fiercely proud yet also equally humble. I was raised feeling loved by an entire village of people.
I have four children ranging in age from 26 to 14. The births of each of my children were very different, yet they were each powerful experiences. I knew then that supporting people during this journey through pregnancy into parenthood was my calling. I began attending births 23 years ago. My philosophy is if you put love out there it will grow, so I did. I poured my heart into my work and built a wonderful and thriving business.
The moments just before a baby is born are magic. We want to feel safe, supported, and cared for in these moments. Coming from an island where people are generous with their love and care allows me to share it with others. My children are no longer in diapers, and I no longer walk the floors when my babies don't feel well. I have the time and energy for the birth world and to share what I have to offer. This is what I am meant to do. It is an honor to share this experience with families.
Q&A with Charity |
Q&A with Charity |
As a doula, do you support births where they plan to use pain medication like epidurals?
Absolutely YES! Pain medication is just a tool. Sometimes it is a helpful tool and sometimes it is not. You know your body, your needs, and your history better than anyone. The tools you wish to utilize during labor do not diminish your need for birth support. Pain relief is just one aspect of Doula support.
On a scale of 1-10, how “crunchy” are you?
I think people assume that I am pretty crunchy (it's the doula title, I get it), but on a scale of 1-10, I am a solid 4. I like kale, but I also like hot Cheetos… life is about balance.
Who are your typical doula clients?
My doula clients are individuals who respect both modern medicine and the natural process of birth and are seeking the perfect balance between the two for their delivery. I enjoy helping my clients achieve a calm, safe, informed birth where their choices are respected.
Do you support LGBTQIA+ families?
Absolutely! We wholeheartedly embrace and support our LGBTQIA+ community! We firmly believe that everyone deserves support and care as they grow their family (and every day!!!) without judgment or justification. We offer honest, inclusive, gender-affirming support to everyone… everyday… period.
Do you have any experience supporting individuals who have been affected by trauma?
Yes. I have both personal and professional experience supporting individuals who have been affected by Post Traumatic Stress. Helping people navigate new and sometimes intense experiences while coping with anxieties and triggers is sort of my jam. Every situation has the ability to be traumatic if you do not have a voice, a choice, and support. Birth is no different. I recognize that birth is a delicate balance of beautiful and heavy work.
Do you support both hospital and homebirths?
While I do specialize in hospital-based births, the type of labor support that I provide translates very well between both hospital and home birth settings. I excel at creating an environment of collaboration with your care team while advocating for your birth preferences. I firmly believe that childbirth is a natural process and not merely a medical event, regardless of the setting.
Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
I am a realist. My glass is perfectly balanced in the middle. I trust that we are all strong and capable individuals and deserve the truth. Without honesty what else is there? Sometimes we have to first see exactly where we are in order to know where we want to go!
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love having coffee on my back porch, collecting plants and hopefully keeping them alive, trying new restaurants, having brunch with friends, watching Netflix documentaries, embarrassing my family with my dance moves, snuggling with my kitty, and going to KC Current games (KC Baby!!!).