Meet Anna Harper | Birth & Labor Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Harper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people go into pregnancy, birth, and starting a family with little information, other than what they’ve seen in movies or what a friend has told them, so they are naturally going to defer to whatever their medical provider tells them. They are unaware of the biases that are present in a hospital room, and how much information they are going to have to learn for themselves. Likewise, they may underestimate the truth that “Knowledge is power”!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If you would’ve told me 5 years ago what I would be doing now, I would’ve never believed you and I probably would’ve asked what a doula even is!
Doulas provide continuous labor support, emotionally, physically, informationally and even spiritually. I am so passionate about helping families make informed decisions, not fear-based decisions, and creating an undisturbed, safe environment for birth. I look at the big picture of wellness, where our goal is a healthy mom AND a healthy baby, not a healthy baby at the expense of the mom. One thing that sets me apart as a doula is my faith, as I follow Jesus and marvel at the miracle of watching a child enter the world. I believe that birth is sacred, incorporating prayer and encouragement into my practice.
One of the challenges for me has been the disconnect between knowing what I want to do with my life and actually getting to do it sustainably. It has taken time and patience to build up a business and reach my ideal clients, since this is a relational and vulnerable business. It will still take time to get to the place where I want to be, but I can’t give up just because it doesn’t happen right away.
I’ve also dealt with some good old-fashioned imposter syndrome, especially working in Los Angeles next to some really incredible doulas who are famous in the industry. We are not meant to compare ourselves to others, so I’m trying to remedy this with building up an encouraging community around me, rather than isolating myself.
Through all the growing pains, I’m staying open to what God has for me, and being present with every mom I have the honor of serving, whether I have many clients per month or just one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is my favorite city, and I still have so much to explore.
The first place you have to start is at Doubting Thomas in Historic Filipinotown. The owner Naomi is so kind and is always putting things together based on seasonal produce. This is where you’ll find my favorite breakfast burrito, and you have to get a slice of the passion fruit pie as well.
If I’m not on call for a birth, I would take you on a drive down PCH and then go hiking in Corral Canyon, where there’s no cell service and fantastic views. The beaches in Malibu are also some of my favorites.
While there’s lots of great art museums to visit in LA, an underrated place to see some of the biggest paintings is the Hall of the Crucifixion-Resurrection, located in a cemetery.
For a nice dinner, I would take you to my favorite Indian food, called Radhika Modern Indian in Pasadena, and order the chicken hyderabadi with garlic naan.
In the evenings, I love line-dancing and live music, so I would take you to Cowboy Palace Saloon and Desert 5 Spot. Or if we wanted something more chill, I love the intentionality of Tea at Shiloh, and the people you get to meet there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story has been a tapestry woven together by good people and good books. While I’ve read countless birth-related books, I’ve also been heavily influenced by a book called “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer. Through all of life, not just in long labors, I am learning to be more patient, less rushed, and fully present.

Website: https://annagracedoulos.wixsite.com/welcome

Instagram: @annadoulos

Image Credits
Hannah Wang Photography