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

Hi Keely, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Unless you have given birth yourself, most people don’t realize that our culture has turned pregnancy and birth into a medical event. It is as if our healthcare system perceives pregnancy as something that needs to be cured. This perception robs even the healthiest of pregnant people of their right to have the birth experience that they want.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is incredibly intimate. I am lucky enough to have a front row seat in watching someone transform into becoming a new parent. Once the excitement of birth begins to fade into a memory, a lot of the energy and attention is directed towards the newborn. My focus remains on the birthing person because they too are an infant in parenthood. There are often layers of mourning and feelings of great overwhelm that need to be acknowledged and nurtured. This could mean I am helping clients process their birth experience, or perhaps offer reiki healing, or even prepare a postpartum-centric meal for the entire family.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take them on a walk in my neighborhood where we could get lost wandering around all the windy streets with views of the hills. Then I’d take them to Amara Kitchen for a delicious scone and matcha, then I’d stop by cookbook market to pick up a bottle of wine, cheese and fresh cut flowers. We’d enjoy an early evening glass of wine on my patio. Other places I love in LA: Arcana Books The Self Realization Fellowship La Crescenta Nursery

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor who is seventy three deserves all the credit and recognition in the world. She has no online presence and works solely by word of mouth. She taught me what it means to truly be a compassionate and empathetic birth worker.

Website: https://www.lightandgroundhealing.com

Instagram: @k.eelys

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/keely-birth-postpartum-doula-los-angeles-2

Image Credits
Matt Bockal

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