Hello! My name is Synclaire Lamontra Butler and I am a full spectrum birth worker, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, USA. I am currently serving my communities domestically and abroad through birth work and earthwork. I initially answered my call to birth work when I was 18, where I spent 10 months shadowing Dr. Carol Mitchell-Springer of Alaska Women’s Health Clinic, located in Providence Hospital. From attending births to witnessing clients in their moments of loss and infertility, I was deeply moved and transformed by every experience. However, the more I learned and witnessed medical systemic injustices, the more my spirit was spurred to pursue birth work outside of the hospital. I leaned into our ancestral knowledge and practices. I received my official doula training in Oakland, California, under the guidance of Full Spectrum Birth Worker, Educator, Midwife, founder , and CEO of Sumi’s Touch and half the team of Partera Midwifery, Sumayyah Franklin. I have always believed each person and family deserves to be treated with loving kindness, compassion, and competence during their journey to parenthood. I am so grateful to answer the call to birth work and do not take for granted the gift it is to witness and assist in the ceremony of Birth.
What is my role as your doula?
A doula is someone who provides education, emotional, physical support to someone during pregnancy, labor, abortion, loss and the post-partum period.
Doulas have been around since the dawn of time. We do not replace partners or primary care providers, nor should a doula ever seek to provide medical care. Instead, we are experienced birth supporters. As a doula, my priority is to ensure that you, as my client feel encouraged and informed when making your own decisions surrounding your body, your birth, and your baby. I offer emotional, physical, and spiritual comfort as well as bodywork to support you throughout your pregnancy, labor, abortion, loss, and/or postpartum periods. This may include but is not limited to: cooking, advocating for you, and educating you on procedures, massage, setting the ambiance (no matter where you choose to birth, whether in your home, a hospital, or elsewhere; I will do whatever I can to make sure you are comfortable), helping you organize a birth plan, making sure your bag is packed, sealing ceremony, supporting to ease your nerves through affirmations and other support techniques.
Does a Doula make a Difference?
Labor length is shortened by 25%
Epidural rates lowered by 60%
Cesarean rates lowered by 50%
Pitocin use lowered by 40%'
You are 34% less likely to have a negative birth experience
In a 2013 study, researchers found that doula assisted mothers have better health outcomes than pregnant women who did not utilize their services. Doula assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a low birth weight baby, and two times less likely to develop a postpartum complication. The American Congress of Obstetrician and Gynecologists report that continual doula support can lead to the reduction of cesarean sections, fewer medical interventions, and overall improved outcomes for women in labor.
Black birthing people die at 3 to 4 times the rate of their White counterparts from childbirth. They are 243% more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage and eclampsia. This is a reflection of the ways RACISM, not race, play a significant role in many of the birthing experiences of birthing people of color.
Doula Services
You can hire me prenatally or even after your little one has arrived! As a full spectrum birth worker I am available throughout the journey of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and to serve as your support team, and can provide service through loss, abortion, adoption, and miscarriage. I am licensed in infant CPR and first aid, with an extensive background in childcare for infants, children, and contracted services. If you find you are interested in childcare services postpartum, please inquire by emailing me at synclaire@synclaireshoneyspot.com