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Who is Madison Desjarlais?

The journey to becoming a conscious birth attendant began at the age of eighteen. At that time, I wasn’t too sure why I felt drawn to birth work, but the very moment a friend mentioned these few words, “what about being a midwife?” my heart did somersaults. It has been seven years since that moment. The more births I attend and women I serve, the more I realize this work is indeed my soul purpose. When I spend time with families, there is a familiarity – an innate expression that comes out of me. Knowing how to tend to the wombs of the world must have been written into my DNA coding. I am designed to share this knowledge and great wisdom.

One morning in meditation I realized it was my upbringing that led me to this work. My mother and I have a very strong bond. When I was child, she encouraged my wild spirit. She trusted my quirky ways and didn’t question my clairvoyance and clairsentient gifts…She did this because my grandmother blessed me with an omen the moment I opened my eyes, “she has been here before.”

One morning in meditation I realized it was my upbringing that led me to this work. My mother and I have a very strong bond. When I was child, she encouraged my wild spirit. She trusted my quirky ways and didn’t question my clairvoyance and clairsentient gifts…She did this because my grandmother blessed me with an omen the moment I opened my eyes, “she has been here before.”

Through my experiences as a certified birth doula, yoga teacher, and medical phlebotomy work, as well as many years travelling abroad to sub-saharan Africa, India, Europe and Asia, I have gained essential life skills and tools that I utilize when practicing reverent birthwork. With over seven years of being present and advocating for my clients in the hospital and at home alongside midwives and doctors, I have gained valuable experience with the entire birthing process.

Knowledge & Experience

My certifications began in 2015 with DONA International’s Birth Doula Course. Since then I have been consistently updating my knowledge, with my most recent certification through The Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Training. My mentors and Wise Women are in touch with me often which means I am constantly up to date with the latest birthy knowledge. I shift my practices as clinical research continues to update itself, although I always remind myself to trust in my clients instinctual emotions, sounds, and movement when attending a birth – mothers know best. 

Along the way, I have accumulated a wide range of resources and connections. Those include Elle TENS Machine and Birth Pool rentals, Placenta Encapsulation, Holistic Nutrition, Clinical Herbalists, Pelvic Floor Physios, Car Seat Technicians… and more ! 

Thank you for being here. No family deserves to feel unheard or unprepared for their child’s birth. I am here to hold space for your family. I am here to inform you about the plethora of tools and techniques that can accompany your birthing experience. Finally, I am here to remind you of your powerful, primitive nature.

Certifications:

November 2015
DONA Birth Doula Certification (Including Rebozo Training)
October 2017
Wise Woman Way of Birth Doula Certification
October 2018
200hr Registered Yoga Teacher, Trimurti Yoga
April 2017
15hr Prenatal Yoga Intensive with Lori Lucas
December 2020
Safe Beginnings CPR-C for Doulas

Follow Madison

Instagram: @odeotbirth
Facebook: Ode To Birth