Crystal Lopez

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

Hello, my name is Crystal Lopez and I am a PCD through DONA. I have been serving families in the community as a postpartum doula  for the past 2 years. I am a mother to three beautiful children. I am also a lover of the arts and anything that has to do with self-expression. Fashion and Makeup are some of my favorites!! I love the theater and also indulge in live music of all genres. I love documentaries and learning about different cultures. I am a stargazer and nature lover and also grew up in the country on a ranch. There's nothing like the sound of crickets and a black sky full of stars to help heal the soul.

HOW DID YOU COME TO DOULA WORK?

My eldest daughter is going to be 21 years old. As a new mother I found myself with so many questions about the birthing process. I took it upon myself to educate myself and attend birthing classes with the San Antonio birth doulas 21 years ago. It was then that I discovered my love for educating women about birthing and their choice to do so. I have since had two other children with the aid from doulas through SABD and 2 years ago was given the opportunity to help grow the postpartum program through that organization. I discovered the power  and importance of mothering the mother after she returns home from the hospital. I learned that support during the postpartum period is very crucial and needed although speaking about it seemed taboo. I have served over 100 families both in and out of work, and each one was more enlightening and empowering on both of our ends.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST OR FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT DOULA WORK?

I absolutely  love Mothering the Mother. I do believe that some things cannot be taught in life, rather they need to be experienced, and in some of the most  trialing and testing moments in life, we are not able to see how those things could possibly work out to help others. I am able to serve families with a non-judgmental perspective and I am able to help in the area of communication. I love helping the family dynamic flourish and grow into exactly what is needed and most fitting for each family group. I will continue to nurture and educate families in the area of postpartum support and show mothers and families that mental health awareness is nothing to be ashamed of, but instead should be praised and embraced as we work together through one of the toughest trials in life as parents.

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES OR AREAS OF PARTICULAR PASSION?

I take pride in solely focusing in the area of postpartum support. From the moment new parents are set home two days later with a newborn, or Im left alone the first night after a home birth, postpartum support is needed. Some families are in transition, others are military-based, and some unfortunately have no partner or support. I have been fortunate enough to work with families in all different types of financial brackets, walks of life, and cultures. I have been able to set attainable goals with families and offered support through assessments when I recognize things are out of my scope of practice. I am also an advocate for parents who are just learning of what their new voice may be. I have worked with families who have had multiples, single parent homes, and also couples who are learning to communicate as new parents. I love being able to show parents how to bond with their newborns as well as helping to educate them and also understand how to hear the voice of instinct. Focusing solely on postpartum support allows me to hone in on building up the family dynamic. It is the absolute most rewarding career from my perspective.