Serena Heras

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF

Hello! My name is Serena, and I am a labor doula, placenta encapsulator, and postpartum doula! I have 3 dogs and 2 cats, and if I’m not working I'm usually with them watching TV. My all time favorite shows are Doctor Who and New Girl, though I’m sure you’d have a hard time finding a show I haven’t seen! I also enjoy reading, hiking, playing games, and spending time with my family.

HOW DID YOU COME TO DOULA WORK?

My first step into the doula world was becoming a Postpartum doula. This felt very natural to me, as I have been working in childcare for what feels like my whole life! I started off babysitting for my siblings and my parent’s friends when I was younger, became a teacher in the infant room of a daycare at 18, and a postpartum doula at 21. I decided to step into this field because I love helping families adjust to having a new little one! Supporting labor and delivery was a natural transition as I began working as a doula and stepping more and more into the birthing world. Labor and delivery is truly one of the most beautiful and fascinating events I’ve had the honor of witnessing, and I knew instantly that this is exactly what I was meant to do.

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

That’s such a hard question to answer! For postpartum work, I’d have to say it’s the moments when something finally clicks into place. There's always some trial and error with each baby since they each have their own preferences and personalities, but I love the moments when you figure out how they like to be burped, the quickest way to get them sleeping, which formula works for them, and everything in between! I know it's not possible for me to fix every problem that arises, but it always such a relief when I can help with one. Adjusting to this new chapter of your life can be such a chaotic time, and I truly believe it takes a village!

For birth work, my favorite part is seeing birthing people reach deep inside themselves and finding strength they never knew they had. The absolute relief and joy I can see on their face as they hold their little one in their arms for the first time always brings tears to my eyes. 

WHAT ARE YOUR SPECIALTIES OR AREAS OF PARTICULAR PASSION?

I love helping brand new parents! There is SO MUCH to learn about literally every part of pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, it can get so overwhelming and confusing to try to decipher all that information on your own (especially if this is your first time around kids!). I love helping parents sort through that confusion by offering unbiased support and advice until we can find something that works for the family as a whole. Please ask me your thousands of questions, I love being able to help!

I am also passionate about teen parents, single parents, rainbow babies, and informed consent.