Meet Megan Ledbetter | Birth & Postpartum Doula

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

Hi Megan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
This question reminds me of a wonderful quote about birth,
“There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation.” – Pamela S. Nadav

As a birth and postpartum doula, I am always in awe of the moment where the room gets ready to welcome a new life. It’s breathtaking. The mother and the father have co-created something utterly beautiful and unique in the world. With the birth of a child there is also the creation of the family, the recreation of the woman into the mother, and the man into the father. All at once, the whole world shifts around the small guest of honor.

It is such a gift to be able to honor that moment and the moments afterward! This respect for new life anchors me throughout the process as I bring comfort, support, and education to help with this massive life transition!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I would love to share more! A unique part of my business is that I am able to offer both birth and postpartum support in tandem with one another. This creates a wonderful sense of continuity of care. I am able to prepare my clients for each step because I understand and respect the whole journey in its totality. I believe that being able to walk with clients throughout their pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum period is an incredible privilege. The time I invest allows for strong and impactful relationships with each family! I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This connection piece is one of the reasons why I chose to be a doula. I have always gravitated towards roles in which I have been able to encourage others, and invite them to flourish. In my day to day, I hope to strengthen mothers to trust their bodies, to step into their unique story and to elevate their voices throughout each step.

To answer how I got where I am today, starting my own practice has been equally intense and beautiful! It required a leap of faith, as it does to create anything meaningful. It has also required me to humble myself. Nobody controls how babies come into the world, I am not the author of the story. But, I am here to show up and serve, to open my hands and my heart each family. That is what I would like people to know and trust about me as their doula!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much in San Diego to do so it’s difficult to narrow it down!

First stop is the beach! I would definitely take a friend to walk or swim in La Jolla cove. I have been going since I was a little kid and can confirm, it never gets old. I’ve been loving Blue Whale and Java Earth cafes as of late! We would have to get a few fun drinks while were around.

I would also love to show them the botanical gardens in Balboa Park and then head into the zoo while we’re at it. It is such a beautiful spot to explore. Then, up to see the views at Kate Sessions Park, I’d love to pack a picnic and chill on the grass. Since summer is coming up, it would be a fun spot to watch the Sea World fireworks show as well!

For laid back food, immediately Taco Stand! Good tacos are not optional while visiting. I also love Hinotez sushi and Mngo Cafe for dessert. I am convinced good mango sticky rice is heals the soul. If we wanted to get a little more fancy, Italian in Little Italy with gelato to go! I think they would have a hard time leaving!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful that I have had support on my path to doula work! I would love to shout out Leilani Songer, the owner of Breast Feeding Fixers and Leilani’s Wellness Center for encouraging me to take the leap and for giving me opportunities along the way! It only took one yes to empower me with the courage to move forward.

I have also had the wonderful support of my husband, sisters, and my mom! Whether it was driving me home after 24hrs straight at the hospital, giving me space to process the joys and struggles of birth work, or celebrating mountaintop moments on long phone calls, I am so blessed to be championed by the ones closest to me!

And of course, for my DONA Instructors, Gerri Ryan and Lisa Simpkins, for opening up a pathway to serve and honor the women in my community. Thank you for being gracious teachers and for giving me the opportunity to learn from you!

Website: https://www.yourdoulameganrose.com/

Instagram: meganledbetter_