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

Hi Holly, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think the fact that childbirth has such lasting effects beyond labor day is surprising to those who haven’t been through it, and perhaps even to those who have. The way a woman is treated in pregnancy and labor, her emotional health, the physical impacts, postpartum demands — all of these can fundamentally change her, and she’ll need more compassion and support than you’re primed to expect, for longer than you’d think. The reality is, our medical and social systems aren’t designed to properly prepare, care for, and heal women through the childbearing years. Some would say these systems seem only vaguely interested in making the necessary adaptations to improve outcomes for birth givers. Because there is no longer a transparency, cultural tradition, or honesty about childbirth and all the primal, physiological events surrounding it, many expecting parents approach it with deep fear, resistance, ignorance, or a sense of powerlessness. But it doesn’t have to be this way; in fact, it isn’t meant to be this way! This is why doulas and childbirth educators do what we do. We’re available to help fill in the gaps by sharing information about all of your options, providing hands-on labor support, reminding you of your rights and your autonomy, and recognizing the sacredness of your journey.

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?
In short, I help people have babies! Sometimes this help comes in the form of birth classes, sometimes it looks like consulting about pregnancy options and local resources. Sometimes it means I attend labor and get hands-on with physical comfort measures. I also offer various placenta preparations. I’m incredibly proud to begin the next phase of building my skillset as I move toward becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, which will enable me to give expert-level lactation assistance.

I think what sets me apart in my service is my high sensitivity to the emotional needs of expecting families, my holistic care approach, and that I’m passionately protective of my clients’ experiences. I also have a calm nature that resonates well with lots of folks in this change-filled phase of life.

For me, the hardest part of running my business has been the business part! Coming from a background in journalistic writing, I had no experience with marketing, budgeting, and all those practical aspects. Slowly but surely, I’m learning more as I go. I’ve found if I allow myself sufficient time to be creative when I have a break from working, I can more easily get through the mundane stuff like making contract templates, record keeping, and so on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love planning trips, so this is a great question.

Day one, we’d go adopt a dog from one of Houston’s many rescue groups or shelters, and keep it company throughout the week’s activities (and forever after, of course). We’ll spend the rest of the day cuddling the new pooch and my other four dogs.

Day two, we’d visit the museum district to check out some artsy exhibits in the afternoon. At night, we could catch a play in theater district, vibe to a concert, or take a class at my dance studio.

Day three, after spending the previous day enjoying air-conditioning, we’ll be ready for biking along the bayous with our newly-rescued pup, and exploring the Houston Arboretum.

Day four, it’s time to get inked at Assassin Tattoo! Or at least get a piercing. Okay, depending on our bravery, maybe we’ll just go next door to Uchi and grab something off the special vegan sushi menu.

Day five, we’ll go shopping for neat oddities at a metaphysical shop like Thorn & Moon or Pixie’s Intent. Afterward, chat and languish over hot chamomile at The Path of Tea.

Day six, let’s say it’s the weekend, so a trip to RenFest would be extra fun (who can resist themed costumes?).

On our final day, we’d take it easy on my side of town. A movie at Alamo Drafthouse would be perfect.

For meals, I’d love to introduce my friend to my favorite vegan restaurants in Houston: we could grab margaritas and Mexican food at Cascabel, pizza and cocktails at Pythagoras, organic healthy fare at Callie’s Kitchen…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My children brought me onto this path of assisting families; without them, I doubt I’d have found this wonderful, wisdom-filled world of mothering on my own. As a new parent, I was greatly inspired by all the folks who worked hard to advocate for normalizing breastfeeding and associated imagery of the childbearing era. These days I look to my like-minded friends for commiseration and encouragement (like Amy Casto, founder of the non-profit Our Nesting Roots, who nominated me for this piece), as well as the experienced guidance of my peer groups. My training organization Birth Boot Camp has been an amazing resource for ongoing mentorship and business-building.

Website: www.YourLaborNeighbor.com

Instagram: @yourlaborneighbor

Facebook: FB.com/MamasMilkNoChaser

Image Credits
Jessica Sornson Photography Birth Boot Camp Ana & Ivan Photography Holly Milkowski (myself)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.