Meet Jaci Virgadamo | Birth and Postpartum Doula

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

Hi Jaci, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I am a birth and postpartum doula, many people believe two things about us. First, that we are like midwives and are medically trained, second that if they can’t have a doula at a hospital or don’t need one if they have a supportive partner. Doulas are non-medical, the come alongside birthing families to help educate them about the birthing process, advocate for them, and support them emotionally. We also love going to all birthing locations from hospital, birthing centers, or homebirths! While a supportive partner is a wonderful thing, that partner also needs support in having a good understanding of how best to help. We teach all partners many different techniques and respect the intimacy of the birth space, you are bringing a life into this world with this person so we want to give them their space while supporting them as well.

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 started Selah Birth Services of Texas in the beginning of 2021, coming out of a pandemic. To say that there were difficulties would be an understatement! It took me quite a while before I officially got my foot in the door by networking with other birth professionals and birthing centers specifically. There were still many restrictions on hospital births and how many people could attend.

I knew I wanted to be a doula my clients could rely on, one that would match whatever they needed. If it was a stronger coach to tell them they could do it, I would. If they needed soft words of encouragement and reminding them that their body was created to do exactly this, then I would lean that way. Every woman deserves the birth she wants, whether that be a scheduled C-section or an unmedicated homebirth. Listening to their needs and desires has allowed me to be a part of over 30 beautiful birth stories.

When I was asked what I wanted to be when I grow up I would change my answer all of the time from nurse, counselor, massage therapist, teacher, event planner, and even full time ministry. The beauty of my job is I get to be and do all of those things, I started my business to not only help families prepare for the miracle of birth, but also to bring my faith into my work. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the clear guidance and provision of the Lord. It brings me so much joy to share the love of Jesus every day with those I serve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy going to fun different coffee shops or breakfast places with friends. My favorite are Hebrews Coffee, Noe’s Cafe, and Sweet Paris.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A group I joined when I first became a doula is the North Houston Birth Workers, it is a combination of midwives, chiropractors, doulas, photographers, massage therapists, lactation consultants, and so much more. Their encouragement, support, and connection has helped me become the doula I am today. It was all started by Brittany Shannon with Fount Chiropractic.

Website: www.selahbirthservicestx.com

Instagram: selah_birthservices

Facebook: Selah Birth Services of Texas

Image Credits
The first picture used which is black and white was done by Jessica Sornson Photography.