Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherin Rinaldi Fanaian.
Hi Katherin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When deciding to become a birth doula back in 2018, I connected deeply with a desire to be of service to women in my community in a tangible and practical way. As a mom of three girls, navigating motherhood for the last 13 years and having used a doula myself for one of my births, I recognized that being pregnant and giving birth are among the most significant events for women, their families and our communities! There is nothing like feeling supported and loved, being provided necessary and helpful information, and having our voices heard during this incredible journey. Each birthing experience is unique!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Anything worth pursuing will include challenges along the way and becoming a doula was no different. I’m a mom, wife, homemaker and active member in our faith community (the Baha’i Faith), so I’m always striving to bring coherence, balance and improved time management to my life. One of the main challenges yet most thrilling parts of being a birth doula is the uncertainty surrounding birth and the on-call hours it entails. For that very reason, I aim to have only one client per month so that I can give them my undivided attention.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am really excited to keep learning and plan on investing my time to keep educating myself so I can have more tools to implement in my doula business. This last year, I have gained more sets of skills by participating in prenatal yoga training, a Lamaze certification course, for example. I am originally from Colombia, so I am fluent in Spanish as well and have enjoyed serving the Latina community in the Orlando area. It truly is an advantage to be bilingual, and I hope to serve more families this way. As a doula, I advocate for the client, but I don’t make decisions for them…. in the same way, knowing their options and rights in the hospital setting especially is really important. I am there to encourage, provide physical, emotional, and informational support and have to be open to each and every birth experience and outcome.
What makes you happy?
Family, Faith, Friends, and Fitness! I love spending time with my husband of 15 years, our three daughters, and the rest of our family, even though, due to geographical distance, we don’t get to see as often. We love spending time cooking, playing games, in nature, and watching movies. Also, The Baha’i Faith and having a strong love for God and looking for ways to build community are always at the forefront of my life. Friends also make me happy! I have made new ones, and have kept childhood friendships strong and cherish the blessing of an honest, no strings attached friendship. Lastly, fitness… I enjoy an active lifestyle and have more recently loved getting my workouts done with the Peloton app and Bike.
Contact Info:
- Email: kr@rinrindoula.com
- Website: www.rinrindoula.com
- Instagram: rinrindoula
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RINRINDOULA
Image Credits
Charissa Castro Autumn Love Photo
