Meet Lizzie Bolliger, better known as Fierce Lizzie. One look at her Instagram profile and you can tell she is fun! She is a birth educator and Brentwood area Doula determined to help moms be the boss of their unmedicated births. I was fortunate enough to get to ask her some questions on what she does, why she loves it, and what she loves about being here in Brentwood. Here's a peak into our conversation:
What inspired you to start your business?
After my second baby was born and I decided to leave my full time teaching job, I knew I wanted to start my own business. It was really that birth experience that showed me how little support there is for women during birth and postpartum. I always said I would work in birth if I changed careers and so becoming a doula and birth educator just made sense. I wanted a business that I could run alongside being a mom that allowed me to stay home with my kids; while also working in an area that I am passionate about.
What do you love most about what you do?
There is nothing better than having a really powerful birth experience. The oxytocin high is what keeps women coming back to birth even after the longest and most challenging labors. Birth workers get to experience that oxytocin high and the miracle of birth every time they support a mom, and it never gets old. Hearing the birth stories from my online clients is just as fulfilling. Walking into labor feeling confident and more prepared than the typical mom, it's really life changing for moms.
What tips would you give someone looking for a professional in your field?
First of all, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of both a doula and a good birth education. They actually serve two different purposes and can completely change your birth experience. I believe that knowledge is power and by getting informed you can truly take control of your pregnancy and birth. I know everyone says to just go with the flow, but what most moms want is individualized care. Think of going to Chipotle, you want to see the ingredients and build the perfect burrito bowl, right? Me too! And that doesn't happen in the hospital when it comes to birth. Getting informed changes everything.
Finding the right doula or birth education is as simple as finding the one that has the same values as you. What do you want in your birth? You want an unmedicated birth in the hospital? You're interested in home birth? You know you want an epidural? Great. Now go find the support person that specializes in that. This goes back to that burrito bowl, you want curate your support team that fits best with the outcome you want. That is how you will feel supported and ultimately have a really positive birth. That's how you end up with a birth story you love sharing.
What do you love about working in the Brentwood area?
Brentwood moms are the best, we have a really great community of moms here. There's not a lot of birth support options out here compared to the rest of the east bay, so I love to stay within the community to serve our moms here.
Anything exciting coming up for your business you'd like to share?
There is always something new happening in the birth world! That's one of my favorite parts of the job is being the one of the first to know when a mom is pregnant. There is no shortage of pregnancy announcements that's for sure. I host new workshops and classes every quarter, the best way for moms who are pregnant to see what's new is to tune into the podcast, Unapologetically Unmedicated, where I release episodes each week on having an informed and empowered birth.
If you had a day off and were staying local, what would you love to do around town?
For sure I would be grabbing a decaf latte from Chrome Coffee and strolling around the Maker's Market buying all the things I do not need while supporting our community's small businesses.
Do you have any special offers for our readers you'd like to share?
I would love to offer the Mac Kids readers 10% off services when they mention this article.
If you love Fierce Lizzie as much as I do, you're going to want to follow her all the places
Instagram @fiercelizzie
