About Us
Championing the Beat of New Life
Our team is a kaleidoscope of passionate professionals, each with their own unique skills but united in their dedication to your family's well-being. We are listeners, educators, artists, supporters, and friends. Every DoudouKare team member brings a wealth of knowledge, an ocean of empathy, and an infectious enthusiasm for celebrating each milestone with you.
Adwapa Asenso
Owner
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Birth Doula
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Childbirth Educator
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Infant and Toddler Sleep Coach
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Placenta Preparation Specialist
Hello, I'm Adwapa, the heart and soul behind DoudouKare. My journey into the world of perinatal care was as personal as it was profound.Born and raised in Ghana, I've spent my adult life in the United States, where I've woven a rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge. My educational journey took me from Spelman College to a Master's in Public Policy, setting the stage for a versatile career in the public and nonprofit sectors. The roles I embodied were as diverse as they were interconnected. But it’s my role as a doula, a birth companion, an educator, and a placenta artist that has truly defined my path.
In 2019, less than a year into my marriage, I found out I was pregnant while taking care of my very sick father. I knew nothing about my body and what it meant to be pregnant, but my husband and I were over the moon at the prospect of being new parents. The rumored horrors of diaper blowouts and sleepless nights paled in comparison to the delight of peals of laughter bouncing off our walls and the pitter patter of little feet running around the house. Sadly, it was not to be. We lost the baby at 21 weeks. And we were devastated and angry. How could my body fail me?
Craving understanding and closure, I plunged into research. This wasn't just about answering the 'whys'; it was about rewriting my story. I discovered a passion for the power and wonder of birth, a passion that was transformative. It led me to become a doula, an advocate, and a beacon for those navigating the waters of parenthood.
I am a firm believer in the wonder and power of our bodies to birth and nurture new life in this world. At the same time, I understand that it is a deeply personal and unique experience for each person and everyone approaches birth with their own needs, abilities, stories, and hopes. As your doula, I meet you at your point of need, championing your cause and promoting your development, so that you may have the most positive pregnancy and birthing experience possible.
My goal is to develop a personal relationship with you, learn your story and support you without pressure or judgment. This shapes the care that I give and allows me to provide individualized support that is specific and culturally relevant to your preferences during your special birth.
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After four years as a solo birth doula, the realization struck like a chord—families needed more than just birth support; they craved education and tangible memories, a tapestry of keepsakes to hold onto. I then reached out to other folks and founded this new version of DoudouKare where our vision is to provide comprehensive education support and unforgettable mementos to our clients throughout birth and into parenting toddlers.
Care, Empowerment and Support Officers
Michelle Horne
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Birth & Labor Doula
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Postpartum Doula
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Certified Car Seat Technician
I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, a good friend and dog rescuer. Working in public health, I am a strong advocate for women choosing the right path for them. I have also worked for the past 23 years as a birth mother counselor in adoption/foster care helping families to decide if adoption was the right choice for them. I have a strong background in trauma informed care, child development, and substance misuse. My passion has always been taking care of others and empowering each person to realize their potential.
As a prenatal, birth and postpartum doula, I provide education, social-emotional support and guidance for moms and families. I describe being a doula as I am the guardian of the energy in the birthing room and always like creating a calm birthing environment. I am a very caring, passionate and kind person who wants every woman to be educated on all the options to be able to have a good birth story. Whether everything goes exactly “according to plan” or not, I believe it is so important for parents to feel respected, listened to and cared for. I have well rounded knowledge of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and parenting. I take pride in my ability to pay attention to detail and empower others by relying on my calm, compassionate, upbeat and supportive nature to help my clients find their own voices to have an impactful journey to becoming parents.
I volunteer with a local dog rescue transporting dogs to their new foster homes. I am a dog mom to three beautiful rescued puppies. I am a mom of two children, being their mom has been my best job ever, and it has been amazing to watch them grow into beautiful humans. My goal is to deliver unbiased, non-judgmental support, being the resource and advocate each person deserves throughout their journey.
Florence Doe
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Birth & Labor Doula
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Postpartum Doula
My name is Florence J. Doe, and I am a certified Labor, Postpartum, and Infant Care Doula, as well as an Early Childhood Educator. With a profound love for assisting women and families, I am dedicated to guiding you through the extraordinary journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood.
My mission is to help you craft a birthing and parenting experience that mirrors your values, honors your culture, and respects your preferences, whether you are becoming a parent for the first time or expanding your family. Providing a compassionate ear, soothing touch, and expert support, I am committed to nurturing you every step of the way.
My own journey into doula work was ignited by the challenges I faced during childbirth in my homeland of Africa, sparking a fervent desire to empower other women to embrace positive and transformative birthing experiences. Drawing strength from my personal experiences and a decade of service as an early childhood educator, I am driven to create a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore your desires, fears, and aspirations.
As a certified Postpartum Doula and Early Childhood Educator, I am deeply committed to supporting women and families during the tender postpartum period. With a nurturing spirit and wealth of experience, I provide gentle guidance and expert care as you navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood. Inspired by my own experiences as a mother and guided by my faith, I offer compassion, understanding, and a safe space for you to explore your unique journey into parenthood. Let's connect and discover how I can support you during this precious time of transition and growth.
With a background in nursing from Brazil and a deep passion for supporting families, I am dedicated to empowering expectant parents with knowledge and confidence as they prepare for the arrival of their little one.
As a mother and wife myself, I understand the importance of informed decision-making and holistic care during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Through interactive classes and personalized guidance, I strive to equip parents-to-be with the tools and understanding they need to navigate this transformative journey with ease and confidence.
My bubbly personality and genuine care for others create a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged, and fears are eased. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or exploring alternative birthing options, I am here to provide comprehensive education and support tailored to your unique preferences and needs.
Becoming a childbirth educator was a natural progression for me, driven by my passion for assisting families during this sacred time in their lives. It brings me great joy to witness the growth and empowerment of parents as they prepare to welcome their little ones into the world.
I am honored to guide you through this journey and look forward to sharing knowledge, support, and encouragement every step of the way.
Together, let's embark on this beautiful adventure with confidence and excitement, embracing the joys of parenthood and the miracle of birth.
I am Myriam Lukoff, originally from Montreal, Canada, and now based in Shrewsbury, MA. As a compassionate doula with extensive Spinning Babies experience, my journey into doula work began with DONA International through the Worcester REACH program, which aims to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in the community. By blending cultural sensitivity with educational and social-emotional support, I ensure that every expectant mother feels valued and heard throughout the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. I am committed to crafting a birth experience that is not only safe and caring but also profoundly positive and beautiful, empowering mothers to recognize and utilize their natural abilities during this transformative event.
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My inspiration for doula work stems from my own profoundly different and transformative childbirth experiences. Armed with a pre-med degree in Physiology from McGill University and over twenty years of experience in early childhood education, I seamlessly integrate my classroom background into my doula practice. Recognizing the critical importance of education and nurturing the child-parent bond for healthy child development, I mirror these principles in my support for new mothers, fostering a profound connection between mother and newborn.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to volunteer efforts, notably with JFCS's 'Journey to Safety,' focusing on aiding women impacted by domestic violence. This commitment underscores my dedication to the safety and well-being of mothers and their children.
Fluent in both English and French, I extend my services as a Mass Health provider, reaching a wider community with my expertise.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I treasure my roles as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I find joy in reading novels, playing the piano, and spending quality time with my family.
I am thrilled to extend my services to the vibrant community of Worcester County. With a zest for life and a heart full of passion, I am eager to embark on this journey alongside families, guiding them through the beautiful process of childbirth.
Although I may be young, my enthusiasm knows no bounds. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in public health from Worcester State University, I bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the table. My background in the healthcare sector, particularly in assisting individuals on the spectrum and those with intellectual disabilities, has equipped me with invaluable skills in empathy, patience, and understanding—qualities that are essential in the realm of childbirth support.
Maternal health advocacy runs deep within me. I am driven by a fervent desire to address the inequalities present in our healthcare system, particularly concerning expectant mothers. My mission is to educate, empower, and advocate for mothers every step of the way, ensuring that they receive the support and resources they deserve.
Together, let's embark on this transformative journey towards a positive birthing experience.
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Birth Doula
I am dedicated to journeying alongside expectant parents before, during, and just after childbirth, offering a comprehensive support system encompassing emotional encouragement, physical comfort throughout labor, and access to valuable informational resources pertaining to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. My mission revolves around mitigating adverse outcomes during the delicate phases of pregnancy, childbirth, and early infant care.
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When I found out that I was expecting my first child, I was very excited. In the back of my mind I also thought “Oh, boy, how am I going to do this! Can I even do this?” Giving birth was so mysterious to me, filling me with hesitation and fear. I am glad to say that after attending a birthing class, finding a supportive doula, and learning how to ask for help, my birth experience was nothing close to the mysterious and fearful event I though it was going to be.
In the months after my daughter was born, I could not keep quiet about my positive birth experience and how the support of my doula was a significant part of my birth story. A good friend of mine confessed, “you talk so passionately about doulas, you should consider becoming one.” He was absolutely right! My journey in becoming a doula began in January 2021 when I enrolled in training with DONA International.
For me to be a healthy Black woman fortunate enough to walk out of a hospital birth with a healthy new born, and a non-traumatizing birth experience, is a blessing that I will never take for granted. The fact is, my medically uninteresting birth story is not the norm for most birthing people who look like me. The racial disparities of maternal and infant health among people-of-color is shocking and unacceptable. The advocacy work I do as a doula is simply me submitting to the call to do my small part in reversing this wrong, right here in my home town of Worcester, MA and beyond.