Team Member Spotlight: A letter from Anna Isaiko!

Doula Work

Feb 20

Anna’s Backstory

Dear families,

I am blessed to be doing what I love the most: helping future mothers to give birth to their children with the most support, care, and joy!

When I was pregnant with my daughter 8 years ago I was hoping for an unmedicated natural birth. At that time (and in many cases still now), women did not have many resources and support. But I did what I could:

-read a lot of books on pregnancy and baby development,

-tried to keep the healthiest diet,

-talked to the doctor about my preferences for unmedicated birth.

And I thought I got it all right.

But the reality was, I spent most of my pregnancy in the hospital due to severe hyperemesis and weight loss. They had to give me lot's of IVs to get me better and only by 20 weeks of my pregnancy I could finally eat again. By that time my genetic testing came back with bad results and I was under lots of pressure to do the amniotic fluid test, which could result in loss of pregnancy due to negative blood rhesus [RH negative].

Then I gained lots of weight and my baby was 3900 grams [8 lb 5 ozs]. I did not know at that time, but my husband even tried to talk to the doctor about a possible C-section for me.

I had an unmedicated birth I wanted, which was very traumatic for me, as it did not go the way it was planned (or pictured in my head).

I did not have any support during my labor, not from my husband, not from my doctor.

I ended up with severe bleeding.. My baby was admitted to NICU just right after we got home, because of severe jaundice. She was losing weight and they told me to supplement with a bottle.

That was it! I felt like I failed.

I thought this whole experience was so unfair to me. I was a mom who just wanted natural and safe birth with kind words of support and evidence based information on every stage of pregnancy and labor.

After we came back home from the NICU, I thought, ‘I just need to calm down and take the leading role in my child's life and development.’ I read more books about how to successfully breastfeed my baby… and I did!

I did not have ANY support and I wish I would have! It would make my life so much easier, saving my tears and sleepless nights trying to figure out by myself how I should breastfeed my baby!

By the second month she was exclusively breastfeeding and continued to do so till one year. That second month was rough as she only gained 50 grams [1.7 ounce] and I was under so much pressure to give her formula. I wish there would be someone who would provide the evidence based information and research to help me out.

It took me years to process this whole birthing experience.

Anna’s Story Now

And then, I came up with the beautiful idea- I can help those mothers who struggle at birth! I can be a birth doula and lactation consultant. I can be there with you and for you, just holding your hand and providing unconditioned support and care just when you need it!

Assisting many mothers at birth and knowing how beautiful your birth experience can makes my heart melt. I have an overwhelming feeling of joy just looking at the happy parents with their newly born baby and knowing- this is a great start of my new life! Miracles are possible.

I was trained by DONA Int. to be a birth doula, completed my hypnobirthing training, and successfully practice it at labor now with families. I also recently took a lactation counselor training and finally, I am expecting to complete my postpartum doula class shortly.

My biggest passion is to support families with establishing their lactation process.

I love to see how beautifully parents can bond with their children with successful lactation. And if proper support is provided parents will truly feel empowered to provide great care for their babies.

In addition to my training with Hypnobirthing and lactation counseling, I am also very excited to introduce new service that will be offered with Doulas of Capitol Hill.

MATERNITY, BIRTH, and NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY and videography to families in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland!

With 10 years of professional experience in running my studio, I am happy to provide the highest level of service for expecting mothers and newborn babies!

To the families I serve I bring:

- A great collection of hand made props and maternity gowns is available for you to choose from,

- A safe and beautiful posing for pregnant women and newborn babies,

- A professional studio, on location, or in home sessions are available for your comfort,

- Full make up and hair style for new mothers to look refreshed and happy after birth,

- High quality editing of your photos,

- Creative, beautiful films about birth, pregnancy, or your new baby.

Anna Isaiko is a birth doula, hypno-doula, and photographer with Doulas of Capitol Hill. She will soon be completing her certified lactation counselor training and postpartum doula training. Anna has been with DCH since 2019.