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Today's Interview is with owner and CEO of Doulas of Capitol Hill, Nicole Bruno. To inquiry with Nicole, please contact us at info@doulasofcapitolhill.com.

1.      When did you find your Passion, or when did it find you?

My first passion I discovered as a young child, which was music. Music was a way to play, to escape and to be engrossed in something. It could always match my mood and make me feel better. After I had my daughter, it awoke my second passion, which was birth. The chance to help and spend time with women and families during such an important time became something I was truly invested in for the long haul. I love helping families feel confident and positive about their experience.

2.      If a kid walked up to you asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to 'give ‘em your best tip', what would it be?

I would tell them to remember they have value. Our voice and presence and ideas are all needed in this world, and even when you are feeling down, you should be as kind to yourself as you would be to your best friend.

3.      What makes you proud of yourself?

Doulas of Capitol Hill makes me proud. I am proud to be making a difference in lives across the DMV. I am also proud of my daughter, who is 7, and has more confidence and wisdom that I ever had at her age. She’s the apple of my eye.

4.      What are your top three values?

Work hard, laugh a lot, and be kind.

5.      Tell me about your favorite book or movie?

This question is so hard to answer! I love to read but mostly I read a lot of self improvement books. Currently I am reading 'You Are A Badass- How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life' (which is a great read so far!) If I am looking for some ‘mind candy’ I will read Nora Roberts. As for movies, I love watching action movies in the theater, but I have literally no recollection of them as soon as I get home. Maybe I would pick the Hunger Games series. Katniss is such a strong female character.

6.      How do you like to be told you’re doing a good job?

I like reassurance. I am happy when someone notices and says ‘I see you are working hard. You are doing a good job. Be gentle on yourself.’ This is a tool I think about and use a lot with families in labor and postpartum as well. We all hold ourselves to the highest standard, and it is important to remember to not compare ourselves to others or demand we meet our own high expectations all the time.

7.      Who is your role model and why?

Would it be cliché to say Michelle Obama? I find her to be brilliant, poised, and gracious. Before becoming a doula and business owner, I worked in hunger research and studies with the SNAP (Food Stamps) and WIC programs. I think her work helping people gain access and knowledge to healthy food is very important and she is a great role model for working mothers. On top of it all, she seems kind and down to earth!

8.      If you had any superpower, what would it be?

I’d like the ability to be in two places at once. My daughter would like that too so I can always give her back scratches at bedtime. That is such a DC answer isn't it? More of me to do more work! :) 

9.      Describe yourself in 5 words.

Kind

Lighthearted

Patient

Thoughtful

Resilient 

10.  How would you describe your (doula) style?

I think my doulas style stems from my values. I like to work hard and be present with someone, remind them to breathe, or laugh, or cry when they need to, and be very gentle with someone’s feelings in any particular moment. I am matter of fact in relaying information to not be confusing, but ultimately the more I can help someone relax and feel supported and safe, the better a job I am doing. I believe each birth and postpartum period is it's own unique experience, and I look forward to helping any way I can. I am grateful to have a job that is this rewarding.