Creating Community Through Care: Alicia Figueroa’s Path Into Birthwork

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Creating Pathways Into Birth Work

At bebo mia, we believe in creating real pathways into doula work. Our full spectrum doula training supports students across all stages of care, and our doula scholarship program helps remove financial barriers.

A Gratitude-Filled Beginning

Why I Want to Be a Doula and Join the Bebo Mia Program

Hello! I’d first like to acknowledge my appreciation for such an amazing opportunity. Receiving this scholarship to learn from an organization as caring, inclusive and dedicated to the overall health (mental/ physical/ emotional) of birthing persons, babies and families is truly a blessing!

A Childhood That Shaped Perspective

My name is Alicia Figueroa, I am from Youngstown Ohio. I have 5 siblings overall but was raised in a family of 3 as the youngest child. Being the youngest, I didn’t have much time with children younger than me. Whether wrestling with my older brother or begging my sister to play Bratz with me, it was always them who had to look after me. I’d never had to change a diaper or babysit.

Discovering Care Through Unexpected Moments

I had no knowledge of how to care for a child, no understanding of how to communicate with them and believed I had no intention of learning. That is, until my best friend gave birth. When she had her 3rd child, she and her husband needed help. At night, I would watch her son, feed him, comfort him, change him and put him to sleep. Having no experience I was surprised with how natural it all felt. I’d also make sure the other two children slept through the night, tending to any nightmares so everyone got their rest for work the next day. Helping out made me realize, not everyone has this resource, this community and it sparked something inside me.

Recognizing the Need for Postpartum Support

Most families do not have the sufficient support necessary to balance the tasks needed to maintain a household, current relationships and finding time for self care. It’s a balancing act and things can get very overwhelming. I am especially passionate about postpartum care because that’s often where support disappears. I believe this period is crucial for both parents and babies, and I want to help families transition into this stage with less stress and more confidence. My goal is to provide the kind of community support that used to exist but is so often missing today.

Advocating for Empowered Birth Experiences

I believe every person deserves to be informed and empowered about their birth experience. They should feel confident speaking up and know their voice will be heard. No one should be afraid that their concerns will be dismissed. Every person deserves the utmost care and respect. That’s part of why I’m drawn to the Bebo Mia program. I want to dive deep into the knowledge and skills needed to truly support families. A friend referred me to this program, and after doing my own research, I knew it was the perfect fit.

Turning Frustration Into Purposeful Action

As a woman of color, I’ve often felt frustrated with the availability of care to women and families in my community. I’ve seen firsthand how systemic issues create barriers to quality care, and I want to change that—not just for myself, but for the people around me. Becoming a doula is my way of learning, advocating, and creating space for healing. I want to fight for women and children, and I want to help them feel seen, supported, and cared for every step of the way.

Building Access and Collaboration in the Community

After graduating from Bebo Mia, my plan is to get the credentials needed to work. I want to primarily work with families who may not have the capability to privately pay for doula care. I want to work with families who may lack resources that are needed to properly care for their families. My roommate is currently working as a doula and I plan to collaborate with her through her postpartum doula business. If we choose to work together we can reach so many more women looking for doulas. There seems to be a bit of a movement getting started and local doulas are starting to come together to truly make a difference. Medicaid is still a sensitive subject with most local doulas and families need more access to us.

A Mission Rooted in Equity and Care

Ultimately, my mission as a doula is simple: to create a world where women and other historically marginalized groups are heard, cared for, and supported throughout their entire journey. Every family deserves that, and I am committed to making it a reality.

Your Path Into Doula Work

If you’ve been considering this work, now is the time. Explore our Birth Doula training or apply for a doula scholarship to get started.