From Grief to Purpose: Odayne Williams’ Journey Into Birthwork

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Building Confidence Through Doula Training

At bebo mia, our full spectrum doula training helps students build confidence across fertility, birth, postpartum, and loss care. Through our doula scholarship program, we support more people in stepping into this work.

When Loss Reshaped Everything

My mom passed away in 2015, and my world has never been the same. She was my first love- my heart. But what I honestly gained was the ability to rebuild, even though it took me almost five years to do so. Five years of pain, five years of almost losing myself. I then faced another heartbreak I never imagined: the loss of a child. Those two losses reshaped me entirely. They stripped me down to my soul and left me standing in the raw truth of what it means to love, to grieve, and to survive.

Redefining What Courage Really Means

I used to think that courage was loud, that it came from noise and approval- but real courage is balance. It’s choosingto stay when everything inside you wants to go. It’s quiet dedication to keep showing u for yourself.

Learning to Stay Through the Hardest Days

Some days all I had was a whisper of encouragement, fighting through fears, chasing a little growth, all while trying to protect my health- not just my body, but my peace. My intuition told me; you’re not done yet. I remember sitting on the edge of my bed some nights, everything in me saying run, and I would pack a mental bag halfway. But then I caught my reflection in the mirror-eyes tired but alive. And something deep within, whether it was joy or maybe kindness would whisper, “try again, one more day”. I listened. That listening became my mindfulnesspractice, my medicine, my nutrition for the soul when life feels overwhelming. And so I stayed, not because it’s easy. But because I learned perseverance through questioning, through doubt, through pain. I found resilience, and support in small things; a sunrise, an innocent smile, the sound of my own heartbeat reminding me to trust myself.

Discovering Strength Through Persistence

I realized I am unique, not broken, that every scar has its vision, every moment its quiet wisdom. And maybe that’s been my x-factor, not perfection, but persistence. Because at the end of it all, you must at least believe in yourself. And I believe I’m heading towards my zenith because I’ve finally stopped running away and started climbing toward myself.

When Personal Healing Became a Calling

Today, that climb has led me to birth work — a calling that threads my personal journey with my purpose. As I began learning about birth work, I realized my calling was not just to witness strength — but to honor it, protect it, and stand beside it, especially after losing a child myself. That loss became a seed of purpose.

Finding a Home at Bebomia

When I found Bebo Mia, something clicked. Their mission to create inclusive, evidence-based, justice-driven birth education felt like home. I didn’t just want to train anywhere — I wanted to train where my whole self could belong. Their community is a space where empathy meets advocacy, and where learning is both head and heart work. Bebo Mia’s commitment to centering marginalized voices and dismantling systemic harm in birth work mirrors my own values. I want to grow in an environment that challenges me to think critically while also nurturing the heart behind the work.

Being Seen and Supported Along the Way

Applying for their scholarship wasn’t just about financial support — it was about being seen. To stand among others who believe that birth work can be revolutionary, especially when it centers marginalized voices. It was to help open the door for me to improve and share my gifts where they’re most needed.

Honoring the Full Cycle of Life

Becoming a birth worker is deeply personal to me. My mother’s passing and my child’s loss both revealed how sacred the cycle of life truly is — and how fragile. I realized that birth work isn’t just about bringing life into the world; it’s about holding space for every part of the journey — life, loss, and everything in between.

A Vision for Families and Future Generations

My ultimate goal is to establish an organization that integrates everything from advocacy, adoption all the way to surrogacy. To have something that encompasses everything relating to a family. This is bigger than a business — it’s a movement to restore trust, connection, and empowerment in our communities.

Holding Space for Transformation

Because for me, this isn’t just about catching babies — it’s about catching moments of transformation, helping families feel safe, supported, and powerful in one of life’s most sacred transitions.

A Path Into Meaningful Work

If you’re ready to begin, explore our Birth Doula training or apply for a doula scholarship to take the next step.