Making $85K As A Doula In Washington, DC | On The Job

Samantha Griffin, 34, is a doula and owner of DC Metro Maternity, an agency specializing in labor and postpartum support for women of color in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Raised in the suburbs of DC, Samantha became interested in race and gender studies while attending Duke University, leading her to work at various non-profits while volunteering as a doula before making it her full-time career in 2016. Right now, Samantha makes about $85,000 a year.
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Making $85K As A Doula In Washington, DC | On The Job

[@davidasmart1082]

I am a black woman and I had a black doula for my second pregnancy. It was the best experience of having someone support me in the delivery room when I had no family nearby, and all the medical staff did not look like me. I felt like I had someone advocating on my behalf when I was at my most vulnerable state.

[@TwiinStar1224]

I love black women and seeing healthy black babies. Being a doula isn't for me, maybe my gf, but this was a great episode!

[@quelquun2018]

💯💯💯💯

[@fabian3795]

A black queen here to make other black women feel comfortable and educated here in the DMV esp with statistics showing just how black mothers are treated in the medical field. Love this!

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Absolutely shocking she only made $24K as a nonprofit worker. Sad meaningful work pays so little and isn't financially feasible for people who want to work them.

[@emajjabowen6748]

That’s why non profits are looked at as “rich people work”

[@twincherry4958]

@@emajjabowen6748 Right

[@Essays4College]

Not shocked at all. Nonprofits aren't real jobs ...they're thinly-veiled sororities.

[@BigSisDoula]

I’m a doula and this message is definitely needed.

[@lichi1244eva]

Her hair 😍 Her profession 😍 Those babies 😍

[@mondaebaby]

I'm a new doula. I'm so glad to see people are learning more about how we are beneficial. I love supporting my community.

[@rosiemensah_]

This is a great episode! It's great to see Black women leveraging their knowledge and skills to help serve individuals but also work towards addressing systemic issues. Thanks Samantha!

[@lynmeji]

You should combine non-profit and doula work. Make the government put some money into this through grants. This would reach people who normally would not be afford a doula and would normally receive horrible treatment in hospital settings.

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

Lots of states do this now through their human services department. I'm trying to reach as many women in Macomb county, Michigan as possible. There also needs to be more training that's affordable and sufficient.

[@kristinlaffrey]

Doulas are such a powerful support for so many women birthing and during their postpartum. I love that there are women like this sharing their journey to encourage more support in this space. Celebrating you for your choice of career and for building such a wonderful business 💕

[@gina4sho]

I decided to go to a midwife/doula for our first and it was the best decision I made, will def do it again and always advocates

[@stefanossmitty3318]

I was today years old when I learned what a Doula is. Kudos for even figuring out there was a need for this service and executing the plan to make it come to fruition. Good for her! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@zol2415]

Hey fellow DC doula! Such an amazing story she's done a lot of good work in the DMV area. Everyone should have a doula.♥️

[@ADHDcutieSingleMama]

growing up the D C foster care system, it is so good to hear from someone in that arena; I had a preemie baby when I was 36 years old. I originally started out with a certified midwife, but had to transition when i went into early labor with major complications due to pre-eclampsia. Thank GOD my midwife was allowed to attend the early birth with me, which made me feel safe and was extremely beneficial in decreasing my anxieties.

[@bizmatthew]

Interesting job field that impacts the community on a personal level.

[@NathalieLazo]

Hello precious friend that's reading this, we may not know each other but I wish you all the best in life! You are so loved very much by many. ✨ I believe in you! Love - Nat ❤️

[@alexanderdelarosahidalgo3092]

I believe in you too! Sending love from the Dominican 🇩🇴 Republic

[@danforward3913]

Super interesting! I never really understood the role of a doula until watching this.

[@ohmags]

Love this so much. What a rewarding career. What in impact in these mothers lives she must have

[@antoinettepeeps2640]

Love this piece! My doula was an absolute Blessing to my family and to my journey in motherhood. To this day, we still stay in touch.

[@TheSpoonieG]

This is awesome, congratulations and keep up the amazing work!! #DCStandUp

[@JustBeStill522]

So inspired by this to finish my doula training❤️❤️❤️ work with a purpose and what makes you happy

[@sophiaoneal9081]

Not enough people know about Doulas! love this.

[@yaserchow]

This is the first time I've ever heard of this occupation.

[@alp.9672]

I know what a doula is because Erykah Badu, so yea most black people know about this 😅

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

Not most but quite a few and young people really don't but I'm going to change that!@@alp.9672

[@LifeCoachYvette]

This profession is much needed!!

[@lilvoncampbell]

Yup being a Doula is awesome!! This video is very inspiring ♡

[@ivysauder7192]

Hey there fellow Doula! Thank you for spreading the message and the Love!❤

[@gospels1st]

❤️ Love this!

[@kllocklear164]

Appreciate that she mentioned Native American women!

[@sydlaw2941]

I've been planning to have a doula since I've heard of them and a desire for a water birth. I love this so much. We need to push more for doulas to be included in insurance.

[@dineom3651]

Wow. A beautiful woman flourishing in her purpose. I am so inspired by her story. Sending love 💕

[@honeybdream]

My doula was a life saver, when my husband froze in fear at each hospital birth‼️💙

[@candacedawn357]

This by far is my favorite episode! I grew up wanting to be a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

[@quelquun2018]

Oh what did you decide to venture in?

[@candacedawn357]

@@quelquun2018 I'm a Public Health Nurse (RN) working in Maternal Child Health. (:

[@oco987]

Love this

[@laina-brown]

I really wanted a doula for my last birth, but the hospital would only allow one support labor person.

[@candacedawn357]

Probably due to COVID.

[@Kamishani926]

This one was amazing!! ❤❤❤

[@melissamelissa1796]

Wow 34 making 85 thousand a year. 👏👏👏👏👏👏. Keep going sister!!!

[@HappyFels]

Does your company partner with DC's child welfare office? Since working with those young women and hearing their stories inspired your career path, I hope there is a way to charge their office your fee to provide such amazing services to young women who really need your teams advocacy skills.

[@candacedawn357]

I believe she said her clientele was other working professionals, like lawyers.

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

I am working on this exact thing in Michigan and yes its definitely needed!

[@mariah_879]

Love this!! I also love seeing DMV content🙌🏾

[@noblebrown6580]

I’m so glad that I got my wife a doula

[@kaitlynburke1584]

Next pregnancy-I’m hiring a doula!

[@sales_coach_ai]

So they’re like personal trainers for moms 👍

[@candacedawn357]

Good analogy. 😜

[@fsoto2900]

I like that “birthing person” term. Super intellectual it makes me so happy!!

[@Lemonsmeringue]

Wow what a powerful story. Erykah Badu is a Doula.

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

Erykah Badu is a beautiful soul!

[@berwickperu7683]

Why is it that every time I buy a stock that's supposed to be a big hit it ends up dropping and just never moving again???

[@stricklandpilman2123]

You will get better with time, trust me.

[@kellyhoang1483]

Get yourself a coach, that’s the most ideal way to jump into the market this days.

[@berwickperu7683]

@@kellyhoang1483 Investment coaching sounds like a great idea, thought about it before but never knew how to go about it, Have you used a coach? what is the experience like?

[@kellyhoang1483]

@@berwickperu7683 I would advice you to reach out to Rosemary Carlson. Through her you can get strategies designed to address your unique long-term goals and financial dreams. So, you can check her out

[@berwickperu7683]

@@kellyhoang1483 Just researched her accreditation online and qualifications on FINRA and SEC, she seems really solid and i have sent her a mail already hopefully she replies soon enough.

[@emilywright5517]

This is amazing!

[@sweetestea]

I have not heard of this explanation before. Doulas support "birthing persons". Interesting.

[@hah0902]

Thiis is amazing work 🙌🏾

[@ellamink8205]

I'm also a Doula in the Dc-Virginia-Maryland area!

[@rg8162]

This is so wonderful. God bless her. ❤

[@Mrsbbb21]

This is beautiful! Thank you for doing this work in our community.

[@anonymoustube1]

i love this so much! thank you for this video.

[@teambennett-wells962]

Talk about out here doing the lords work!! 🙌🏽

[@delle3955]

This lady is awesome! Doulas are amazing and much needed. Kudos for seeing the r need in our community and meeting it!♥️ Blessings on continued success for your agency and clients!

[@priscillawilliams4227]

Yes love this would love to look into as a career opportunity

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

please research more and bring your heart 💜

[@bijoubijou7500]

Excellent feature.

[@honeybdream]

Doulas are the best‼️Giving birth is like climbing a large mountain- u need a great coach.

[@dawjamilbeautifullight2365]

As a new Doula this is very impactful. Id like to get in contact with Samarha

[@GirlieHailz101]

She is amazing!! I also love the intentionally with using inclusive language, birthing person rather than just making assumptions. So inviting and assuring to know that all people from all walks of life can be treated safely in her care. I want to see more of this everywhere!

[@tianachet713]

Smh women give birth . Period .

[@GirlieHailz101]

don’t see how someone else’s gender identity/presentation really affects you or is your business… but alright do you lol

[@islandpersuasion4690]

​@tianachet713 Exactly, everybody Is too scared to call a hoe a hoe anymore, it's pathetic.

[@mimandshaindy4906]

The concern is that it’s including language that ends up excluding women by erasing women. The feminist movement worked for over a century to include women in public discourse where they were historically excluded. I think the most inclusive language would state “women and all other birthing people”.

[@mimandshaindy4906]

The concern is that it’s including language that ends up excluding women by erasing women. The feminist movement worked for over a century to include women in public discourse where they were historically excluded. I think the most inclusive language would state “women and all other birthing people”.

[@carableu]

Very cool! Love this so much. Kudos for starting such an awesome business. Samantha has great energy!

[@blessingboamah7340]

I like that we are able to learn more about doulas through CNBC. The political correctness is shameful, “birthing persons” do not exist, only a woman can give birth. That title is such a disservice to the gift woman uniquely have to give birth.

[@mahoganyj3195]

As a woman, I get it, but I think the title is just trying to be inclusive. A perspective to consider-If someone doesn’t identify as a woman for some reason (if they’re non-binary or trans) but still gets pregnant, they still deserve language that makes them feel comfortable and included during the already hard birth process.

[@vanessat9309]

Exactly. This is pathetic.

[@blessingboamah7340]

It really is, this language is erasing woman and some woman are co-signing this.

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

As a doula I do not use this language. I never will!@@blessingboamah7340

[@Brandon_Obeng]

wow very informative i learned alot never herd of a Doula, and now I am more educated on the subject thank you.

[@fruitofthewombperinatalser6901]

Go Sam! You're spreading the love of doulas!

[@Rashaadthegr8]

$85K as a doula with no kids. No excuses.

[@nicoleford4654]

0:43 “Birthing Person!?!” You can't just say moms or pregnant women? How insulting

[@neshabrown5269]

I want to be a doula/massage therapist. I am 31 years old; i only have experience in regular 9-5 jobs. But i am soooo passionate about babies; & pregnancy! I now want to embark on this journey; but do NOTTTT know where or how to start..

[@commitmenttoexcellence]

she has a really good heart, just has to find a way to monetize it better D.C. is an expensive place. trust I know I live in Arlington.

[@ibrahimdhere]

First time hearing the word “Doula”😊

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

I never heard of a Doula before. Good info.

[@alexanderdelarosahidalgo3092]

Never new about doulas

[@stacey4u2c]

Those who know do, those who understand teach!

[@DoveDaniels]

amazing...

[@southerngirlinthecity]

This is the best!! I would want her to be my doula.

[@infinitelabyrinth6204]

This confirmed to me that I want a doula when I’ll be having children 😌

[@ari-jv]

2:52 biggest scam ever

[@Outcome_Agent]

what is a "birthing person"?

[@Tiffany0c]

A wom@n , but we're not allowed to say that any more.

[@Eveningbreeze721]

@@Tiffany0c 💯💯

[@Corvetta.]

Ridiculous 🤮

[@la1122]

@@Tiffany0c Pretty sure biology still affirms that only women with uterus can give birth 🤷🏾‍♀️. SMH. It's really disheartening to see young black women join that nonsensical bandwagon 🙄

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

what? im confused@@Tiffany0c

[@Protectchildren]

She lost me at birthing persons

[@ougawougajr.4983]

Ah, so you are already looking for a midwivery.

[@JasmynSky341417]

“Birthing persons” 🙄

[@lenamay1736]

Birthing person...

[@ashleyh.2178]

Please change to the description to Maryland NOT DC. As a native, we do not appreciate that claim.

[@Eveningbreeze721]

Her business is in DC. Her business has DC in the name. Lol This is about a career and hers is based in DC. The title is accurate. Because you are from this area I'm sure you know that working in DC but living in MD or VA is a thing.

[@Tagg25]

Ehh dmv all the same

[@BonMooney]

Hiring only one race is illegal in many countries. I can't help but think that this voluntary segregation just adds to the racism issues in the USA

[@mirfirsts.8923]

Some races disproportionately die in childbirth over others. Racism or survival?

[@BonMooney]

@@mirfirsts.8923 Are you suggesting the higher infant mortality rate is because of white doulas?

[@jms3827]

Umm.. did she just say "birthing persons" WTF!

[@bharris4517]

Yes, she’s being very careful with her choice of words.

[@vanessat9309]

Men can give birth too! Didn't you know? Get with the program! (Sarcasm off).

[@saulgoodman2018]

"Birthing person"? You deserved a thumbs down right there. Just say women.

[@birdstwin1186]

What language is this? Doula?

[@vanessahanible3464]

It’s a Greek work

[@Akachineke]

Women birth children not birthing persons. Next!

[@StephanieTips]

I love that she said birthing persons instead of birthing women!

[@candacedawn357]

I really didn't catch that but everyone seems to be making a big deal over it!!

[@StephanieTips]

@@candacedawn357 not a big deal but I liked it :)

[@candacedawn357]

@@StephanieTips Not you, but the people who are criticizing her for using the word. (:

[@icecreamcake1457]

What did you love about it?

[@StephanieTips]

@@icecreamcake1457 that's more inclusive

[@AW-si5jh]

0:42 You lost me when you said "birthing person". *There is no such thing. Only women with xx chromosomes give birth. Period!* What a pathetic way to integrate idiotic political nonsense into what could have been an educational video. #smh #immediatedislike #juststop

[@msunje9862]

She does also say women other times

[@saulgoodman2018]

Sounds like an OBGYN.

[@vanessat9309]

Are you kidding? OBGYN are doctors specialized in delivery. She wouldn't even qualify as a midwife.

[@boogiedownbronx73]

Basically a midwife...lol stipend 3 USD 😭

[@theIRIdeScentEmpress]

doulas are not midwives

[@kiddream5749]

Oh please I think this is BS but if you like it then I love it

[@culturehorse]

More weirdness from progressive fringes .. but $85k go for it💯

[@candacedawn357]

What a weird comment!

[@culturehorse]

@@candacedawn357 You said it yourself, 'midwife' the job basically described there; nothing amiss there can agree? but of women, mothers; but not 'doulu' of 'birthing people' that is what is just rebarbative intersectional weirdness. But no offense to thee.. 💮

[@graftondaniels8442]

@@culturehorse Midwives and doulas actually aren't the same thing. A main difference is that a doula cannot deliver a baby... Also, the term "doula" as it's used today has been in use since 1969 and it was added to the various dictionaries (Oxford, Merriam, etc) about _20 years ago_ so I don't that qualifies as coming from a "progressive fringe"... I get you didn't like the "birthing person" term but still your comment is weird.

[@culturehorse]

@@graftondaniels8442 Guess etymology of doula apparently exists via yr kind research so concede that point; just never heard it. But see in connection w the intersectional verbiage ie birthing persons it suffered from assocation & impressed as more divisve cancel neologisms via the regime & corps and their pervasive repressive moral order. 🤔 thx n' stay well ✊