WIC and Doulas Revolutionizing Perinatal Care

Nyasia Countee is a dedicated and accomplished maternal health advocate and professional with a wealth of experience in improving birthing outcomes and promoting maternal and infant health. As the owner and founder of Ancient Wisdom Birth Services LLC, a National Perinatal Safe Spot. Nyasia has been a trailblazer in integrating ancient birthing wisdom with modern medical practices. Her commitment to excellence is evident through her numerous roles and achievements.

Nyasia was instrumental in developing the Doula Services’ Present in Labor and Delivery policy for the Detroit Medical Center, which officially went into effect on November 1, 2023. This policy, approved and authorized by major institutions including the Detroit Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper/Hutzel Hospital, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, and Sinai-Grace Hospital, underscores her commitment to improving maternal care. Additionally, Nyasia contributed to the skin-to-skin first latch initiative in the Operating Room at Henry Ford Health, further demonstrating her impact on improving birthing practices.

Nyasia is a member of the Michigan Doula Advisory Board and a Michigan Medicaid Doula Provider, where she actively shapes statewide doula practices and policies. She also founded the Beverly McKeever IBCLC Book Scholarship for Henry Ford College and served as a Quality Improvement community partner. At Sinai-Grace Hospital, she re-established comprehensive breastfeeding support systems after a two-year gap, implemented various projects to support breastfeeding, and facilitated community partnerships to enhance patient care. Notably, she taught the first prenatal breastfeeding class in ten years at Sinai-Grace Hospital.

Her certified professional roles include Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist at WIC, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, Lactation Counselor Educator, Certified Lactation Support Counselor, Obstetrical Surgical Technician, Certified Perinatal Safe Space Advocate, and IRTHAPP Detroit Ambassador. Her expertise and dedication are reflected in her extensive work and certification in these fields. Additionally, Nyasia provides mentorship to aspiring birth workers of color throughout the USA, fostering the next generation of diverse and skilled maternal health professionals.

Nyasia is also a sought-after speaker and presenter. She presented at the 2023 Maternal Infant Health Summit on the impact of the warm referral network, the National WIC Conference 2024 on “How Doulas and WIC Can Revolutionize Maternal Health Care,” and the Michigan WIC Conference on “How Doulas Improve Breastfeeding Rates.” She will speak at the 2024 Maternal Infant Health Summit about how doulas can mitigate the epigenetic effects of surgical births on marginalized families. Her blog on the National WIC website, “Bridging Gaps and Building Bridges: The Power of Doulas and WIC in Maternal Health Care,” highlights her thought leadership in the field.

Nyasia’s work extends beyond the hospital setting. She partnered with physicians from the Detroit Medical Center to create the first mobile lactation postpartum support clinic in Michigan, providing vital support to homeless women and domestic violence survivors. This innovative initiative underscores her dedication to trauma-informed care and her commitment to reaching the most vulnerable populations.

Nyasia’s work at Sinai-Grace Hospital includes developing and implementing a comprehensive breastfeeding support system, creating educational materials for staff and patients, and establishing a breastfeeding culture within the hospital. Her ability to drive substantial change and her dedication to maternal and infant health make her an ideal candidate for a childbirth educator scholarship. Her passion for eliminating disparities and improving birthing experiences is truly commendable, and her ongoing efforts continue to positively impact families and healthcare systems across Michigan.