Meet Reiona Andrews

Meet Reiona Andrews

Meet Reiona Andrews, the doula behind Geaux Dat Doula, based in New Orleans, LA Before stepping into birth work, Reiona spent six years as the co-owner of a residential/commercial furniture moving company. Today, she brings that same steady, hands-on energy to supporting families through birth.

Where are you based, and do you offer virtual support?

I am based in New Orleans, LA and offer virtual doula service. Additionally, I will also travel for births.

What did you do before becoming a doula?

My background is in entrepreneurship: I co-owned a residential/commercial furniture moving company for six years. Coincidentally, running my own doula business requires a lot of those entrepreneurial skills.

What drew you to birth work?

My sister is the one that introduced me to the doula world. When she was preparing for my first nephew's birth back in 2018, I was doing soothing exercises and affirmations with her. She mentioned that those techniques were actually doula techniques. I went on to attend my niece's birth in 2022. One of the most beautiful experiences I have ever seen in my life. Experiencing the births of my niece and nephew drew me into this really important work.

What services do you offer?

Currently, I offer birth doula support. I am excited to expand to more services in the future.

How would you describe your approach or philosophy as a doula?

I am a realist. Therefore, my doula philosophy approach is grounded in reality, truth, and facts. I have open and honest conversations with my clients. I make sure they understand all viewpoints of their birth journey. I do not take this approach to scare them. Rather I do it to be transparent and clear with my clients without overwhelming them during labor. If a certain situation arises, then we rely on those previous conversations to inform and ground our next steps.

What can clients expect when they work with you?

A space to be themselves at all times and feel completely comfortable. I really emphasize to my clients that they should feel safe and encourage them to take actions so they feel that sense of safety. I never dismiss them when they discuss their feelings or concerns. I take time to deeply understand their thought processes and where some of their feelings are originating from. If allowed or asked, I guide them back with reassurance and validation. It is a bit like therapy, which is great for all of us.

Do you accept insurance, or is there anything else clients should know about booking?

While I currently do not accept insurance, I am aiming to accept insurance in the near future!

What advice would you give someone trying to find the right doula for them?

Research doulas in your area or have conversations with mom groups to find doulas. It is nice to find doulas that are listed in a directory or with an agency. If you are still struggling to find that perfect-fit doula, reach out to your medical provider and they may provide more insight. Social media is another great way of finding local doulas.

What's your favorite moment or memory from doula work?

My favorite moment in every birth is the Golden Hour! It is the best feeling in the world to allow the parents to be together with their new baby in an intimate moment with zero disruptions. It is magical.

Is there a favorite story or piece of advice you'd like to share?

Trust yourself more than anything else. Your body is yours, not anyone else's. Believe that you can and will, at all times. You are enough.

Tell us something fun about yourself outside of doula work.

True to my New Orleans roots, I love seafood and rice dishes! When in season, boiled crawfish is a true delight. If it was available all year, I would never get tired of it. Additionally, I play tennis and golf.

Where can people find or follow you?

Find Reiona on Between or on Instagram @geauxdatdoula.