Meet Britany Haney-Jones | Certified Holistic Doula & Wellness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britany Haney-Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britany, how does your business help the community?
We are facing a maternal/infant health crisis in America, it’s no secret that our communities, communities of color are significantly impacted by this crisis. Black women are 3-times more likely than non-Hispanic white women to die from pregnancy-related causes —during pregnancy, birth, and up to one year postpartum. Additionally, black women are twice as likely as non-Hispanic white women to experience severe maternal morbidity, or life-threatening pregnancy-related complications. Unfortunately, we have to navigate in a system where race is the driving force for our standard of care and for birthing women, their birthing outcome (along with prenatal and postpartum care).

So how does being a doula help the community? Let’s start with how I got here…..

Since I was a child I’ve always felt deeply connected to the birthing world, most importantly birthing women. I grew up watching A Baby Story on TLC along with witnessing various family members give birth. What became increasingly disturbing to me was watching the trajectory of cesarean birth skyrocket. Along with that shocking increase, often times there was no true medical emergency for the cesarean births and minimal explanations as to why so many women were going under the knife to do what we were incarnated to do—-Give birth, naturally. I then grew older and had my own birthing experiences. Two vastly different birthing experiences that have been two of my greatest learning lessons throughout my journey of entering the birthing world. During my first pregnancy in 2010, I experienced racism and ageism first hand during my prenatal appointments. These instances occurred with various members of the OBGYN staff. I lacked the knowledge and courage on how to navigate what was often an intimidating and hostile environment. I then developed preeclampsia at 28 weeks pregnant and was in danger of having a fatal stroke. While the doctor’s took my family out of the room to prepare them for a maternal fatality; as there was uncertainty that I would make it through the cesarean procedure with anesthesia due to my blood pressure level. I was in my hospital room enduring obstetric abuse; harsh tone from the nurses, the yanking and pulling of the uterine catheter and various IV’s, also being forced to sign documentation without allowing me time to review it. I had no one to protect me or advocate for me. The list goes on and on. Once my son and I made it out of hospital alive but very much unwell and traumatized, that period of my life was a true turning point for me. I dedicated myself to furthering my education about birth, healing, holistic wellness practices, obstetric practices/environments, and healing. Fast forward to a decade later, 2020 during the height and brink of the pandemic I was pregnant with my daughter. I was able to navigate through the obstetric environment with knowledge, confidence, and support of how the process should be for birthing women, specifically birthing women of color. Coupling my previous experience with the birth of my son and the knowledge that I’ve gained regarding birthing, it was paramount that I did everything to ensure that I had the ideal birthing experience with my daughter. This inspired me to hire a doula of my own. The experience of having the advocacy, support, and genuine love from my doula was life changing. With my doula as an integral part of my support team, I was able to achieve my dream birth. I had the most beautiful & natural birthing experience with my daughter (all while in the hospital setting). This experience inspired me even more and I was moved by spirit to immediately pivot!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Certified Holistic Doula & Wellness Coach. It has been a JOURNEY!

After achieving the most beautiful natural birth with my daughter (during the 2020 pandemic, may I add…) I had a great awakening. With the encouragement & dedication of my support system I was able to resign from my corporate position to purse my dreams. Embarking on a new journey was scary, my entire world as I’d known it for so long shifted. It was also challenging to leave the stability of a guaranteed 6-figure income not knowing where the path of pursuing my dreams would lead me. I felt as though I was relinquishing a part of my independence that I worked all of my life to attain. The Capricorn in me was literally —-SCREAMING! It took a while to surrender and finally bury the fears of “what if”. Once I did that, I completely put my faith in God, myself and the universe to show me what I knew in the back of my mind all along. I possess the power to do anything.

So here we are a few years later, faith, hard-work, dedication and time have brought things full circle for me! I’m living my dream of helping women bring life earth-side all while healing myself and others along the way.

I’m honored and excited to be cultivating community through new life & healing! I truly believe what sets me a part is my vulnerability and realistic approach to life. I’ve been through some things and again I’m still healing myself; mind, body & spirit. The journey of healing is not linear. I openly share my healing journey candidly, realistically and often times humorously. I’ve learned that most of life’s obstacles are simply MIND over MATTER so that’s my approach to continuing the journey when I’m faced with obstacles. I want people to know that we possess the power within us to heal anything naturally.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
*Day Time Vibes* Coffee, Tea, History, Culture, Art, ALL THE THINGS we’re going to -Archive CLT
Nature Walk, Tree Hugging & Breath work -4 Mile Creek Greenway
Grab an ABJ Smoothie at Greenbrothers
Lunch at Flower Child or RH Rooftop

*Shopping*
South Park Mall
MusaMoon

*Self-Care*
A facial at Toska Spa is a must. The “Red Carpet Ready” facial mini-bar treatment is THE ONE!
Massage at The Ballantyne Spa
Center & Balance Pilates class
Colon Hydrotherapy, V-Steam at Serene WellSpa

*The Dinner Spots*
We’re getting cute & going to dinner at Steak 48. The food, ambiance and service are STELLAR!
131 Main —Some of the best crab cakes I’ve had outside of Maryland
North Italia —-Delish Italian food, amazing ambiance, the playlist is always BOMB!
Dos Caminos —-Vibrant decor and excellent Mexican cuisine

*Sports* Depending on the season……
Charlotte Football Club
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Nights

No nightclubs etc. to recommend I’m a mocktail/granny girl at heart so I’m ready to get in the bed and watch The Twilight Zone immediately after dinner lol.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My love & heartfelt gratitude to God & my tribe. I’m forever grateful to each and every person who continues to support me on my journey!

Instagram: @melodic_muse (personal) @theetherealwombman (business)

Other: It’s a Healing Movement. Join my monthly Circle! https://lifefastingtracker.app.link/e7rBzXivYHb