EBB 378 - Embracing the Dual Calling of Doula Work + Midwifery with Chanté Perryman and Elder Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau
Update: 2025-11-19
Description
Across generations, birth workers have held space for families with skill, love, and deep purpose. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with Elder Midwife Charlotte Shilo-Goudeau, a licensed Certified Professional Midwife from Louisiana, and Chanté Perryman, Director of Programs at Evidence Based Birth®![®️]( ":registered:")
, certified doula, and student midwife. Together, they explore what it means to embrace the dual calling of doula work and midwifery and how both roles are acts of service, advocacy, and healing.
Elder Charlotte shares her journey from personal loss to becoming one of only a few Black midwives in Louisiana, carrying forward the wisdom of generations. Chanté reflects on how her experiences as a doula shaped her path into midwifery and her vision for compassionate, individualized care. They remind us that titles may change, but the heart of this work remains the same: being present, being of service, and being called to birth.
(03:46 ) How Chanté's Birth Experience Inspired Her to Become a Doula
(05:42 ) Elder Charlotte's Journey from Stillbirth to Midwifery as a Calling
(10:59 ) How Doula Work Shapes Midwifery Care and Philosophy
(14:34 ) Serving Underserved Communities as One of Four Black Midwives in Louisiana
(19:01 ) Shifting from Midwife to Doula During Hospital Transfers
(24:08 ) Chanté's Perspective on Identity, Service, and Humility in Birth Work
(28:40 ) Micro vs. Macro Advocacy: Supporting Families and Legislative Change
(37:29 ) Navigating Hospital Restrictions During the Pandemic
(42:57 ) Lessons from Midwifery School
(45:30 ) Advice for Those Considering Doula or Midwifery Paths
Resources
Follow Chanté on Instagram: @babydreamsmc
Connect with Ms. Charlotte: midwifecharlotte.com
Connect with an Evidence Based Birth®![®️]( ":registered:")
Instructor: directory.evidencebasedbirth.com
Learn more about the National Perinatal Task Force: perinataltaskforce.com
Visit the Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery: commonsensemidwifery.org
Check out the Kentucky Birth Coalition: kentuckyhomebirthcoalition.com
Visit the Mercy In Action College of Midwifery: mercycollegeofmidwifery.edu
For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.
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