Mom Crush Monday, Megan Graham from Sweet Stella’s Toronto. Providing support to moms before, during and after labour.

Photo Credit: Niru Photography

There is something about a woman that chooses to support other women, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period can be terrifying, or beautiful, especially if the mother feels safe.  Doula’s are incredible people, primarily because they offer so much of themselves. If you are considering a doula for your birth, you might want to meet Megan!

 

Your Name: Megan Graham
Kids Names: Ben (3 years old)
Company Name: Sweet Stella’s Toronto

What is the Story behind your business?

I work with my doula partner, Jena, to run the Toronto branch of Sweet Stella’s, a doula company in London, Ontario. Jena and I met while working for another doula company and instantly felt a connection. Our core values as doulas are the same and we compliment each other as doulas really well, we just made a great team. Jena is from London and knows Shannon, the owner of Sweet Stella’s. Shannon was interested in having a Sweet Stella’s team in Toronto, so when the company we were with was at a crossroads, Jena reached out to Shannon to do just that. Since Jena and I made such a great team, I came along for the ride, and the rest is history!

 

What motivates you?

My son motivates me endlessly. Being a mom is my top priority and a really important part of that for me is showing Ben that it’s important to have a passion in life and have a career that you love and are proud. My parents are big motivators for me as well. Growing up, they always told me that I can be and do anything I put my mind to and to never give up on my dreams and that has been a driving force in my life ever since, especially when times are tough. Another huge motivator is working with such amazing and talented people. Jena and Shannon are both such great doulas and people that they inspire me to be my best self.

 

What is the most challenging part about being an entrepreneur / working mom?

Finding balance is my biggest challenge, especially as a single mom. Making sure that my son’s needs are met while still committing enough time to working is a line that I think all parents struggle with. Luckily I have a great support system in place to help me out!

What is the biggest lesson you have learned?

I think the biggest lesson that I learned is that it’s ok to ask for what you want and to say no. I have a tendency to be a people pleaser, which lead to me taking on too many things for too many people without getting much in return. It lead to me feeling really taken advantage of, when, in reality, I just wasn’t letting my needs or wants be known. Once I learned to ask for what I want and say no when something wasn’t working for me, I began to feel more fulfilled and opportunities became more abundant because I was enjoying my work more.

What is the next step for you and this business?

Growing our Facebook group, Toronto Birth Options, is a big next step for us. We want to build a community of support, where Toronto families can share their experiences and connect with resources.

Another next step is to start to host local workshops so that we can connect with the community and help families prepare confidently for their birth.

What would you tell your “starting-out” self?

I would tell myself to have patience and have confidence. It takes time to establish yourself in the community and having confidence in your abilities will help others see you as someone that they want to work with.

What is your super power?

I think my clients are the ones with the super powers and my power is just to remind them of that! A person giving birth is a powerful force and that power can be used to have a really positive birthing experience, when it is respected and honoured. Reminding my clients that they have a voice in their birth and providing support to help them feel more comfortable, informed, and relaxed, allows them to harness all of their power into birthing their baby in whatever way they feel is best.

What is something that you think people should know about you?

I think people should know that I support all families and all births. There is a common perception that doulas only support unmedicated births but I take great pride in supporting all births, including those with medical interventions. What is important to me, is that my clients know they have options and have the information and support that they need to make decisions that they feel is best for their family, without feeling pressured or judged for those choices.

Who is your supporting cast of characters? (who needs a shout out)

I definitely need to give a shout out to my Sweet Stella’s Toronto team mate, Jena, for being such an inspiration and an amazing person to work with. I also need to give a shout out to Shannon, the owner of Sweet Stella’s, for being wonderful leader and creating such a great company to work for. I also need to say thank you to my parents and brothers for being there to babysit Ben when I need some help and for supporting this journey. And, of course, Ben, because his birth is what inspired me to become a doula in the first place!