The Heart Behind Nana the Doula
Tameka Lavon, CD, CPE
I’m Nana the Doula—your steady support, gentle guide, and calm presence through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season. With nearly nine years of experience as a doula, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside families during some of the most powerful and tender moments of their lives. This work isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am.
My journey into birth work began with a strong foundation in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant, where I learned the importance of compassionate, hands-on care. I’m also a certified perinatal educator, which means I love helping parents understand their choices, trust their bodies, and feel confident advocating for themselves every step of the way. For over five years, I worked with Healthy Families Florida, supporting parents with education, encouragement, and real-life tools to help families thrive.
I also bring more than five years of experience working with the Georgia Department of Corrections—an experience that deepened my patience, empathy, and ability to support people from all walks of life with dignity and understanding.
Most importantly, I’m a mom and a nana at heart. Those roles shape the way I show up for my clients—with warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of love. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, supported, and never alone as you welcome new life into the world. This journey is personal—and I’m honored to walk it with you🤎
Holding Space for Birth, Family, and Healing
My journey into doula work became deeply personal the day I watched my daughter give birth to my first granddaughter. Being present in that room—watching everything unfold—opened my eyes in a way nothing else ever had. I saw firsthand just how vulnerable birth can be, and how critical it is for a birthing mother to have strong, informed, and unwavering support beside her.
That understanding grew even deeper when my daughter experienced near-death complications during the births of both my granddaughter and my grandson. Those moments changed me forever. I witnessed the difference that advocacy, education, and emotional support can make—not just in the outcome of a birth, but in the life of a mother. Those experiences reshaped my perception of birth and strengthened my belief that no woman should ever feel alone, unheard, or unsupported during such a powerful and life-altering moment.
Since then, I’ve carried a strong and urgent calling to ensure that as many women as possible have access to doula support—someone to stand beside them, educate them, speak up for them, and remind them of their strength. Regardless of background, circumstance, or ability to pay, every woman deserves to feel safe, informed, and supported. This is more than a profession for me—it is a promise I carry into every birth I serve.