My journey as a birth and postpartum doula began over five years ago from a deep calling to support families during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. I have always believed that birth and the postpartum period are not just medical events, but sacred transitions that deserve care rooted in dignity, advocacy, emotional safety, and education. Through my work with Affirmative Parenting Solutions LLC and Love How You Heal, I have had the privilege of walking alongside diverse families, offering evidence-informed, trauma-responsive, and faith-centered doula care. As a birth doula, I have supported clients through a wide range of birth experiences, including unmedicated vaginal births, epidural-assisted labors, inductions, and cesarean deliveries. One client I supported was a first-time mother who entered labor with significant anxiety due to a previous traumatic medical experience. My role included prenatal education sessions focused on understanding the birth process, coping strategies for labor, and clarifying her birth preferences. During labor, I provided continuous emotional reassurance, hands-on comfort measures such as counter-pressure and guided breathing, and advocacy support to ensure her voice was respected in the delivery room. After birth, she shared that having a consistent, calm presence made her feel empowered and safe during a process she once feared. In the postpartum setting, my work has centered on supporting families as they adjust physically, emotionally, and practically to life with a newborn. I have provided overnight and daytime postpartum care for families navigating sleep deprivation, feeding challenges, and emotional overwhelm. For example, I supported a family welcoming their second child while managing postpartum mood concerns. Services included infant care so the parent could rest, assistance with breastfeeding positioning and pumping routines, light household support, and emotional check-ins to normalize the highs and lows of the postpartum experience. I also helped connect the family to additional mental health and community resources when needed, reinforcing that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Through Affirmative Parenting Solutions LLC, my doula practice has emphasized inclusive, affirming care that meets families where they are. I have worked with single parents, blended families, and families from culturally diverse backgrounds, ensuring that care plans are personalized, respectful, and responsive. My services often include childbirth education, birth planning, labor support, postpartum recovery education, newborn care guidance, and sibling adjustment support. With Love How You Heal, my work integrates a healing-centered approach that acknowledges the emotional and spiritual dimensions of birth and parenting. I support clients in processing their birth experiences, rebuilding confidence in their bodies, and nurturing their mental and emotional well-being. This includes intentional listening, reflective support, and practical tools for self-regulation during the postpartum period. Across all settings, my approach is grounded in advocacy, compassion, and empowerment. I believe every parent deserves to feel informed, supported, and affirmed in their choices. Whether I am providing hands-on labor support, postpartum education, or simply holding space for a parent to be seen and heard, my goal remains the same: to walk alongside families with care that honors their strength, resilience, and unique journey into parenthood.
Bachelor Degree in Science at Houston Christian University (2020)
Associates Degree in Criminal Justice (2012)
Masters Degree in Counseling at Houston Christian University (2025)
Birth Doula Certification. IIA (2019)
CPR Certification, AHA (2019)
First Aid Certification (2020)
American Notary Association
North Texas Food Bank
Informed Trauma Care
English
I provide compassionate, affirming birth and postpartum doula care, therapeutic massage, and counseling support to families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My services are evidence-informed, trauma-responsive, and centered on emotional healing, physical recovery, and empowered parenting.
my experience was amazing
- Darwin H.
She's the best mental health Advocate. I was struggling with trauma and past abusive situations and she helped me rediscover myself. Thank you Kiara
- David R.
Gjayal Thomas was a true lifeline for me during my birth and postpartum journey with my newborn twins. Without support from family or a spouse, I was navigating one of the most exhausting and emotional seasons of my life alone and Gjayal stepped in without hesitation, no matter the time or circumstances. As my birth doula, she provided steady reassurance, advocacy, and calm during labor, helping me feel empowered and supported every step of the way. Her presence alone brought peace during moments that could have felt overwhelming. During overnight support, Gjayal cared for my twins with incredible attentiveness, patience, and confidence. She ensured my babies were safe, nurtured, and comforted while also protecting my need for rest and recovery. Knowing she was there allowed me to finally sleep, heal, and breathe. What stands out most is her heart. Gjayal showed up consistently, selflessly, and with compassion never making me feel alone. I will forever be grateful for the way she supported me and my twins during such a critical time. I highly recommend her to any parent in need of reliable, loving, and professional doula support.
- Zayra P.
My experience with Gjayal Thomas was nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, she created a safe, calming, and judgment-free space during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life. As a postpartum doula, she was attentive, knowledgeable, and deeply compassionate always anticipating needs before I even had the words to express them. What truly sets Gjayal apart is her ability to seamlessly blend emotional support with practical care. Her background as a mental health therapist was evident in every interaction. She listened with intention, validated my feelings, and provided grounding tools that helped me navigate postpartum emotions with confidence and clarity. Gjayal’s presence brought peace to my home and reassurance to my heart. I felt supported not just as a new parent, but as a whole person. I am incredibly grateful for her care and would highly recommend her to any family seeking compassionate, faith-centered, and professional postpartum support.
- Heather F.
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