About the Artist
L. Antonia Hernandez, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula, Perinatal Peer Support, and Artist
she/her
I grew up being taught to see beauty in the unexpected. I carry that perspective through my birth work in my belief that the "right" way to give birth will look very different for every family. My dedication to reproductive rights and racial equity inspired my passion to become a doula, and has encouraged my continuing education in personal decolonization and community based anti-racist action.
There are so many small yet powerful ways the birth space can be cultivated for love, safety, and empowerment. It is truly my pleasure to be able to contribute in any meaningful way to my client's stories, and makes the long nights and crazy schedule of a doula totally worth it!
My family and I moved to Tacoma from Northern California in 2015, and we love it here. We currently reside in Hilltop occupying traditional Salish and Puyallup land. With 4 young children (and an active English bull dog) we enjoy being a short drive away from the mountains, ocean, big city, and small towns. I love variety, and try to take advantage of the amazing resources the South Sound has to offer!
Education and Training
2022 - Pelvic Floor 101 by Dr. Mandi Murtaugh PT, DPT, WCS
2022 - Pain and Perinatal Mental Health by Perinatal Support Washington
2020 - Holding Space Through Pregnancy Loss by the Institute of Birth, Breath, and Death
2020 - Tongue Tie Master Class presented by Tina DosSantos LMT, CD
2020 - Pandemic Response Doula Training by the Pandemic Doula Aliance
2020 - CPR/AED/First Aid Certification by CPR Select
2020 - Community Trauma and Childhood Wellbeing presented by NWCF
2020 - Racial Equity Webinar Series presented by US Breastfeeding Comittee
2019 - Completion of DONA Birth Doula Certification Requirements
2019 - Gender Competency for Pregnancy Professionals presented by Candace Martin
2018 - Sustainability Summit for Women in Business presented by Allison Bishins
2018 - Spinning Babies Workshop presented by Gail Tully
2018 - REACHE Conference Confronting Racial Inequities in the Perinatal Period
2017 - Breastfeeding Resources and Skills for Doulas presented by Carrie Kenner
2017 - DONA approved Doula Workshop presented by Susan Sherwood
2017 - Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas presented by Susan Sherwood
2010 - BA Art History minor Studio Art from Northern Arizona University
Community Work
2017 to Present - Volunteer Birth Doula with St. Joseph's Medical Center in Tacoma, WA
2019 to 2020 - Social Media Coordinator of the Tacoma Art Walk
2018 to 2020 - Vice President of the Tacoma Artist's Collective
2014 - Volunteer Docent at the Charles M. Schulz museum in Santa Rosa, CA
2005 - 2007 - Apprentice artist with ARTStart Santa Rosa