Ellen Ashley Branch

I was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina and have lived in Los Angeles since 2018. I graduated from East Carolina University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies and a multi-disciplinary minor in pre-nursing. My original goal was to be a nurse-midwife after witnessing my mother’s battle with post-partum depression in 2001. It took me three years to heed the guidance of the universe. After I was rejected twice from nursing school, I finally declared my major, Women’s Studies. It opened up an entirely new perspective for me. I learned about the shared journey of birthing people across history and their perceived role in society. This shift from anatomy and physiology to sociological theory opened me up and re-shaped the way I chose to support pregnant people and their families.

Everything changed when I went to Guatemala. After completing a post-graduation summer intensive, in Antigua, Guatemala, centering basic hygiene/preventative care at community health clinics and supporting the work of indigenous Quiche matronas (doulas); I realized that my passion to serve in the nursing field had transformed into something entirely holistic. In October of 2016, I successfully completed the Full-Spectrum/Holistic Doula Training from La Matrona based out of Columbia, SC. I have had to forge my own path toward professional midwifery. In doing so, I am honoring the traditions of my ancestors across the diaspora.

Since graduation, I have continued to fortify my knowledge base through attending trainings, certifications, and continuing education courses. I am also a Certified Lactation Education Specialist, Yoga Instructor RYT-200 hr, and Maternal Health Consultant. I use this knowledge to support birthing people and their families.

As an individual, I bring a unique well-versed perspective to everything I do; from spoken word poetry to empowering laboring women to advocate for themselves. I am also a yoga instructor and group facilitator. I am committed to honoring myself, serving the community, and being a proud black woman!

During my free time, you can find me somewhere with my shoes off outdoors. I love watching sunsets at the beach, roller skating, and dancing with friends. I share laughter, moments of gratitude, and genuine connection with my families during their pregnancy journey, no matter the outcome.