From staff reports
In a time when maternal health is at a critical crossroads, Energy Evolution Holistic Health & Wellness proudly celebrated a new class of changemakers. On Sunday, June 8, five passionate individuals were honored in a sacred ceremony after completing the organization’s Full-Spectrum Holistic Doula Certification Program.
The graduates — Deja Brodus, Deidra Coaxum, Sidney Johnson, Latichia Muldrow, Willie Walker —are now certified doulas committed to walking alongside mothers, fathers, and families throughout their perinatal journey: before, during, and after birth.
What sets these doulas apart is more than training — it’s what Energy Evolution calls “the essence of a doula’s presence.”
It’s the grounded calm, the intuitive care, and the powerful ability to hold space for life’s most sacred transitions. Doulas are professionally trained to offer physical, emotional, and informational support, enhancing — not replacing — medical care by centering the experience of the family.
“This work is about more than support. It’s about creating trust, safety, and sacred connection,” said Tameka Walker, Full-Spectrum Doula Trainer and founder of Energy Evolution. “Our doulas are equipped with ancestral wisdom and modern tools to help improve outcomes and restore dignity to the birth experience.”
South Carolina ranks eighth in the nation for maternal mortality, with a maternal death rate of 47 per 100,000 live births. The state also holds one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country — 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, well above the national average.
Research shows that doulas can be a powerful solution — up to 47% fewer cesareans; increased breastfeeding rates and satisfaction; reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight; and stronger communication and decision-making confidence for parents.
Doulas are emerging as a critical part of the care team — especially in rural and underserved communities — by reducing preventable complications and increasing overall birth satisfaction.
The newly certified doulas are now available through the Energy Evolution Doula Collective, serving Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and surrounding counties. Each doula offers personalized care based on the needs of each family, working in partnership with midwives, OBs, and pediatricians when needed.
