CaliSis Doulas LLC
17130 Van Buren Blvd., #1002, Riverside, CA 925004
Although outcomes, access and being heard (HearHer) appear to be the turning in positive ways, thanks to the tireless work of doulas, midwives, advocates, and community leaders—many of them Black women—there’s more that needs to be done. We need more midwives, doulas, and birth advocates who look like us. Others need to be educated in the importance of culturally competent care – I’ve seen some of the managed care plans working to implement this training / teaching. States are expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum care. Hospitals are being held accountable for racial disparities. And initiatives like the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act are pushing for real policy change at the federal level, particularly addressing disparities in Black maternal health. In addition to policy, we need compassion. We need empowerment. We need to ensure that every Black woman feels seen, heard, and safe—whether she’s giving birth in a hospital, a birthing center, or her own home. To truly honor Black motherhood, we must invest in it. That means funding Black-led birth work, supporting community-based solutions, and listening to the lived experiences of Black mothers without defensiveness or delay.
Riverside
Doula
In Network
Insurance Accepted (4)
About Karen Sykes
The desire to become a Doula was birthed years ago and came to fruition several years ago as I embarked on certification through MaternityWise International. My training was comprehensive and covered prenatal, birth, postpartum and lactation support. We also discussed postpartum depression and many of the social, emotional and spiritual roadblocks that a woman may experience after a birth occurs . I am a certifiedLabor Doula and Postpartum Doula, offering a full spectrum of services to women. While I serve all birthing women, I am especially passionate about serving te BIPOC population. I have training and personal experience in lactation education with the goal of obtaining certification as a Lactation Consultant. Along with membership in MaternityWise Institute, I also have memberships in Sankofa Birthworkers Collective of the Inland Empire, the National Black Doula Association (NBDA), Postpartum Support International (PSI), and the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color (PMHAPC) as well as others. To remain relevant on issues concerning women children and families, I also have associations and relationship with various faith-based and non-profit organizations within the Riverside, San Bernardino and surrounding Counties. I will always keep learning! I am the mother of five adult children, grandmother of six, and wife of 39 years to Kirk. Having walked alongside women of various backgrounds for more than 20 years, the calling into birth work is Her love language is acts of service and this is evident in her work as a doula, pastor, mentor, and author. My role as Associate Pastor at CrossWord Christian Church in Moreno Valley, CA, is a special calling under the leadership of my husband, Bishop L. Kirk Sykes. As a Trainer of Doulas, her favorite part of teaching doulas is guiding them as they develop practical skills, and building their intuitive skills to serve families as they step into one of life’s greatest callings.
