A little bit about me...

My name is Devastasha Beaver and I live in Ashtabula County, Ohio. I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), full spectrum doula and midwife assistant, and I have three sweet little boys. I offer in-home lactation support as the only private practice IBCLC in Ashtabula County.

I completed doula training in 2017, and continued working a ‘day job’ while learning more about birth. In 2018, I left my full time job as a copy editor at a daily newspaper, and decided to turn my passion for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding into a career. I took the leap and became a breastfeeding peer helper at the local WIC clinic. I had the opportunity to educate, support, and empower pregnant and breastfeeding families who may otherwise not have had access to care, while training as a midwife assistant and pursuing my IBCLC certification.

What called me to birth work…

I first got pregnant at 19. With my oldest son, I thought I was prepared for birth and breastfeeding, but I had no idea what to expect (yes, despite reading "What to Expect..."). I had never heard of informed consent, and I had no idea that I could have refused any of the interventions suggested. I didn't trust my body, I was terrified of birth, and I didn't have the supportive birth team that I needed. My experience was not what I'd hoped, and my recovery was rough.

I learned so much about birth in the years that followed, and, with an incredibly supportive partner, I had the spontaneous, unmedicated birth that I wanted. My recovery was so much easier in comparison with my first. I didn't even feel like I'd just had a 9-pound baby, aside from a bit of soreness.

This incredible difference made me realize, firsthand, the impact of a supportive birth partner. I knew, then, that I needed to help other families have this same support. I completed Bebo Mia's Maternal Support Practitioner training, as well as their Breastfeeding Educator course, and I am an Evidence Based Birth Professional Member.

I am a trained Midwife Assistant, and I am certified in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), and Basic Life Support for Providers. I got my Certified Lactation Counselor designation on my way to becoming an IBCLC, and I am also a Professional Babywearing Educator.

To schedule a consultation with me, send an email to hello@asafejourney.sprucecare.com.

Every person deserves to have options and support for their decisions, regardless of what those decisions are. I look forward to helping you have the birth and lactation experience you want.