Shannon Serrano formerly Shannon Your Doula

ABOUT SHAN
As a born and raised native of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, it is important to me to serve the people of this locale. In 2014, I began my journey in perinatal care as a childbirth doula and childbirth educator to families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Currently, I continue to serve in perinatal care as a childbirth educator, a birth assistant, as well as a student midwife as I complete my studies at Mercy In Action, College of Midwifery. Presently, I am completing my clinical work in the primary under supervision role with Shifrah's Sisters and Bedheadbirth. I have attended over 500 births in various roles at this point in my career and the one thing consistent in every birth is the fact that every birth is different.
In my spare time, I️ love spending time with my four children and other loved ones.
My Story
My Passion for Women's Health
My experiences laboring and giving birth to my four children opened my eyes to the importance of care that truly puts the client first. My own labors were affected by biased patient education, lack of follow-through for informed consent and lack of support which sparked a passion within me to ensure that every birthing person have the proper education and support throughout their perinatal period. I find joy in being able to listen to the vision that one has for their birthing experience, as they allow me to share my knowledge and collaborate in their planning and decision-making.
As a perinatal health professional, I believe in equipping women and families with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions pertaining to their care throughout preconception, their pregnancy, and the rest of their lifetime. My educational courses and model of care are designed with the conviction that women's healthcare is a lifelong journey from the initial onset of menstruation and beyond. Many women are never taught the ins and outs of taking care of their reproductive system and overall health until they begin contemplating attempting to conceive. Consequently, they may find themselves in a race against time in repairing any damage their lifestyle choices have perpetuated (or any hand their genetic pool may have handed them) and preparing their body for the journey into pregnancy and beyond.
I offer education to young ladies in their teens and to women in their 20's and beyond. My courses are offered in the private setting or in pre-recorded form.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Background
BSM
Mercy In Action, College of Midwifery, 2026
I'm currently completing my studies to earn my Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. I have maintained a 4.0 and look forward to graduating this year.
Assistant Midwife Under Supervision
Shifrah's Sisters Holistic Birth Services , 2022-2025
Under the supervision of a licensed midwife, I completed Phase 2 of my clinical experience as a student midwife, serving throughout Maryland and Washington, DC.
Neonatal Resuscitation
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022-Current
I am trained and certified in Neonatal Resuscitation. Credential ID 8SS-1077
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
American Red Cross, 2022-Current
I am trained and certified as a health care provider in providing Basic Life Support. Credential ID 00REOFG
CPR/AED/FIRST AID
American Red Cross, 2022
I am trained and certified in providing CPR, AED, and first aid. Credential ID 00R4E28
Birth Assistant Training
Charm City Midwives, 2021
I received my training as an out of hospital, birth assistant from Charm City Midwives.
Baby Friendly Hospital Staff Initiative
Lactation Education Resources, 2021
I received lactation support education as an ancillary staff member to assist local hospitals in becoming baby-friendly as part of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
Lactation Education
Gold Learning, 2017-Current
I've received and continue to receive continuing education training for lactation support. Training includes: The Art of Therapeutic Breast Massage, A Mother's Eye View of Breastfeeding, Breastmilk Communication and Gene Expression, Breast Assessment in Non-White Skin Tones, Perinatal Care through a Trauma-Informed Lens, When Laidback Breastfeeding Doesn't Work, and Perinatal Lactation Workers Protecting during Covid-19.
Certified Childbirth Doula
Shannon Your Doula LLC, 2014-2026
I served as acertified childbirth doula (DONA Intl) and childbirth educator. Though certified 8 years, I provided childbirth services for well over 10 years.
Childbirth Educator
Georgetown University Hospital, 2018-2021
I served as a childbirth educator primarily at Georgetown University Hospital, as well as Washington Hospital Center under Momease. Prior to that time and subsequently, I continue to provide childbirth education independently.
Primary Midwife Under Supervision
Bedheadbirth, 2025-Current
Under the supervision of a licensed midwife, I am completing Phase 3 of my clinical experience as a student midwife, serving throughout Maryland.
Primary Midwife Under Supervision
Shifrah's Sisters Holistic Birth Services, 2025-Current
Under the supervision of a licensed midwife, I am completing Phase 3 of my clinical experience as a student midwife, serving throughout Maryland.
Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Team
MMRT, 2024-Current
I currently serve as a team member for the Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Team.
AFFILIATIONS
PROFESSIONAL MEMBER
Evidence Based Birth
STUDENT MEMBER
Association of Independent Midwives of Maryland
National Black Midwives Alliance
National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
AWARDEE
Supporting Sunrise Midwifery Scholarship
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Reproductive Health
Unmedicated Childbirth
Medicated Childbirth
Cesarean Birth
Inductions
Home births/Hospitals/Birth centers
VBACs/VBA2Cs
Geriatric Pregnancy
IUI/IVF
Surrogates
Fertility
High Risk Pregnancy
Early Postpartum Care
Infant Care (Preemies too)
Comfort Measures
Single parenting
Co-parenting
Parent coaching
Same-sex couples
Military families
PTSD
Anxiety Disorders
Birth after sexual trauma
Belly Binding