Meet Caty Bilton: Doula and Childbirth Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caty Bilton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caty, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The other professionals in the birth community constantly inspire me to push myself into areas I wouldn’t have normally gone. Seeing their passion and love for their work helps fuel me on days where I’m not sure if I’m really cut out for all of this. I see the joy this work brings others and it makes me crave that same joy for myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a birth doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth educator serving the DFW Metroplex. I have the honor of walking alongside expectant families as they prepare for the birth of their babies. After the trauma that my first birth brought me, I knew I wanted something different for my future births. When I found out I was expecting baby number 2, I knew I needed a doula! She was everything I was missing from my first birth. After the experience I had with her, I wanted to shout from the rooftops “YOU CAN HAVE AN AMAZING, INFORMED, EMPOWERED BIRTH!!!”. Instead of pushing my unsolicited advice onto my pregnant friends, I decided to pursue becoming a certified doula and childbirth educator! While the love of my work comes easy, getting to a point that was sustainable for me has been difficult. There were many days I felt that I was not cut out for running my own business. Marketing myself has been a challenge. There are so many other doulas in Dallas that are incredible, why would a mom want me when she can have someone who has been doing this for 6 years? But, I worked past those thoughts. I made connections with other doulas, agency owners, midwives, and OBs to get my name out there, I said “YES!” to almost everything and everyone, and I prayed… a lot. A year and a half after becoming certified I found myself booked months in advance! Throughout my doula career I’ve learned that persistence pays off, birth is really cool, women are incredible, and some things are absolutely worth the wait!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We own an Airbnb in the area and I always point our guests to the Bishop Arts District for food and drink. Hellllooooo Emporium Pies! I also am a total Science nerd and LOVE the Perot Museum! Klyde Warren Park is another common recommendation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My personal doula and mentor, Kiesha Baker, has made all of the difference in my career. I always told her I wanted to be just like her when I grew up (even though she’s only 6 years older than I am). I also couldn’t have done any of this without the guidance and dedication that my training organization, BEST Doula Training, has provided me. Maria Pokluda and Amanda Devereux are incredible doula trainers and leaders!

Website: www.dfwbirths.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dfwbirths
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dfwbirths
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dfw-births-grand-prairie-2

Image Credits
Erin Beth Birth Tricia Marie Photography Local Nomad Photography