MaryNissi Lemon CD(DONA), CLC, Childbirth Educator

MaryNissi Lemon, Founder of LemonLife Birthing Services is a Childbirth Educator, Birth Coach, and Certified Lactation Counselor. She has been supporting families on their birthing journey for over 7 years equipping families to prepare for pregnancy, birth, and after using hands-on education.

MaryNissi was born and raised in Malawi, Africa. It is her personal birthing story that brings her to this work. She is currently the program manager of the Community Doula Support Program through the Philadelphia Department of Health. She is also the co-creator of doula training with Birthing Advocacy (BADT) around harm reduction + birth workers. She is currently managing a community doula program in Philadelphia that focuses on supporting folks who have substance use. She is married to her husband Andrew going on 14 years and 2 kiddos Kairos and Kyria who melt her whole heart but also drive her crazy.

Session

Unconditional Positive Regard: Harm Reduction Approach to Doula Work

Explore the vital role of doulas in supporting pregnant families with drug use or a history of drug use. Drawing from experience in Philadelphia, doula, MaryNissi Lemon will highlight the importance of unconditional positive regard, holistic care, and trust in empowering expectant parents. The session will explore unconditional positive regard in doula care, embracing holistic support beyond drug use, and cultivating trust in individuals’ decision-making.

Central to this discussion is the concept of coming to space believing that people are inherently good; addressing the whole person rather than solely focusing on drug use, and, most importantly, trusting a person’s capacity to choose what is best for them based on their unique circumstances. Join this session to discuss transformative approaches to doula support in challenging contexts, essential for navigating pregnancy and birth within communities affected by drug use.