POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – This week on Mom to Mom, a woman who gave birth to her child alone speaks to Local 10′s Nicole Perez about sharing her time with other mothers in her South Florida community and her decision to become a doula.
A doula provides support and guidance to a pregnant woman before, during and after labor, but Dieulene Jean Lewis is more than just a doula. She has dedicated her life to helping others.
“As a single mother I had my last son. I was by myself with no one in the room with me and I know how it feels when you don’t have anyone to advocate or support you,” said Lewis.
Her passion for community service kicked into high gear in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges of being a caretaker to expecting mothers during the height of the virus, she did not let it stop her.
“I know I’ve helped more than 100 moms. My goal with everything I’ve been through is that I don’t want to see another mom go through it. I know how it feels to work two jobs going to school, trying to better yourself and no one supporting you,” said Lewis.
Lewis said the driving force behind her efforts was seeing her aunt pass away from COVID.
“When I first started my business that was the only one who ever believed in me. She told me whatever I do it’s not for money. Do it for something I enjoy. Do it with my heart and God will continue blessing me,” said Lewis.
Every three months, Lewis puts on a community baby shower for expecting mothers.
“The baby shower is for moms who cannot afford a baby shower. So even though it’s as a group, we still do everything that an actual baby shower is doing. There’s education, fun, hot meals and snacks,” said Lewis.
Lewis provides the mothers with all the essentials, including clothes, toys, walkers and breast pumps and she stores everything in two small closets.
Lewis said even through her hardships, she would do it all again. She said she loves to help.
“This is my first pregnancy and I’m young, so this definitely helps a lot,” said Jhalim, an expectant mother.
“I feel amazing. It’s a great event for the moms. It’s an opportunity to get baby products. It’s a great program with activities, games and the food which is very nice,” said Fatima Zaeem, an expectant mother.
Lewis has made such an impact on the community, that she was found after Nicole made a post in a Facebook group asking for recommendations for moms doing wonderful work. The response from the South Florida community and her work as an amazing doula was overwhelming.
“It feels good. It’s an amazing blessing. That’s how it feels to help. It’s a blessing knowing that you do something you love and going home you smile, and the mom says thank you,” said Lewis.
Lewis pays for all of the goods out of her own pocket and does accept donations.
Donations are accepted at:
380 SW 12th Ave.
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Lewis can also be contacted by calling. 954-232-1133
If you would like to highlight a mom who makes a difference in our community, send us an email at MomToMom@wplg.com.
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