About Me
Hey there!
My name is Charlotte Wheaton, I’m a birth and postpartum doula, cycle tracking coach, chef and yogi.
Education and Certifications
BA in Sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz
BA in Feminist Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz
Certified Domestic Violence Awareness Counselor, Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center
Birth Doula Training, Janine Maitri of Sierra Childbirth Institute — working towards DONA certification
Postpartum Doula Training, certified by Cornerstone Birthwork Training
Symptothermal Fertility Awareness Method, Nathalie Daudet with Fertility Awareness Project
Some Fun Facts About Me!
I’m an avid backpacker! This past summer I completed trails in Big Sur and Yosemite.
I love kids! While I don’t yet have any of my own, I have enjoyed many occupations which involve kids. From camp counselor, to nannying for several different families, to now working as a substitute teacher in Santa Cruz, kids are just a joy to be around.
For my thesis work at university, I recorded a history of health and sex education in America, and rewrote my own curriculum to be implemented in middle and high schools.
I love traveling! After I graduated university, I spent six months traveling all around Central and South America.
How did I get here?
I have always been interested in women’s health and the care we receive since adolescence. After struggling with my own reproductive health during my teen years, I’ve seen first hand the lack of holistic, patient-centered, trauma informed care in our modern medical system. After completing my fertility awareness training, I felt as if a whole new depth of body awareness was unveiled to me. This began my pursuit to spread world of cycle tracking, and help people change their lives, the same way mine was changed. Additionally, my education in Feminist Studies at UCSC allowed me to tap deeper into my calling of advocating for reproductive justice and accessibility in women’s healthcare. There are many tenants which guide my work, but below is three of the most significant:
The Personal is Political
A quote from the world renowned feminist theorist bell hooks. To me, this quote addresses the power of individual action which stand up against systems of oppression. Every client I work with, every interaction with a healthcare professional, is a form of activism, paving the way for our mutual liberation.
Reclaiming Ancient Wisdom
The bottom line is - nothing I’m teaching is new! Fertility awareness, community-supported birth, oral tradition, knowledge via sisterhood are strategies which our ancestors relied upon for millennia. I see my practice as an unlearning of modern medical practices which are not serving us and a relearning of ancient traditions.
Knowledge is Power
Through taking personal responsibility to learn as much as we can about our own bodies, about birth, and about our rights, we will be empowered. When we are clear about our own personal values, we will feel confident in any decision we are making in life! Trauma stems from feelings of powerlessness, and this is what I am working to fight against!