When you ask a woman "What makes you feel good?" it's an act of rebellion for her to answer with the truth. A woman who knows herself - and listens to the call of her truth - is changing the world.
We’re here to feature women who are living and leading this transformation of personal power.
What does a powerful woman look like? A woman giving birth.
And, the woman who walks beside her.
Gio Aiello is the founder and creator of Mindful Mommy Doula Services, which she started in 2017. Over time Gio transformed her practice to include over 40 doulas who have supported hundreds of women. She now runs a doula matchmaking agency that helps birthing mothers find their ideal fit in a support professional. Her goal is to ensure that mothers feel empowered, supported, and understood in their birthing journey.
Gio took some of her precious time to tell us about the life she has created, why the work is so meaningful to her, and what it's like to hold space for women birthing a child and a new version of themselves.
You started your work as a Doula in 2017 - what led you to that work?
I had always dreamed of becoming a Doula, but life always seemed to get in the way. When I became pregnant, I felt confident in my knowledge and my husband's support. However, once labor began, everything changed. My well-laid plans evaporated, and my husband felt lost. The experience was far from what I had envisioned, and I narrowly avoided a C-section. Finally, after 21 hours, I gave birth to my daughter. During my maternity leave, I realized that I had a unique understanding of the birthing experience and the critical role of a knowledgeable support person. It was then that I decided to complete my Doula training.
21 hours of labour is no joke.
Why did you decide to expand into Doula matchmaking? What has been the biggest “aha” for you in determining what women need during these times of support and transformation?
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, I was unable to continue my work as a Doula in hospitals. However, I was still receiving inquiries from people seeking support, so I decided to leverage my existing connections and help other Doulas find work. This led to the creation of Doula Matchmaking. My "aha" moment came when I realized that finding a Doula online was a random and impersonal experience. To address this, I developed a personalized process for each person seeking a Doula, ensuring a more tailored and supportive experience.
Without breaching confidence, can you tell us about your wildest birthing experience?
One of my most memorable birthing experiences was with a client who planned to give birth at the Toronto Birth Centre. When I arrived at her home, it was clear she was already in active labor and that a car ride would likely intensify her contractions. We decided to call her midwife to the house, and she delivered her baby on the living room floor surrounded by her family. It was a beautiful experience and one of my favorite births to date.
The women who are giving birth: What are some of the amazing qualities you have seen in these women during times of extraordinary change, pain, and transformation?
Women often discover their resilience and strength during childbirth. Despite not knowing what to expect, they tap into an inner strength they didn't realize they possessed. Witnessing a woman at her most vulnerable moment is a beautiful experience, as it reveals a strength that only emerges through motherhood.
What’s next for you and your business? What do “we” (society, government, or individually) need to do to make the world a better place for birthing women?
I hope to expand Mindful Mommy across Ontario within the next five years! While I'm passionate about supporting moms and families, I'm equally committed to helping the doulas and women who work for Mindful Mommy find the work they need to support their own families without experiencing burnout.
To enhance the birthing experience for women, society and the government should prioritize the establishment of more birth centres and increase the availability of midwives in Ontario. Additionally, integrating doula care into the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) would significantly improve maternal healthcare and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system and its nurses.
What brings you joy in life?
After spending the last decade giving birth and raising children, I've found that having time to myself brings me incredible joy. Meditation has become crucial in helping me find this joy and rediscover myself.
What makes you feel safe or like you belong?
A sense of security and belonging comes from the community I've built around myself and my family. It's also about maintaining friendships and having those connections where, even if you haven't spoken in a while, it feels like no time has passed at all
What are some small ways you take care of your well-being?
Daily meditation is one of the small ways I care for my well-being. It helps me stay present by recognizing the mental chatter that isn't truly me. Journaling is another practice I love, as it's a great way for me to process and absorb information.
What is the one small thing you do that always turns your mood around?
Taking a deep breath to relax is something I do to improve my mood. I often find myself forgetting to breathe or holding my breath, and pausing to take a deep breath makes a big difference.
The thing that brought unexpected peace in your life was/is….
Meditation has unexpectedly brought an abundance of peace into my life. Additionally, watching my two children play together has brought me exceptional peace as I feel my family is complete.
You feel sexiest when…
I feel sexiest when the sun is shining, and the weather is warm, and I become an extravert to the max!
You feel most inspired and powerful when…
Connecting and speaking with so many amazing, powerful women daily is incredibly inspiring and refreshing, and it makes me feel empowered.
What is the most important thing a woman going through a personal transformation needs?
The journey through personal transformation is eased by support from family and friends. It is crucial for a woman to feel that she is not alone during this process.
If you could give your 20-year-old self advice, you would say…
If I could offer advice to my 20-year-old self, it would be to nurture the activities that spark joy and keep your soul happy – things like being creative, drawing, pursuing art, journaling, and dancing. Never forget these passions.
Other than your family and friends, the mark you hope to leave behind as your legacy is…
I aspire to leave a legacy where women are not only heard but truly listened to and supported. My goal is to empower birthing and working women everywhere, reminding them of their invaluable contributions.
Favourite things that boost your mood, right now?
Breathing techniques, tapping, and hypnotherapy are my go-to methods for boosting my mood. These practices have significantly impacted my life and contribute to my daily happiness.
You can continue to follow Giovanna’s work and life, here: IG: @mindful_mommy_doula
Stay connected for a future video interview with Giovanna to hear more about how she continues to know herself, listens to the call of her deepest Truth, and lives and leads a life of transformation.