At age 16, Allie Sakowicz had accomplished more than many adults twice her age. Her most recent accomplishment? Certification as a birth doula.
Doulas provide support for women during labor. Allie discovered a passion for birth early on in life; by age 9, she was certain she wanted to be an OB/GYN. Seeing her first birth at age 12 confirmed her passion. She recently completed many hours of training through Doulas of North America, or DONA International, and will officially be recognized as certified doula sometime this November. Currently, she works with expectant teen moms in the Chicago area.
“”It’s truly an honor to be included in this elite level of people,” Allie said. “I’ve learned that the dedication they’re able to show to mothers-to-be is simply incredible. I feel as though this is truly a calling as I continue toward my dream of becoming a physician specializing in obstetric care.”
Allie is also an accomplished writer, with over 30 published articles to her name, including articles for Scrubs, The Chicago Parent and the Unnecesarean. She’s a former member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps, a high school athlete and a volunteer at her local hospital.