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For Chelsea VonChaz, periods are more than just a monthly inconvenience — they’re a crucial health indicator and a source of empowerment. As a full-spectrum doula who also specializes in menstrual care, she offers emotional, educational and practical support to individuals throughout their entire menstrual cycle. Her work isn’t just about easing discomfort; it’s about changing how people view their bodies.
“A period doula provides emotional, educational and practical support during all four phases of the menstrual cycle,” VonChaz explains. “The menstrual phase is the one most people struggle with, but a lot of times, it’s actually our habits — what we eat, how much we rest — that create the struggle. Your period tells you so much about your body before any doctor will.”
VonChaz is on a mission to shift the narrative around menstruation, advocating for people to see their cycles as a vital sign rather than an afterthought. “Your period is saying a lot more than just ‘you’re not pregnant,’” she says. By paying attention to changes in mood, flow and symptoms, people can gain deeper insights into their overall health.
One phase that deserves more attention, she says, is the luteal phase — the days leading up to menstruation that many experience as an emotional and physical rollercoaster. “I like to compare the phases of the cycle to the seasons. Ovulation is summer — we’re out, we have energy. Then the luteal phase is fall — everything is changing. If you don’t adjust, you’re gonna feel out of sync,” she explains.
To cope with the luteal phase, VonChaz suggests tracking symptoms through journaling. “It may sound silly, but writing down what’s happening in your body helps you see patterns. Are you more anxious? Are you cramping more than usual? Tracking these things helps you advocate for yourself when talking to doctors.”
Beyond physical symptoms, VonChaz also emphasizes the mental health aspect of menstruation. “There’s so much pressure to just push through pain — whether it’s emotional or physical. But your cycle is not something to ignore or apologize for.”
By taking ownership of your cycle, Chelsea says, empowerment inevitably follows. Showing up to doctor appointments equipped with your own data matters, especially in a field of medicine that often overlooks Black women's symptoms.
As a period doula, she helps people navigate medical decisions about their wombs, ensuring they understand their own bodies and their needs are heard.
English (US) · 