You may not know this about me, but six years ago I looked into becoming a doula. Thinking about it now though, I wasn’t ready to be a doula yet. For me, I needed to have my own kids first before I could help other families with their births. That’s not to say that you must have children in order to be a doula. There are wonderful doulas out there who don’t have children. Like I said though, it was really important for me to have my children first. Mainly because I knew that I would be able to empathize with my clients if I knew what they were going through.
Apart from being a mom, doulaing for couples has been one of the most rewarding jobs. I’m a natural born care taker, so when I’m with a couple during their birth, I’m in my element. Having this job where I feel appreciated and feel like I’m making a difference, is amazing. Childbirth is one of these most amazing experiences and being chosen to be there is an honor. I’ve learned so much from the few births I’ve already attended.
Sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes medical intervention truly is necessary. My goal is to help my clients have the birth that they envisioned, without judgement. When that doesn’t happen, then I’m there for them while they process everything that happened during their birth. Some births may last twelve hours and others could last up to thirty-six hours. Two things all my clients have in common though are fans and peppermint oil! Good thing my doula bag is full of tricks to help provide comfort.
I’m on call for four weeks per person, since we never know when babies decide they want to make an entrance. My doula bag is always packed and ready to go. I go to bed with my phone on so that I can hear it if it rings during the night. I’m the person who runs last minute errands, like making three trips to Earth Fare in one day. I massage my moms, wipe their foreheads, put their hair up in ponytails and make sure they stay hydrated. I also take care of the dads and make sure they are eating and going to bathroom! I basically mother the couple and I love it.
As a doula mom, I also have to have babysitting and meals prepped for my kiddos! My family will always be my first priority. Thankfully I have the most supportive husband in the world, because I could not do this without him. Early morning calls at 3:00am might mean I need him to help me get ready. He’s always there no matter what. Even if it means that he has to stop by the hospital with a cooler for a placenta. This is OUR new life and it seems to work!
