I’ve felt this passion growing inside me since I got pregnant and started exploring natural birth. I’ve been going back and forth about the best course of action to take with this passion, and after some recent events, I’ve started exploring the idea of becoming a doula.
A month ago if you had asked me, I would have said no, not me, I’d never want to be a doula. Birth doesn’t scare me, physically anyway, but it’s the emotional side that I’m worried about. I’ve never been completely comforting with others. You know, touchy-feely, motherly, etc. It probably is just the way I was raised. I wasn’t sure if I could be a doula without that emotional side ramped up, I didn’t want someone to feel cheated because I couldn’t give them everything they needed.
But then a friend of mine had a birth experience that just makes me cringe. She is completely fine with how everything went, but I can see the holes in it, the lack of education. Her forced induction became an emergency cesarean. I know first hand what a cesarean is like and I don’t wish that on anyone, if they can avoid it. (S/N: I know some are completely necessary. I’m thankful that we have cesareans for those women)
Anyway, I came to the realization that I wanted to educate women. I want to be there to tell them all their options, and help them make the right decision for their birth, whether that means they go all-natural at home or hospital, have an epidural, or have that necessary cesarean.
What I lack in emotional skills I can make up with knowledge, enthusiasm and passion.
While taking the Bradley Method course during pregnancy, I knew that I wanted to become a Bradley teacher. However, one of the requirements is to have used the method in your own birth. I, unfortunately, don’t meet that requirement.
At our next duty station, wherever it may be, with the support of my husband and family, I’m going to start the process of becoming a birth doula. I might even look into becoming a La Leche League leader as well, since I’m passionate about breastfeeding. Either way, I’m going to channel my passions into something so I can help others! And I feel good about it.
I am so excited you are thinking of this because I have been considering it too! Let me know how it goes
I am not even sure where to begin, is it a course you take at a community college?
That is awesome! I am a big believer in doing what you are passionate about, good luck!
That’s so good for you to have something to do that you feel passionate about. I’ve been thinking a lot about next birth and I’m hoping we will be able to do it all naturally. I don’t regret ring induced since p was on R&R but I was more scared and that’s why I got the epideral. But as I look back on it now I know that I felt more uncomfortable then in pain. So next time I’m going to try!
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You will make a great doula! I truly believe we need doulas of all personality types. Not all moms are touchy-feely and sappy women — some women would feel more comfy with a sarcastic, witty doula
I recommend you look into CAPPA if you haven’t already. I, too, have thought about this. Wish you all the luck in this possible career path!
That’s amazing. I was blessed with complication-free births and my heart breaks for the women who are unsupported and uneducated. I think that is great that you want to be a doula and I wish you all the best of luck!!
I’ve always wanted to be a LLC because the misinformation in breastfeeding drives me crazy!
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Good luck to you! It’s good to have something to keep you busy and work toward.
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Wow, congrats!! That’s an amazing career to pursue. I’ve never had kids and I know noooothing about this stuff, so it’s good to know there are educated women out there to answer questions.
Just don’t run out to the car while they’re in labor ;P
That would be so awesome! I had a doula with Millie and was so thankful for her.
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I think that is awesome! When I have a child, I’ll definitely have a doula present! I think it’s a wonderful career to go into!
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