Becoming Doula

I love my job!  This is truly my calling.  I love working with new, expanding families.  I love being part of their transition.  This is such an amazing, sensitive time of life.  One that the mother remembers forever.  Not one birth is the same and each is an honor to attend. It is way more than just a job for me.

This week marks the 4 year anniversary of the first birth I attended. That mother will always have a special place in my heart. I learned so much that day about birthwork, about motherhood, and about myself.  I was her only support person.  This was her third high risk pregnancy and her third induction.  We both thought it would be pretty straight forward and easy.  We were wrong.

I spend 25 hours with her walking the halls, holding her hand, wiping her tears.  Then her birth started to mirror my own first birth as a mother.  When her baby’s heart rate dropped and her room filled with medical people, I was there.  I was with her in the OR and took pictures and held her hand.  She was terrified and I, being new at this, wasn’t sure what to do and I truly didn’t know if I would be okay.  But I was and so was her baby. 

Here's a recent photo of that beautiful baby girl:

"Esmae" Story and photograph were shared with my former client's permission.

My very first birth as a doula, I held another’s hand and walked with her through my own worst (and best) day and came out the other side.  I knew without a doubt that I could do this work and do it well.  That day left me with a feeling of coming home. 

Birth almost always is normal and straight forward and and proceeds as planned.  And sometimes the situation has a mind of its own.   As a doula, I join you on the journey and do my best to make sure you and your partner have what you need through whatever comes.

Interested in doula services?  I'd love to work with you!