Why I became a doula

I like asking other doulas why they've chosen this career path. Each one usually has a very unique and personal story, often full of enthusiasm. These stories can also be quite telling about her (or his) particular approach to the work, so it's a great question to ask if you are parents interviewing doulas for the birth of your child.

Here is the story of my journey to working as a doula.

I've always had this sense that I'm here in this carnation to "rock the boat." And by that I don't mean to cause trouble and confusion; I am not a rebel without cause. I desire to inspire people to live with intention according to their highest purpose even if that means doing things differently.

Before I became a mother, I had lost this sense of purpose. I was in work I found uninspiring. Thankfully, I had a good maternity allowance that allowed me the freedom to explore the transformation from maiden to mother, to really feel it, to research my choices, and to be changed and empowered by that process.

It wasn't a smooth process either. It really stretched me and challenged me. But what brought me through each individual event was the love and care of another woman - a sister. Here is one example:

Near the end of my pregnancy, my health care providers became concerned that I had passed the 42 week mark with no signs of labour. They were pressuring me to accept an induction of labour. However, I felt well in myself and I had my heart set on a homebirth which was dependant on a spontaneous start. My midwifery team became more alarmed as I approached 43 weeks, to the point that I felt harassed by them.

At that point, I rang a friend who was also a mother and who I knew from my local red tent group. I was in tears as I explained my situation and asked her what I could do to help my maternity team to understand me. She shared with me her own story of gestating a full 10 months and suggested a few ways of communicating my desires. I hung up feeling heard, loved, and empowered. I will forever be grateful for this friend and our conversation.

I rang my clinic and left a message detailing some boundaries I wished to be respected. I don't need to repeat them here or tell you the result, but it is important to note that I would not have had the confidence to do this except for the encouragement of my dear friend.

In the days after my daughter was born I decided to become a doula so I could provide a similar role for others.

You see, I believe that our world needs a great deal of healing and the only way for that healing to come about is for the next generation to be birthed and raised in consciousness and love. And the best way that parents can have a bond with and be motivated to make informed decisions for their child is for them to feel empowered from the very beginning.