After the birth of my son, I realized I wanted to make a bigger impact on the birthing community. I decided the best way for me to do that was by becoming a Doula.
I've always had a passion for pregnancy and childbirth, even in my youth. My favorite class in high school was Biology and my favorite part of the curriculum was when we studied sexual reproduction.
As a child, my mom took a workshop and studied to become a postpartum Doula. Her stories of birth and babies were inspiring to me. Although, later she decided that it took her away from home for too long, especially since my brother was only a toddler.
I too have the same reservations, as both my children are quite young. I am afraid they will need me and I will be elsewhere. I am afraid to leave them with other people to care for them when I am called upon. I am afraid that I will end up missing out on so much of their lives.
I can't wait for them to grow up though, because I too will grow up. If not now, when? When they are older and in different extra curricular activities? When they want to be driven to their friends house to play or to babysitting jobs? No. Now is the time for me to get my career going. Its now or never.
Back to the subject at hand. Why? Why did I decide I want to be a Doula? I have a few different reasons why. I feel its a calling, the reason I am here. Is to help, women and their partners during the most precious time of their lives, in whatever way I am needed. To smell and possibly hold newborns, their scent is one of my favorites. To assist the family in their new roles. To help with any breastfeeding problems and give the new parents resources in the community, that may come in handy at later dates. To take care of some household chores, so they can bond as a new family with minimal interruptions. Those first few weeks are so precious.
My number one reason for becoming a Doula, is to play a small role in a big beautiful miracle. The miracle of life.
