How long have you been a doula and what inspired you to become one?
I began looking into becoming a doula following the birth of our second son, Frank, in 2017. My own doula, Beth Fessenden, inspired me to follow my calling for birth work. I began my doula journey in January 2018 and attended my first birth that February. My passion continues to grow with each birth I am honored to attend.
What training did you receive to become a doula?
I am currently completing certification with DONA International, as well as working toward certification as a perinatal bereavement doula through Sufficient Grace Ministries. I continue to further my knowledge by attending trainings such as placenta seminars and Spinning Babies workshops (no, I cannot “spin” your baby, but I can help him/her get into a more optimal position for birth). My full doula profile can be found on Doulamatch.net (a great resource when looking for local doulas servicing your
area).
How would you describe what you do?
Doulas play a role during pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum by providing informational, emotional, and physical support to moms-to-be. We are a wealth of evidence-based information to aid moms in informed decision making. We provide non-medical, continuous, compassionate care during labor and birth. This can be anything from comfort measures to relieving anxiety with relaxation techniques to helping a partner (if applicable) be more involved. Postpartum care focuses on emotional care and breastfeeding support as families transition to their new reality of caring for a newborn. Doulas support you if you choose home birth or hospital birth, midwife or obstetrician, medicated or unmedicated, vaginal or cesarean or VBAC, induction or spontaneous labor. We are there to support you as you become a mother. Whether it’s for the first time or the 17th time, doulas will hold space for you.
Why should someone consider using a doula?
There are so many benefits! Studies show that having a doula present results in fewer requests for pain medication, a decrease in the need for interventions, lower cesarean birth rates, more partner involvement, reduced postpartum mood disorders, and improvement of breastfeeding success.
Why are doulas so popular now?
Although doulas have been around for decades, the internet and social media have broadened our exposure. All the taboo parts of pregnancy, birth and postpartum are gaining more attention. Birth fear/trauma is being discussed. Postpartum depression is being discussed. The natural act of breastfeeding being hard and NOT natural feeling is being discussed. Having a positive birth experience is becoming more and more important. Women are not shying away from finding their village and that village includes doulas.
What do you enjoy about being a doula?
Babies are cool and all, but I especially enjoy knowing that I’ve helped provide moms with “Informed Empowerment” and helping them achieve a positive birth experience.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
The unpredictability of labor. Will I be called out during a soccer game? In the middle of the night? Have I double- and triple-checked that my phone’s ringer is on loud and not vibrate? Will this be a fast birth or a 24+ hour labor? Let’s just say that my bag is always packed and ready to go when I’m on call (38 weeks until birth for each client).
Do you interact with medical professionals in the area?
I have the pleasure of interacting with nurses, midwives (CNM), and obstetricians in the hospital setting, and homebirth midwives (CPM and DEM) for out-of-hospital births. I don’t speak FOR my clients, but often facilitate communication between them and their caregivers. A doula’s role is to compliment the birth support team by providing non-medical support throughout different scenarios.
