Diverse Childbirth Experiences Inspired My Doula Journey
Birth worker providing information for soon to be parents about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, infant care and parenting.
My personal journey through childbirth profoundly influenced my decision to become a doula. Having navigated teen pregnancy, a preterm NICU baby, stillbirth, epidural birth, and induction without pain medication, I've encountered a wide range of birth experiences. Each one taught me invaluable lessons and allowed me to relate deeply to mothers in similar situations. These experiences also opened my eyes to the gaps in our healthcare system and the opportunities to improve care for women, babies, and families.
How My Birth Experiences Shaped My Approach
No amount of preparation could have fully prepared me for the mental and physical challenges of childbirth. During my second pregnancy, I unexpectedly discovered the benefits of hiring a doula. This experience was so positive that I continued to work with doulas for my third and fourth pregnancies. Each doula played a crucial role in shaping my birth decisions, contributing significantly to my overall experience. Though my births didn’t go exactly as planned, I can’t imagine having navigated them without the support of my doulas.
The Empowering Role of a Doula
Every woman has the innate ability to give birth, and with the right preparation and support, it can be an empowering transition into motherhood. Birth can be tailored to fit the mother's needs and preferences, and doulas are instrumental in making that happen. My mission as a doula is to provide evidence-based information, serve as a resource for various options, and support my clients in making individualized decisions throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Addressing Gaps in Education and Support
Unfortunately, our education and medical systems often fall short in preparing women for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Cultural attitudes, media portrayals, and traumatic birth stories can undermine a woman’s confidence in her ability to give birth. It’s crucial to challenge these negative influences and support women in having positive birth experiences.
The Urgent Need for Doula Support
The maternal healthcare system in the U.S. is facing a crisis, with the highest maternal death rate among developed nations. Many hospital and systematic policies are not evidence-based, and women often feel disrespected and unsafe in medical settings. This is why doulas are so important. We provide the support needed to empower women, whether their birth goes according to plan or takes unexpected turns.
Overcoming Trauma and Building Strong Foundations
Too many women leave childbirth feeling traumatized, which can affect their postpartum experience and relationship with their new baby. This trauma often results from a lack of understanding about childbirth, media portrayals, and unnecessary medical interventions. My goal as a birth worker is to educate individuals about the natural process of childbirth, challenge harmful media depictions, and reduce unnecessary medical interventions.
A Commitment to Change
My broader mission is to educate and support women and families to ensure positive birth experiences. By working with clients one-on-one and engaging in community-wide initiatives, I aim to make a difference in the way birth is experienced and perceived.