My first answers to that question would be: an affinity for lack of sleep, loving crazy on-call schedules, and fielding questions that would make other people blush…..
I joke…but not really. I mean, I do miss sleep, but this work is worth it.
So what does it take to become a doula? Patience. Knowledge. Compassion. Positivity. Study. Reading. Mentors. Practice. Confidence. Connection. Patience. Did I mention patience?
My family has always joked that I am such an impatient person. I agree, it was once (and sometimes still is) a struggle for me to be patient, but something strange happens when I’m with a client in labor: I become the most patient person. I recognize that birth takes its own time, can’t be rushed, and will unfold in its own way. I have to bring that calm patience to the room.
I was honored recently to spend 30 hours straight with a client and her husband as she labored and gave birth. It took much patience, for them and for me, and a lot of the other things I mentioned above came into play too. Because of the excellent training I’ve received, I was ready and able to help them in some of their most exhausting, challenging, and wonderful moments.
There are so many doula training programs out there. When I started my journey as a doula in 2012 I went with one of the biggest, most well-known organizations. It was fine, and it was only later that I realized the things that were lacking. Over the years I’ve taken additional trainings, read more books, attended webinars, listened to more clients, talked with my mentors, (and had more babies myself), and all of that experience has brought me to today. So, big thanks to:
If you’re interested in becoming a doula, let me know! If you’re interested in having a doula, let’s make it happen. Hope to hear from you soon.
