We each come into doula work for different reasons, for me, it was the accumulation of all of my life experiences that all pointed to this direction.
Families Need Support
(Again for the folks in the back of the room Families Need Support!)
Babies do not come with instruction manuals and each one is different. The traditional support systems are not there anymore as people move away from family and grandparents work longer into their lives. Parental leave may or may not be available. Birthing parent is recovering. Newborns need to feed every two to four hours, so sleep is inconsistent. I could go on for hours (but no really…)
As a transplant from the Chicago area, we had little local support after the birth of our first child. Family flew in for a week or two each but in the end it was just me, my spouse, and the baby. My spouse went back to work after two weeks and worked a LOT. Figuring out my new normal and how to make all the pieces work was not something I had planned. There is a reason the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” exists, we were never meant to do this alone. This is why I started going to babywearing meetings, which led to teaching babywearing. I was just trying to figure it out and help other parents do the same. As a postpartum doula, I get to give the support I wished I had. An extra set of hands, a source of information and resources, making space for processing, naps, showers, and refilling plates & water bottles.
Empowering & Uplifting parents
Parents need some love too! Everyone is so focused on baby, but their parents might be on the struggle bus. When I became a parent, I felt like a deer in headlights! I have a masters degree in student affairs, have taken all the child development and child psychology classes, was a camp counselor, have helped care for younger siblings, babysat so many kids, read all the pregnancy books... And yet, when I was face to face with my new, tiny human I felt woefully underprepared. The information was overwhelming and often contradictory. Then after the birth of my second child, I fell head first into postpartum anxiety. On the outside looking in I seemed to have my act together, a clean house, positive parenting techniques in place, organic food for my kids. On the inside felt like a black hole of guilt and fear, certain something was going to happen to me or my kids and it would be my fault. Once I got help and I made it out the other side of this, I dedicated myself to making sure other parents knew they were not alone in their everyday struggles. I found out about postpartum doulas and the rest, as they say, is history. Now I get to show up for parents every day. Sharing tools. Being an extra set of hands. Encouraging you. Empowering you.
Lives in Transition
Before becoming a parent I worked with high school and college students as they transitioned to college or into the professional world. I loved helping them explore their lives and goals and dreams, It’s why I have an MS Ed. As I became a parent, I realized we celebrate and honor so many transitions in life - preschool to Kindergarten, high school to college, college to work, marriage, even pregnancy and the birth itself. Yet, somehow the fragile time after the baby comes is still somewhat unspoken. After the shower gifts have been unpacked and guests have gone home, we are left largely alone in our society. A time of such joy & love can also be one of uncertainties, long days, and bodily fluids. Whether it is your first or your fourth, adding a child to a family is a time of transition for each member. Each individual is getting to know this new person in their world and coming to understand their own, changing role in the family unit. As a postpartum doula, I honor this time and space with you as you each get to know the new you.
Everyday is an adventure
As a postpartum doula, every day brings new adventures! Each new family and baby I work with is an experience all of their own! Taking a whole-family approach means meeting each family where they are and supporting each in ways that are unique to their needs and goals. No two days are ever the same and I love that about being a postpartum doula!
Lifelong learning
I joke a lot about being a nerd, but it is true. Hand me a research journal article and I will dive right in! A professional training or conference coming up? - I am IN! Coffee with another perinatal/parenting professional - yes please! In this ever changing world, any chance I can get to fill my “toolbox” with new information and resources for the parents I work with, I take it! There is a big world out there with so many new discoveries to be made, I embrace the unknown and am open to new (to me) ideas and knowledge.
For the love of the work
There are so many reasons I became and love being a postpartum doula that I could not begin to mention them all. At the end of the day, I am just so grateful I get to do this work and share in this time with families. It is a privilege to be welcomed into homes and a true honor to be chosen to share in this time with families.
