Becoming a Birth Doula
For me, it was a no brainer. I have always had this urge to work with mothers and babies. On one hand I blame my mother, since I have apparently inherited this urge to care for others from her. On the other hand, I wonder does it have something to do with my own infertility (a story for another time). Either way, here I am. :)
CERTIFIED!
I started looking into becoming a doula at least 5 years ago if not more. At that time, I could not find many listings for doulas in my area, specifically those that were black or brown women, which made me even more motivated to begin in birth work. But first I decided to obtain my MPH in Maternal and Child Health, which I completed in May 2020. A few weeks later I became a certified birth doula!
I spent a lot of my time focusing on maternal mortality rates during my education. I found that one way I could help reduce these rates was to become a doula. Mothers are dying and many of these deaths can be prevented. Services that doulas provide have been found to be a proven strategy in increasing outcomes for mothers and infants. Having someone present to advocate for you during this process could make all of the difference. Life or death.
Advocacy does not mean adversary. Being a birth advocate does not mean you are immediately at odds with the healthcare staff present. The goal is to become apart of that team so that the best care available is given to mother and baby. The best care possible should always be the goal and the best care possible should coincide with the pregnant women’s wishes. It does well to remember that she is the head of her healthcare team.
Every CEO needs a capable and knowledgeable assistant. Every pregnant woman needs a doula.
Now what is a doula? Before, during and after the birth of a child a doula can be your or your partners best friend and a valuable resource! A birth doula is a support person who is present to guide a pregnant woman, a mother or father and their family members through the process of pregnancy and the initial steps of life with a newborn.
Yes, Google is a key resource for most things (do your research!) but with all the available information a doula can help to guide you to the information that is most beneficial to you so you can prepare in every way that is important to you. Your birth doula is there to provide emotional, physical and educational support to you and your partner during your birth and assisting in your transition home with a newborn.
Think about it like this, once baby arrives the attention normally shifts from the laboring mother to the new and shiny person in the room. Your doula is the person who is solely focused on you and your comfort, even after baby has arrived.
So, do you really need a doula? Is it worth it to have one present for your birth?
Yes, the answer is yes.
