I get this question all the time. 'Why did you become a doula?" Grab a seat and a snack and i'll tell you!
Picture it...2018...(Golden Girl's reference!) I had just had my 3rd child. I was sitting on the floor of my living room when my husband randomly asked me, "what do you want to do with your life? Is there something that interests you?" I was taken aback at first because I just had a baby and a career wasn't on my radar whatsoever. But I knew his question was sincere so I gave it some thought over the next few weeks.
I knew I had a passion for birth and all things related to it. I had helped some friends in the past with their pregnancies and labors. I had no clue what a doula was. It was never suggested to me in all 3 of my pregnancies. I knew of a midwife and a doctor but thats it. Call me naive I guess! I took a deep dive into birth related occupations and stumbled across what being a doula was. When I tell you it was if the heavens opened and the angels sang...okay it may have not been that dramatic lol but I did feel like I had found my calling.
I researched and prayed for God to lead me to the right certifying school. That He did! Birth Arts International was were I began my training. But 1st I had to come up with the tuition. So being the crazy crafter I am, I formed a plan! I had been a mom/homemaker since my first child and we only had one income so I couldn't just go pick money off our money tree in the back yard. I asked my hubby to help me build some hexogon shelves in different sizes that I could sell to get my tuition. We built them and I shared my heart with everyone I knew. I prayed God would bless my efforts and that id get every penny. That I did and then some. I was able to get all the money and signed up right away for the birth doula course.
I was an eager beaver and cranked out the assignments. I held my newborn son in one arm and typed my assignments with the other. It wasn't a fast journey thats for sure! It took me 2 years to complete all the assignments. I actually finished my last one in quarantine. Go figure huh? I had to attend 5 births with evaluations as well. God provided the clients I needed and I began to put my training into practice. I was scared at first but now after almost 3 yrs I feel more confident. Being a doula is not only my calling but my ministry. I don't shy away from the fact that I love Jesus! I have been hired so many times bc of that.
So fast forward to this moment...I have just had a birth a few days ago and my calendar is filling up quickly. All praise to God for that. I'm thankful for everyone who believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. God answered a decade long prayer of helping out my family financially and also fulfilling a passion I didn't know could be that resource.
I am forever learning new things and beyond thankful for all the families God has brought my way. I plan to further my training in childbirth education and breastfeeding. Who knows what the Lord had planned but I'm enjoying the ride,
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