I think I would like to become a Doula.
I am surprising myself by even considering this. Perhaps I am just excited after watching this amazing little video (“The Essential Ingredient”) explaining exactly what a doula is. It fits in with my philosophies about connecting Mums together.
I have recently felt very frustrated watching a friend prepare for her own birth. Despite the last two years of fighting between Midwives and Obstetricians there is still no continuity of care. My friend is talking to her third midwife. When my friend asked the midwife about preparing mentally for her birth, she was quickly dismissed, being told she had plenty of time after all “she was going to have a C-section wasn’t she”. Did I mention how frustrating I find this.
I had a marvellous birth, I had two midwives in attendance at my home, they never left my side. My sister (who had never had a child) flew up and supported me with non-birth tasks (such as fetching things and getting food). My husband was amazing. I had a single midwife support me for my entire pregnancy. I would spend an hour with her every month talking about birth preparations, preparing my mind and body for the birth. I was so confident in myself and my team when the time to birth came about. After the birth my midwife supported me as I learnt to breastfeed. Even now I email her without hesitation to ask any questions. She is a medical professional and fully supports me.
It breaks my heart that we live in a world where support like this is the exception to the rule. I hate seeing my friend afraid and feeling so alone when she is due to give birth in only a few months.
Am I crazy to even consider becoming a Doula. I don’t know if I have the time to do the huge course, but I do know that I want to do my bit.
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