My Journey to Becoming a Doula: From Traumatic Birth to Empowering Others
Becoming a mother is a transformative experience that can shape the course of our lives. For me, the birth of my second baby was not only physically and emotionally challenging, but it also ignited a deep desire to help other women navigate their own birthing journeys. In this blog post, I will share my personal story of how a traumatic birth led me to become a doula, and how I turned my pain into a passion for supporting and empowering others.
From the moment I got to the hospital, everything seemed to get intense very quickly. I had planned on getting an epidural but my platelets were low and the anesthesiologist seemed very irritated that I couldn’t answer his questions through my contractions since when they had checked me, I was “only a 2”. They tried to send me home because I wasn’t very dilated, but I had begged them not to since my 1st labor was only 3 hours and I was convinced I would have him as fast as I had her. Everyone left the room and my water broke while I was squatting in the bed. My husband ran and got the nurse and when she checked me, I was a 10. Yes, I went from a 2 to a 10 in about 10-15 minutes. The doctor got there and I started pushing. This was my first unmedicated birth and I was terrified. I had not experienced this kind of pain with my daughter so it was all new to me. Turns out, he was posterior. I pushed for about 20-30 minutes before the doctor decided to use the vacuum without my true consent. I remember asking “is this safe?!” and telling them that I didn't know all of the risks and was not sure I wanted them to do it. He was getting stuck under my pelvic bone and the doctor said he felt like this was the only way to get him out, so he just did it. My son came out vacuum assisted, and sunny side up. He was 8lbs 12 oz. and his little nose was bruised from hitting my pelvic bone. I had a pretty severe tear due to the use of the vacuum and the doctor forcing him out. When I had my 3rd baby, and told my midwife about that experience, she was absolutely appalled. I did things VERY differently with my 3rd and 4th babies. My 3rd was a completely unmedicated, peaceful, hospital birth with a wonderful midwife. My 4th was an amazing water birth at a birth center.
Turning Pain into Purpose:
After the birth of my baby, I found myself grappling with a mix of emotions - anger, grief, and a deep sense of loss for the birth experience that I wanted. However, as time passed, I realized that I had a choice: I could let my traumatic experience define me or I could use it as a catalyst for positive change. It was during this period of self-reflection that I discovered the role of a doula.
Discovering the Doula Role:
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Intrigued by the concept, I began to research and educate myself about the role of a doula. The more I learned, the more I realized that becoming a doula would not only help me heal from my own traumatic birth but also enable me to make a difference in the lives of other women.
Embarking on Doula Training:
With a newfound determination, I embarked on a journey to become a doula. I joined a program and took training and completed certification through 2 different companies, but I knew I needed more. After talking to a few doula friends, I discovered Birth Worker Academy! I enrolled in a comprehensive doula training program, where I learned about the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth, comfort measures, and effective communication techniques. As well as the business side of doula work. The training also emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women during labor and birth. Kyleigh teaches you not only how to be an amazing doula, but she truly gives you all the tools to run a successful business!
With a newfound determination, I embarked on a journey to become a doula. I enrolled in a comprehensive doula training program, where I learned about the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth, comfort measures, and effective communication techniques. The training also emphasized the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women during labor and birth.
Armed with my training and personal experience, I started offering my services as a doula to women in need. I became an advocate for informed decision-making, ensuring that women have access to accurate information and are empowered to make choices that align with their values and preferences. I provided emotional support, held space for their fears and concerns, and offered physical comfort measures during labor.
Becoming a doula has been an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. Every time I witness a woman tap into her inner strength and give birth on her own terms, it reaffirms my decision to become a doula. I am grateful for the opportunity to support and empower women during one of the most transformative moments of their lives.
My journey from a traumatic birth to becoming a doula has been a profound one. It has allowed me to turn my pain into purpose and transform my own healing into a mission to support and empower other women. Through my work as a doula, I hope to create a more compassionate and empowering birthing culture, where every woman feels heard, respected, and supported.