So You Think You Can Doula?

Well, yes, I think I can.

I have always been intrigued with childbirth. I remember being sick one day and instead of staying home from school, I went to work with my mom. She worked in the county health department--great place to take a sick kid! Anyway, one of the nurses let me watch a film called "The Story of Eric". Turns out, it was a 34 minute color documentary that follows a young mother through her first childbearing experience to help educate parents about the Lamaze method of childbirth.

It kind of freaked me out at the time because it showed, full-on, a live human birth. At the age of probably 8 or 9, I'm not so sure I was really ready to see that. But from that day on, I was hooked on the miracle of it all.

I had wonderful pregnancy, childbirth and delivery experiences. I had a great support system in Big Joz. Unfortunately, some women aren't that fortunate.

I learned during the time I was caring for my Grandpa that I really do believe I'm a good caretaker, moreso during times of more "need" or even stress... I can handle the tougher stuff pretty well, I think.

The thought of becoming a doula is a relatively new one, meaning that I haven't grown up thinking about it. But in the last few months, several factors have played into what's become my decision to purse doula certification.

My biological clock has been ticking... loudly... for at least a couple of years. Given that I had my tubes tied, cut, burnt, etc. 15 years ago, I ain't havin' no more babies!! I did, however, give serious thought to having my tubal reversed. Big Joz never really thought that was a great idea, however. And in all honesty, the thought of going through potty training again... YUK!!

With Bud graduating from high school this spring and looking ahead to his future, there have been lots of discussions about "what to do with your life". I remember when I was his age, I gave a lot of thought into wanting to pursue a career in culinary arts. Yes, I wanted to go to cooking school. Seemed a great thing to do... except that it was VERY expensive, it was VERY far away from home and no one had ever done anything like that before. Well, no one I knew. No one from my little town. So, I didn't. I chose the path more traveled and went to regular college like everyone else. When Bud and I went to register him for college, I began to wonder if it was too late for me to try something new.

Last December when my Chocolate Lab safely delivered 10 beautiful, healthy puppies, I very much felt like I couldn't do enough for her to help her with her own miracle of birth. I felt like Hershey and I did a great job together!

Given my love of babies and everything that goes along with getting them here and given my thought that I CAN be a good caretaker, why not try this doula thing?

I LOVE my current job as a church secretary... can't imagine not being here. So I'm not looking to replace my job or my income by any means, I just want to try something that will allow me to help other women have the same positive childbirth and labor experiences I did. I want to be a support for other mothers. I want to help babies come into the world.

So, it's Wednesday. Sunday night, I joined DONA (Doulas of North America) International. Monday, I ordered four of the five required reading books (the 5th one wasn't available at the time). I also ordered my certification packet on Monday; it contains all the forms I'll need to complete to become a certified doula. Yesterday, I registered for the required childbirth class, the Doula workshop and the breastfeeding classes that are all requirements as well. I'm well on my way, I guess... I just need to find some expectant moms who are willing to allow me to attend their births now...

Family reactions to my doula-ism has been interesting. Big Joz listened, then asked several questions--several really good questions. After I answered them as honestly as I knew how at the time, he told me he thought I would be a good doula. Bud and Pud? They don't want to know a thing about it... it's gross!

When I called my dad to tell him I was going to become a doula, he, of course, had no idea what a doula is, so I explained to him that I would provide non-medical support to an expectant mother during childbirth and delivery. He still didn't quite get it. I then told him that I was going to be like Mama (his paternal grandmother). Mama was called a "midwife", although she had no medical training... she probably attended more births during her time than the local doctors! If only I could be adored as Mama was! Oh, Daddy did say he'd love to know more about the breastfeeding class.

My Mimi (Daddy's mother) seemed to be very pleased when I told her about my plans. She assured me that she knew I would be successful at anything I set my mind to. She saw the care I gave Grandpa; she knows how I love babies. Her blessing is very important to me.

Mother? Well, she thinks I'm going to medical school because I'm pregnant....