World Doula Week 2023

As we wrap up this years World Doula Week, I am quietly celebrating these last 13.5 years as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. Reminiscing about the 350+ families that I have interacted with, and supported through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I find myself reflecting on the families I’ve served. The babies I have held. The mothers I have held.

I look back with fondness, as I think of the Midwives who I interact with on a weekly basis, the OB-GYN’s and the chiropractors and Pelvic Floor Therapists- all amazing folks that refer to me, and I to them. Ones that I believe in their mission and their treatments. I am so grateful for our partnership.

My mind wanders to the babies who left our world all too soon, the tears I’ve wiped away from my clients eyes, and my own eyes. To the dad’s I’ve held while they receive the news they never wanted to have. To the Grandmothers I’ve bonded with during scary moments and offering reassuring hand squeezes and murmurs of affirmations.

I think about my first few days entering the field of birth work…. Not realizing how much it would change me. How it would change my view and my drive.

I celebrate with my colleagues and the doulas who I have the privilege of surrounding myself with. Some describe this work as brutal. That “its not for the weak”. I’d agree to some extent- this work can be hard. But its also beautiful.

Its the work that I found myself in, and there couldn’t be a more fulfilling or perfect job, for myself. I wake up daily in gratitude and feeling those blessings. I lie down realizing how thankful for I am for the people I cross paths with on a daily basis.

Happy World Doula Week.