It has been some time since I have talked to you all about being a doula. I did complete my training but I have yet to get certified. It isn’t for lack of desire though. I have been busy with other things and have been trying to determine how best to approach this new (and exciting) part of my life. I was referred by my (hopeful) future boss lately and it came a time for me to make a decision, once and for all.
I have decided that I am not going to charge for doula work. I truly feel blessed by God to have the gifts I have been given. As you may know, my future goal is to be a midwife. Until then, all I do is in the hands of God and I feel it is my duty to share those gifts. I know that many women make a living as a doula and I don’t begrudge them that. I think it is a fantastic job. It just not what I am comfortable with (the taking money part).
God gave me many gifts. He gave me the knowledge I have as a nurse and doula. He gave me hands to use, a heart to “touch” others, a mind to help others, and a desire to be there with women during the crisis we all loving refer to as labor and birth. It really is a crisis for that mom and baby. I feel it is my calling (if you will) to be a doula to help that mom get through her crisis. God has put me here to do that. I truly feel that.
So, I am taking a private client but won’t likely be doing many of those. I have told them that I am not going to charge them for my time and that I am doing this because I feel led by God to do it this way. They are both excited and shocked. I didn’t have a doula with Joley’s birth because I couldn’t afford one. I believe that my birth experience would have been different if I had one. I don’t want any woman who needs or desires doula support to go without simply because of cost.
Instead of a lot of private clients, I am volunteering my time to local shelters, women’s homes, unwed mother’s homes, etc. that may have a use for my skills. Many women in these situations need a support person and I would feel honored to be that person for them. I will not charge them and will do this as a ministry. I want to help women to have the birth they desire. I want to help a woman to bring a gift from God into this world. Until such a time as I move on to being a midwife, that is what I will do… not for money, but for God, for women and babies, with love.
carol says
What a wonderful service you are providing for these women. It will make you feel so good to do this.
Christine says
You rock! That will bring you some good karma for sure. 🙂
cstironkat says
What a wonderful thing to do for those who are less fortunate in our world. I’m so amazed and thrilled, and I wish you the best.
DaenelT says
Such a wonderful gift you are giving to these women. Thoughts and prayers for you as you go into this new journey.
Debby Pucci says
That is beautiful, what a wonderful gift to give to women.
Stefany says
Thanks Debby! I miss you woman… I need to stop by and see what you have been up to!
Lindsay @ Just My Blog says
What a great way to spread God’s love! You may never know how greatly you will help the women who would not otherwise be able to afford a doula. God bless.
Stefany says
Thanks Lindsay.
Lona W says
I think it is really great what you are doing. I am one of those woman who has wanted a doula, but could not afford one. With my first baby I didn’t know about doula’s. With the last two, I really wanted one, but could not afford one. I am hoping to be able to have one with my fourth pregnancy. You are truly blessing to those woman and babies you will be helping. I know my experiences would of been lots different had I been fortunate enough to have a doula.
Stefany says
Lona, I am with you. I know my last experience would have been much different if I had a doula.
My main thought is that many of the women I will be working with will be alone if it weren’t for a support person. If I can be there for them and help them too, that is a win/win in my book.
debbie says
I think it is really great. Maybe, if you do get a private client, you could suggest instead of paying you, they donate something to one of the places you volunteer your services at. That way they are helping,too.
Stefany says
That is a great idea Debbie. I know the couple I am working with now already do help one of the organizations I will be volunteering at but I will keep that in mind if I take any more private clients.
Doll Clothes Gal Pal says
I have the utmost respect on what you are doing. You are one of the few kind people on this world.
Stefany says
Thank you so much! I appreciate that.
Melissa says
What a great post. You are such a wonderful person!
Stefany says
Thank you so much!