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.
What a wonderful service you are providing for these women. It will make you feel so good to do this.
You rock! That will bring you some good karma for sure. 🙂
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.
Such a wonderful gift you are giving to these women. Thoughts and prayers for you as you go into this new journey.
That is beautiful, what a wonderful gift to give to women.
Thanks Debby! I miss you woman… I need to stop by and see what you have been up to!
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.
Thanks Lindsay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I have the utmost respect on what you are doing. You are one of the few kind people on this world.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that.
What a great post. You are such a wonderful person!
Thank you so much!