​So, how did you get started doula-ing

I’ll tell you the truth, it was less premeditated than just following the call I felt upon my life.

​In 2013 I had my 3rd baby. It was a high risk pregnancy and I was being bullied by my OBGYN. Why did I stay with that provider? Well, because I was made to feel like this specialist was the safest option for me and my baby.

I hired a doula who sensed exactly what I needed during birth. She stood perfectly in the spaces that we needed her to fill and had a great impact on that experience for us. She showed me the deep, meaningful value of doula care and became a hero of mine. 

Three months later one of my dearest friends was about to give birth to her second baby. She said to me, “I feel like you would be an incredible doula. I might just call you when we’re heading to the hospital.” I said “that’s so funny because I’ve been feeling pulled towards pursuing that very thing. I would love if you called!”

One day I got that call asking me to join them. It happened to be my oldest son’s birthday. So, the first birth I attended happened to be the same day I gave birth for the first time. I find that to be a beautiful coincidence.

I felt so connected with my friend that I experienced cramping in my own uterus as she endured contractions, and cried with them as we celebrated the birth of their daughter. I even lactated when that sweet baby cried!

I felt like that role fit me like a glove, and I was hooked. 

After that I sat down with the woman who had been my doula and told her I was considering starting down this path. She also affirmed me in this and gave me great advice.

I took my doula training and started working towards certification later that year.

Recently, those same friends welcomed another new life into their family and I was given the honor of being their doula once again. This was deeply meaningful to me, as you can imagine. Here I am with my 1st doula baby, Clara Hope, and her precious sister, Ada Grace.

Don't underestimate the importance of speaking words of affirmation into other people’s lives. Always be looking for the good and valuable attributes you see in people, and say them out loud. You never know just how great the ripple effect will be of that one comment or opportunity you give them.
Thanks, Abby. Love you.   ​