How I became a Doula and Birth Coach

My story starts back when I was working as a crisis counselor at a pregnancy center. Our childbirth educator, Beverly, resigned for personal reasons. I felt passionate about retaining the class offering as we were one of the only places providing free childbirth education. When Beverly’s last class was coming up and we had not found a replacement yet, I asked our director what was entailed in teaching the class. She told me she would get back to me and when she discovered, as a ministry, I could train under Beverly, the plan was born. I shadowed Beverly for her last 3 classes, and she passed on her notes, training and class curriculum to me, and I went to work creating my own original childbirth education class.

As a lay childbirth educator, I spent a lot of time researching, reading books by other professionals in the birth field, and learning what the most important things an expecting parent needs to know. As a result of this research, I discovered doulas. I had never heard of a doula and thought about how wonderful it would have been if I had someone supporting me when I had my children. In my experience, I had two very long labors and a traumatic birth with my youngest. I remembered how naive I was, blindly accepting the doctor’s advice, only attending the hospital birth class, and never being offered any information necessary to make informed decisions. While I couldn’t have a “do over”; as a labor and delivery doula, and later as a postpartum doula, I could have a positive impact on other birthing parents.

The “Becoming a Doula” Journey

During this search for accurate information for the class, I discovered Evidence Based Birth®, Better Birth 360°®, and the ultimate discovery Madriella Doula Network, a doula course through Soma Arts School.

When I learned what a doula was – a support person who attends pregnant people throughout the birthing process, I knew that it was something I wanted to do.  At the time, Doula training was limited, and I was excited to find an affordable, self-study program online where I would spend the next 6 months training and offering free and reduced services, attending births, ultimately receiving my doula certification. Later I passed the postpartum class and childbirth education class, as well.

Working as a doula and again during my research for up-to-day information, I discovered a book about being a Baby Planner. Intrigued, I purchased the book, and once the idea was planted in my brain, I knew this is what I’ve always been meant to do. I could be a Baby Planner and work with expecting parents and still offer my doula services.

I found Baby Planner University and became certified as a Baby Planner. As a student of Madriella, I participate in continuing education, and as a professional member of Evidence Based Birth® I am able to access the most current evidence on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, I am thrilled to be able to share that information with my clients.

The First Birth

After my first birth I was hooked. There is nothing I can compare to the feeling of being a part of something so miraculous and empowering. The look on a new parent face immediately following the birth, is one of amazement mixed with unbelief that soon turns into excitement and contentment as they meet their precious new baby.