If you didn’t know, May is International Doula month. We celebrate a lot of things related to motherhood in May and this is no exception for me. I’m incredibly proud to have the honor of being a postpartum doula and owner of Delighted Doula. Doula in it’s simplest definition means “a woman who serves or helps”. Doulas cover all spectrums of the new baby/ies timeline from prenatal, birth, to postpartum. We celebrate the doulas around the world who have fulfilled their calling and desire to “mother the mother” and to have an integral role in educating, empowering, and coming along side families during the most formative times of their parenting. I want to introduce you to a birth doula friend and of mine, Amy Welborn. Amy is a birth doula and owner of A Wellborn Baby, she is going to assist me in answering some questions about doulas.
What made you want to become a doula? Amy: “The journey to becoming a doula has been greatly influenced by my journey into motherhood. After experiencing infertility, we became pregnant and had a natural childbirth experience. We then experienced secondary infertility and felt led to adopt. When our daughter was 6 weeks old we found out we were pregnant! I ended up with preterm labor and spent 2.5 months on bed rest. The Lord opened the flood gates and after our adoption, we have been blessed to carry 6 more babies. I have had two c-sections, 2 VBACS and have been induced twice. All these experiences have lead me to want to support woman through their journey into motherhood, how ever that may be.”
What i
s your favorite part of your role as a doula? Amber: My favorite part of being a postpartum doula is the end result of working with each family. I am able to see that light of “I can totally do this!” in the eyes of a mother who was second guessing herself and watching as each family member is eased into their new roles and thriving in them!
Who can benefit from having a doula? Amy: I think anyone can benefit from a doula. Doulas are support people. Even though my title is “Birth Doula,” I’ve went to the hospital for a young woman who had to have a hysterectomy. I think we all have had times in our life when we need an extra shoulder to lean on and birth can be one of those times.
What about moms who feel like they can’t afford doula services, what do you say to them? Amy: “I know that adding another thing to the budget can be challenging, payment plans are an option, as well as gift certificates for family or friends that might like to give a more practical gift.”
What do you want parents to know most about doula work/services? Amber: What I want families to know most about, in reference to what I offer as a postpartum doula, is that I am there FOR them. I never come in and take over their parenting roles. I am there to assist and empower the mother and the family in creating the love filled, prepared and peaceful atmosphere that they are striving for!
Whether you are looking ahead to the birth or you just arrived home with your baby/s, the services of a doula can be a huge asset to your family. Amy and I are both open to speaking to you about birth or postpartum doula services!
