Why I decided to become a Doula...
I walked into labor and delivery at 5:30am on September 1st, 2011, excited to meet my little girl but mostly terrified of what the day would bring. A week before at my last prenatal appointment my doctor told me I could be induced the next week if I wanted, not really knowing what that meant I agreed and went on my way excited to know the day I would meet my baby girl.
I was induced and ended up feeling bullied by my doctor into getting an epidural I didn't want. When he came in at the end of pushing he seemed rushed and ended up telling me I wouldn't be able to push her past a certain point because of the shape of my body and that he had to use forceps. I was crushed and felt very overwhelmed by the whole thing so I told myself that we were both healthy and that is really all that matters. I was definitely in love with my new little one so it was easy to push pass the feelings of fear and pain I had felt from my birthing experience and let it pass as normal and just what happens when you have a baby.
A few months later I was scanning through Netflix and found something that caught my eye “The Business of Being Born” I watched it and also “More Business of Being Born” and I was changed forever. I realized that my experience wasn't okay and that having a baby doesn’t have to be scary or emotionally painful at all. Yes it is important that mom and baby come out breathing but giving birth is something a mother will never forget and it will change her life forever, it should be a positive and uplifting day in a woman’s life no matter what her choices are.
I later decided to take a three day Doula training. I learned so much and am so excited to get started on this step in my life. I want women everywhere to be educated about their decisions and not afraid of such an amazing day.
