My Journey to Becoming a Doula and Why This Work Matters
- The Earthside Doula
- Oct 27, 2024
- 3 min read
My journey to becoming a doula is one marked by personal transformation, resilience, and a deep-rooted desire to uplift others during some of the most significant transitions in life. It was not a direct path, but rather a culmination of experiences—both joyous and challenging—that led me to this work, which I now consider my calling.
I spent over 25 years working in the healthcare industry, beginning my career as a nurse. As a nurse, I had the opportunity to care for people from all walks of life, connecting deeply with individuals who found themselves at their most vulnerable. These experiences were humbling and opened my eyes to the profound impact that compassionate care could have on someone's journey. Each interaction, each moment of holding someone’s hand or being a comforting presence, left an imprint on my heart, solidifying my desire to be more than just a caregiver. I wanted to be an advocate, an ally, and a source of unwavering support.
My journey took a deeply personal turn when I became a mother. My three sons were all born via C-section, and each of their births came with its own set of challenges. My last delivery, in particular, involved life-threatening complications that forever changed how I viewed childbirth and postpartum recovery. It was during these moments of vulnerability, uncertainty, and immense love that I realized the true value of having someone by your side who understands, supports, and advocates for you. I wished for someone to be my eyes, ears, hands, and voice—someone who could empower me during a time when I felt powerless. This longing sparked a fire within me to be that person for others.
The transition from being a nurse to becoming a doula, care assistant, and CPR instructor felt natural. I knew I wanted to provide the kind of support that I had yearned for during my own birthing experiences. As a doula, I am able to offer holistic, personalized care that goes beyond physical well-being. I provide emotional support, advocacy, and education to birthing individuals and their families. Whether it’s helping a new mother navigate the postpartum period or supporting someone recovering from cosmetic surgery, my role is to walk alongside them, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and empowered.
What makes this work so important to me is the opportunity to be a part of such intimate and transformative moments in people’s lives. Birth is sacred, and the postpartum period is a time of profound change. Yet, so often, people feel isolated or overwhelmed during these times. My mission is to bridge that gap—to provide evidence-based education, compassionate care, and a listening ear so that no one has to go through these experiences feeling alone. I believe that everyone deserves to be nurtured and supported, especially during times of transition.
Beyond my professional qualifications, my love for connecting with others is what fuels my work. I find joy in spending time with my family, traveling the world, and embracing adventure, whether it's ATV riding, making jewelry, or walking barefoot on the grass. I am also passionate about live music—whether it's reggae, soca, smooth jazz, 80's pop and soft rock, or old school R&B. These passions keep me grounded and remind me of the importance of joy, connection, and living authentically. It’s these values that I bring to my work as a doula, striving to create a safe, nurturing environment where every individual feels empowered to make choices that align with their values and preferences.
To me, being a doula is more than a profession—it is a calling to serve others with love, respect, and empathy. It is an honor to be a part of someone’s journey, to witness their strength, and to help create beautiful beginnings, whether they are welcoming new life or embracing a new chapter in their own. Together, we can navigate these sacred journeys, cherish every moment, and build a supportive community that honors each unique experience.
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