Here is a unique student response to one of our course assignments where we discuss what encouraged the student to pursue their interest in doula training:
I was a ‘young mum.’ I fell pregnant at 18 and had my son at 19. Looking back now there is so much I wish I could have known back then which is what ultimately inspired me to be a doula.
I didn’t know my rights; I didn’t know I had all these options and choices surrounding my pregnancy and labour. The medical team that were there seemed to have a goal of ‘get baby out as fast as possible’ which then I felt was also my goal. I lost sight in all of the panic, excitement, emotions and commotion of what I wanted and needed. I had a great support team but they also did not know of my rights, options and choices available to me.
The birth of my son was a great experience and I still get teary thinking about it and reminiscing on the precious moments. But I still wish I knew more. I wish I had known about the rest and be thankful stage instead of being put on synthetic oxytocin, I wish I understood the process of birth instead of being impatient and having a vacuum to assist me with delivering him. I wish I had known what was involved in the process of using the vacuum.
All these wishes and so many more is what have bought me to my dream of supporting expectant mothers and the birth they want.
Attached is a photo of shortly after my son Lucas was born when he made his way to my breast and we had the amazing experience of skin to skin and breastfeeding for the first time.
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