Day 5

The second full day of training came to a close and my excitement of what lays ahead for me is what's keeping me going. Today we had the opportunity to see first-hand what it is like to meet with a client and go through the crucial first steps as a doula.

I could sympathize with the mother, as I remember having many of the same desires and fears as she did during my first pregnancy. Family, friends, and society only create expectations of childbirth as a horrifically-painful event. So, as someone who wants a natural childbirth, there can be many influences making it difficult to feel confident on a women's ability to successfully achieve this goal. As I was able to practice some of what we've learned in class, it became clear how the importance of a doula support is beyond just the labor and delivery. It begins during the first meeting and I find myself more and more excited to be entering into this world!

The end of our class included discussions of laboring positions and comfort techniques. All of us were able to practice on each other and really experience the comfort and intimacy they can provide to a woman and her partner during labor. This further solidified that a doula doesn't make a birth experience better just for the woman, but the partner can be an integral part in providing her continuous support and comfort.

I'm still anxiously waiting for my "midnight call" from my mock client...but after today, I feel confident and excited to have someone call me as they go into labor...even if it is only one of my mentors calling!