DOULAS NEED DOULAS

Doulas don’t need to hire a doula for their own birth.

Myth Busted…

You were a pleasant surprise in a day filled with not-so-pleasant surprises.

Right place. Right time.

The universe knew I needed you there.

I ended up not hiring a doula.

My husband, sister, mom, mother-in-law… they would support me.

You just happened to be on the schedule as a nurse when I came in for my induction. You took me on as a patient, even though you were in charge that day.

You set the vibe in my room in a way only a doula would.

You spent time prioritizing movement and positioning. You reminded me that I had choices in my birth. You brought me back to my breath and helped center me.

Things I already knew how to do for myself. Things I teach my own clients.

I knew what birth looked like. I knew the positions. I knew the breathing techniques. I knew how to advocate for myself. I knew the questions to ask. I knew what was happening in my body.

But when I was in the middle of it—vulnerable, exhausted, overwhelmed, and in pain—knowing those things wasn’t enough.

I couldn’t always think clearly.

I didn’t need someone to teach me everything I had spent years learning.

I needed someone to remind me.

By the time your shift was over, you offered to stay and see it through to delivery.

Which was perfect, because there was no way I was letting you leave.

Neither of us knew I would accidentally make it to 10 cm before getting my epidural.

Or that my baby would need the NICU.

Or that my placenta would take an hour to be delivered.

We just knew that whatever was about to happen, you being there was essential.

You calmed not only me, but my family at my bedside.

You helped me bring my second baby into the world.

For you—

my surprise doula—

I’ll be forever grateful.

Hire the doula.

It’s an investment you won’t regret.