Why do I Doula?

When I became a doula last year, I didn't really stop to think about WHY I was doing it. I wanted to, sure. I was excited about it, yes. I am passionate about birth, definitely.

So is that why I do it?

I am sure that is all part of it. And I believe that all of those are necessary when you start something new. But as I was reflecting more about the nature of being a doula and why I chose this path, I realized there is so much more to it than that.

As a doula, my heart reaches out to the hearts of others. I connect with women and with families and I begin to care deeply about them. I soothe them; I encourage them; I try to reveal their strength when they can't see it and I offer them mine when theirs is spent.

I had a thought that birth is like a natural disaster (in the most beautiful way). You can't stop birth, you can't control birth. As a woman you just have to succumb to the amazing force that is your body and your baby and your nature. You have to catch that wave and ride it until it delivers you to shore. And a doula, in the humblest and meekest of ways, is almost like a life raft. Holding you, cradling you, supporting you. I cannot stop the tsunami of life that is bringing forth your child, I cannot do your work of bringing new life. But I can be there with you, loving you. I can whisper "you can do this"... "keep breathing"... "you are amazing"..
I can hold you up, or get down to the floor. I can rub your back, and bring you nourishment.

I believe it is God's work. I believe that if God could be a physical presence in a labor room, He would act as a doula. He is the author of "doula". I want to and need to love like He does.


Birth is simple, it is primitive, but it is not easy. There are challenges. There are surprises. There is pain. There are questions. I have looked into a woman's eyes and cried because there was nothing I could do to make it better. Except I was there. And I know that being there was all I could offer in that moment.

So when I think about why I am a doula, I know that the simple answer is love. God first loved me, and He now lets me love others. I am honored to do it.