I really want to become a Doula myself. But I never birthed either of my children vaginaly. I ended up with an emergancy c/s with my first and opted for a c/s with my duaghter because I had no support with wanting a vaginal birth.
I wonder if clients will think I am a hypocrite for being a Doula when they ask me personal questions about my birth and I have to turn around and tell them I never had a vaginal birth.
A big part of me wants to be a Doula because I want to give women that support that I felt I never had.
No, of course you wouldn't be a hypocrite! Some of us (myself included) don't have children at all, and that doesn't prevent us from getting hired and helping women to the best of our abilities. You're never going to be the doula for every woman out there. Some women are going to want a doula who's had a vaginal birth, or a natural birth, or a C-section, or no children, or children, or an older woman, or a younger woman, etc.
I think it's wonderful and admirable that you're wanting to give women the support you never had. All of us come into this work some way, and no way is "superior" or "better" than another. If you have a passion for it, people will focus in on that. and
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Kacy Tittle, CLD, CD(CBI)
www.kacytittle.net
These 2 Members Say "Thanks!" to Kacy For This Post:
no doula has experienced every kind of birthing experience! There are plenty of fantastic doulas that don't even have children of their own. Being a doula is about so much more than our own births. If this is something you love and are completely committed to doing you can be a great doula!!
yep to everyone. I've never had a homebirth and I want to be a midwife. Just because you choose or don't choose to have a certain birth or to have children at all doesn't mean you aren't capable/called or willing to support other women. Go for it!
The doula that I mentored under had two cesareans and no vaginal births. She has been a doula now for 10 years and has attended over 100 births, and her clients seem very happy with the support she gives them.
And to make another good point. Would I be a hypocrite if I doulaed a a c/s birth, even though I've never had a c/s?
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Ashley Motzenbecker, CD (CBI), RP, PED
Certified Labor Doula, Certified Perinatal Educator, Level II Reiki Certified
Regional Coordinator and Volunteer Doula for Operation Special Delivery www.wiregrassdoulaservices.com
Not at all! My own doula never had a vaginal birth and she was a fantastic doula! If you have the drive and the passion for being a doula then you should do it!
And to make another good point. Would I be a hypocrite if I doulaed a a c/s birth, even though I've never had a c/s?
wonderful point! thank you!
I hope to hear back soon from the place that runs the DONA classes. I have been thinking about doing this since before i had my duaghter (who is now 18 months)
I agree with all the comments. I don't see you being a hypocrit at all. That is the way you had your children, your clients will have all different kinds of births and you'll be a real bonus for someone who has to undergo a cesarean.
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cathy
CD(DONA), childbirth instructor
homeschooling Mom of three
You're never going to be the doula for every woman out there. Some women are going to want a doula who's had a vaginal birth, or a natural birth, or a C-section, or no children, or children, or an older woman, or a younger woman, etc.
and 
I've never had a homebirth and I want to be a midwife. Just because you choose or don't choose to have a certain birth or to have children at all doesn't mean you aren't capable/called or willing to support other women. Go for it! 
Nadine
Quote:
Pretty much says it all.
childbirth instructor 
