What kind of Doula do you want to be?

mirandamary · 04-25-2008, 12:14 PM

What kind of Doula do you want to be and why? And if you are already a Doula, what kind are you and why did you become it?

I'm just looking for suggestions here.

Kacy · 04-25-2008, 12:46 PM

I'm the strong, silent type.

I've always been very naturally quiet and much prefer listening to talking, so that's what I usually do beforehand and in the labor room. I just listen, observe, and step in when asked or I feel like it's needed.

Supermomma · 04-25-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kacy

I'm the strong, silent type.

I've always been very naturally quiet and much prefer listening to talking, so that's what I usually do beforehand and in the labor room. I just listen, observe, and step in when asked or I feel like it's needed.

I think this will be me, i guess I can take charge and coach when nesessay, but I just want the mom to feel as in charge as possible. And i don't want to be too pushy, then the experience won't be there own I think. My friend had a doula a while ago, and called her a "bulldog" at her birth, and I DO Not want to be remembered as a bulldog!! LOL!

doula Michele · 04-25-2008, 05:14 PM

I am a mainstream doula, who fully supports the wishes of my clients.

AmandaB · 04-25-2008, 05:25 PM

I am like Michele. A strong sense of self and the path I want my business to go. I support my clients no matter their decisions and I pull out the take charge routine when I have to.

doula Michele · 04-25-2008, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amandoula1980

I am like Michele. A strong sense of self and the path I want my business to go. I support my clients no matter their decisions and I pull out the take charge routine when I have to.

LOL... yeah. I could not think of what to write beyond my first sentance....But like Amanda I know who I am, and what I want from my business. I do not have a doula agenda...other than support each and every woman in the way that they need me to.
And yeah, I can take charge when I need to. Moms seem to like that. I am close to their face, locking with their eyes, and telling to breath, and then breathing with them. We block everything else out if need be.

jacquidol · 04-25-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amandoula1980

I am like Michele. A strong sense of self and the path I want my business to go. I support my clients no matter their decisions and I pull out the take charge routine when I have to.

O agree; let everything flow and step in as needed. You need to know when it's time to "get in her face" and take charge.
Jacqui

BellaLuna Rayne · 04-25-2008, 06:47 PM

I am just getting started attending births, but I am a crunchy-minded Doula. Now, not all clients are going to be into the natural birthing/home birth scene and I am okay with that. Its what the client wants.

busybusymomma · 04-26-2008, 08:35 AM

I want to be flexible... the one that goes with the flow no matter what variations the birth might take (while at the same time having Birth Trust) and informs without judging.

I don't want to be the one that is said 'she wouldn't stop talking', or 'pushed her values on me' etc.

Or like the bulldog comment, eek! I shall permanently pack away my jowls.

quixoticmama · 04-26-2008, 11:09 AM

I want to be a Doula that supports birthing mamas and their families in whatever they do!

Bex · 04-26-2008, 09:33 PM

I want to be a naked doula.

Mwahahaha! just kidding, obviously. I am here to support whatever my clients want. I want to educate them, and let mama know that she is fully in control, she has the power to make choices, be informed, and the power to birth her baby however she desires. I'm not very "crunchy", but I do wish they have an understanding of an unmedicated birth and it's benefits for mother and baby, but I am there to provide them with the support they need, for whatever reason.

mirandamary · 04-27-2008, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the responces! It's cool to see what other people think!

earthangel · 05-29-2008, 04:43 PM

I want to be somewhere in the middle between granola and mainstream.

laboroflovedoula · 05-29-2008, 04:55 PM

doula extraordinaire! no really- i guess i want to be known as the one who listened and supported and one where women usually got the kind of birth they dreamed of!

patricelondon · 05-29-2008, 09:11 PM

Hmm, I'm steadily growing into more of a holistic, crunchy type so I'd doula that way too I'm sure. I would like to do primarily birthcenter and homebirths. Of course if an emergency arose and a woman had to be transported to the hospital, I'd be fine with going. I just don't think I'm one to want to start there. I'm loving the myriad of responses here. There's a doula for everyone! That's awesome! I really believe no birth should be without a doula.