AM I TOO OLD TO DO THIS

Ladydi_chad · 10-04-2008, 11:13 AM

I am a certified medical assistant in an OB-Gyn office for 5 years. I love working with my OB patients, and see how rushed the doctors visits are and how the delivery usually goes once in the hospital. I have been researching becoming a doula for about a year now, and after much prayer and sermons series from my pastor about finding and doing what you love in this life, I have ordered 2 of the required books from Dona. My concern is that I have just turned 50. I waited until my 5 children were grown and went back to school and received my certification as a medical assistant, and now I want to branch out to what makes my heart beat! I am afraid that the young mothers will not be able to connect with me like they would younger doula's. But then again, I have had 5 children naturally, and been at the births of all seven of my grandbabies. I guess I am asking if there are any "more mature" doulas like myself on this site? I am so excited to begin this new journey, but sometimes the doubts creep in. I want this to be a full time business for me, but I also want to work as a volunteer at one of the pregnancy centers and volunteer to mentor one pregnant underprivledged teen every 4-6 months to mentor them through the pregnancy, and be there for them at the delivery and for a while postpartum. There is no one in my town that offers doula services now. I figure with my medical background in OB care, and my own births, and the births of my grandbabies, that has all got to be a plus. Just wondering about the age thing?

AmandaB · 10-04-2008, 11:39 AM

Age ain't nothing but a number ....

I think you will find your niche, I know many women with grandchildren and grown children who have waiting until their later years to become a doula. You availability is what will appeal too many, there will be no fear of sick children to be taken care of or babysitting conflicts and all the things that come along with being a mommy of young children. I think your knowledge and insider view point into OB care will be very appealing too! My vote: GO FOR IT!!!

AussieDoula · 10-04-2008, 11:44 AM

Doulas come from all walks of life. The beauty of our work is that the families we seek to support will all have their own individual preferences for the "perfect Doula", and we are as varied as their needs are.

Some Doulas are fresh to the scene, some bring more experience with them, some are younger than others, some do not have children of their own. These traits do not make us better or worse than any other Doula as long as we can meet our clients in the middle. Our hearts, passion, drive, and an ability to support without judgment are what counts.

Consider your age a positive for birthing women who feel reassured by a motherly presence. Others will want to be supported by their peers and subsequently choose a Doula closer to their own age group. Age is only one factor that determines why a family may choose a particular Doula.

We can't be the "right" Doula for every mama, and I don't think we should aim to... If we were all the same, there would be an awful lot of clients who didn't feel connected to their Doulas, perhaps choosing not to have Doula support at all.

doula Michele · 10-04-2008, 01:00 PM

There are a few older doulas on here...and most of us are pretty busy.

amommysfriend · 10-04-2008, 01:48 PM

I agree age is only a number. I am 41 and I have actually been told by some clients that they chose me because i was a bit older. I say go for it!! Besides if the Lord is leading you then you know you won't go wrong. Good Luck!

sacredma · 10-04-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doula Michele

There are a few older doulas on here...and most of us are pretty busy.

agreed!!!
with age comes wisdom and experience!

FLLucinda · 10-04-2008, 04:11 PM

I'm almost 48!!

I just started 1.5 years ago. I consider my age and life experiences a strength. I have found that the mothers I doula want an older woman to walk with them through their birthing experience. Some will want younger doulas. Doulas are as varied as their clients......

Your medical experience will be a great bonus. You've already got a LOT of experience!

Age is just a number...I also waited until my children were grown...I have four ages 15 to 22. I don't know how the younger doulas do it! I don't think I could have juggled the childcare and other issues of having such a young family with being a doula. I have two at home and two at college so when my client calls in the middle of the night I can just get dressed and leave. No problem. For me...being older has made it much easier to realize my calling.

AmandaB · 10-04-2008, 04:13 PM

But we can't discount us younger gals too! lol.

I was 25 when I began this journey and I have been present at almost 50 births with the average age of my clients being 37. As Aussie says, we serve the clients we are meant to.

FLLucinda · 10-04-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmandaB

But we can't discount us younger gals too! lol.

Heavens no Amanda! Not every mama wants a grandma at her birth!

sandiriggs · 10-04-2008, 06:31 PM

I became a doula when I was 47...worked a part time job 30+ hours a week and taught cbe on the weekends, I am now 55 and still attending births, it takes me a little longer to recover from the longer labors but being a doula is what I was put here to do. I agree with the comment that sometimes being a little older is better...the whole experience/wisdom thing. Plus, you don't always have to look your age, most of my clients are really surprised when I tell them my age. I too say GO FOR IT if you feel called to do it.

AmandaB · 10-04-2008, 07:45 PM

Heck if Penny can do it, anyone can!

Joyce in the mtns. · 10-04-2008, 08:09 PM

I am about to turn 50 in 9 days... I began the doula path 5 years ago but only became rather actively involved in the last couple years and have been working with clients of my own since April or May.

I am also a midwifery student... at my age... so nope, you are not too old for doula work, my friend. (And take a look at Penny Simkin! She's in her 60's and has been at this for decades! She's still goin' strong!)

I TRULY support and encourage you. Many blessings on your path!

MamaAshley · 10-04-2008, 10:34 PM

I started at 19, but age is nuttin but a number hun!

Ladydi_chad · 10-05-2008, 12:26 AM

Thank you all for your encouragement. I surely dont "feel" to old and most of my patients at the practice are always surprised when I tell them I am a Grandma. I do feel led to do this, I guess whenever we make major life decisions,doubts will start to creep in if we let them. Thanks again to all!

doula Michele · 10-05-2008, 08:57 AM

i'm a gramma...nothing wrong with that. I am 41.