I want to be a doula! ~Frustrated vent

Elizabeth · 01-12-2007, 02:28 PM

Hi ladies,

I want to start out by saying that I LOVE being a doula. It's absolutely amazing and just so wonderfully rewarding. I just finished up my certification through DONA and couldn't be happier. That said, it doesn't look like I'll have time to go to births anytime soon, and it's so frustrating to me. I have one client due in February, and that's going to be a stretch.

I work part-time doing research in the mornings, volunteer at a prenatal clinic in the afternoons, and the clinic has now offered me a part-time job, so I'll be working there, too. I give violin lessons, and am taking 2 busy classes (Heart & Hands and anatomy), and am trying to plan a wedding! I'm really stretched to my limit, and am so frustrated because I can't do the one thing that makes me happiest, go to births!

Is anyone else experiencing anything like this? There's really nothing I can drop because my research job pays the bills, I love being at the clinic and they are teaching me midwifery skills (which I can't pass up!), and I don't trust that I'd find enough doula clients each month to pay the bills. Even if I did, there are too many things that I can't miss for births, like my classes, and people depend on me at the clinic.

Thanks for your support! I know there's really nothing I can do, but I just wanted to see if any of you are going through something similar.

jesscardona · 01-12-2007, 02:44 PM

I'm sorry for what you're going through.. I kinda know how it feels..and it seems like you don't even have any kids yet.. wait till you have them, then that gets much better.. (j/k..it doesn't) I have the time.. b/c I'm a SAHM to just one child.. the problem is I'm not getting much clients right now.. and my frustration is that I wish I was doing more of I what I like.. maybe you're doing to much.. or maybe you need to slow down on some things.. or just maybe after your wedding things will lighten up just a little..

I don't know I'm just rambling here.. but I hope things will get better for you, and always try to go for the things that make you happy and that gives you satisfaction, in what ever you find passion for which is what ever you find a purpose in doing.

MothertheMother · 01-12-2007, 04:28 PM

I know exactly how you feel! I have been unable to take new clients for quite some time and I don't see an end in sight. My husband recently retired from the military so I couldn't take clients during that since I didn't know if we'd be moving or not. Now that he has a job in this area and we know we'll be staying I still can't take clients because he goes to work so @#$# early in the am that I don't have childcare lined up. I don't know anyone in this area that I could call to come to my house at 3am. So, yes, I feel your pain. I just try to remind myself that my little ones are my top priority and when they are a bit older I'll be ready to hit the ground running.

jkapheim · 01-12-2007, 08:55 PM

I too have returned to work to afford the "stuff" my girls like to do.
I have had to put off client building for military commitments.

I keep trodding on and I pray you will be able to build contacts and meet clients in the midst of all other things you have going on.

Good luck to you