How did you become a doula?
The main question I keep getting asked, especially by Black women, is HOW I became a doula. So I’m going to share with you my process.
I decided what the need I wanted to fill was- Help put an end to the high mortality rates of Black mothers in childbirth. I am tired of watching Black mothers suffer at the hands of the healthcare industry. I am tired of Black mothers being afraid of having children, because they don’t want to die. I felt that fear, and almost became one of those statistics.
I began my research. Since my goal is to protect Black families, I wanted to make sure that I received a training that would address the same issues that I am looking to address. To ensure that I did a google search specifically for Black doulas. I live in Tucson. There are no Black doulas here. So I knew I had to seriously research, and commit. Also, at the same time this was happening I was receiving a lot of spiritual guidance pointing me in this direction. So the National Black Doula Association popped up both in my search AND randomly all over my facebook feed. In fact that was what made me start researching, not the other way around. When I saw the program and everything it had to offer, I knew that I found the program I wanted. It touched on every aspect I was looking for and more.
I signed up and made the commitment. In my case, the commitment was more than simply attending a class one weekend. It required flying to Atlanta, since that is where NBDA is headquartered. This actually stressed me out, since I didn’t have anyone to recommend the program, or any connection to it. I had no idea what I was really getting into. And I just had a baby. But this program was everything I hoped for and more. As soon as I walked into the room I knew I was in the right place. SInce I intend to become a full spectrum doula, I will be attending every training and workshop they have to offer.
It was such an amazing experience. The program touches on all aspects of birthwork, the spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial. It’s such a well rounded program, and it was such a wonderful experience being taught by someone that looks like me, and filled in a class of people that look like me. Now I am prepared to help ALL families, not just a specific group of families.
My graduating class at the NBDA