Becoming a Full Spectrum Birthworker

Why I’m training to be a doula

The Doula Industry

Before I learnt about the sort of scope of support a doula could offer, I thought doula's were a privilege reserved for the financially well resourced and inaccessible to marginalised folx. It was only after I did a little digging that I found a doula-pocket I could relate to and see myself working within; a part of the industry which holds an intersectional approach, offering care which is gender expansive and centres Black and brown futures.

I believe people of all genders, races, sexual orientation, socio-economic background deserve to have access to informed, holistic and culturally appropriate care. This sparked my journey to seek out Black and queer birthworkers who are doing groundbreaking work in improving birth outcomes for Black and brown folx whilst providing different entry points to access care. I feel inspired and optimistic about collectives like Abuela Doulas, Birthing Advocacy Doula Training, and people like Sabia and Sumayyah who are bringing justice and true advocacy into the birth conversation whilst offering access to education and training. We need more representations of ourselves in the birth world, we need more Black, brown, queer, GNC, trans and disabled birthworkers.

What is a Doula?

A full spectrum doula is a person who offers physical, practical educational support and embodied wisdom for people moving through major life transitions. “Full spectrum” refers to supporting all reproductive experiences. This includes pregnancy, abortion, loss, birth, surrogacy, adoption and postpartum. A full spectrum support person recognises that we all have different lived experience and therefore may need different support when navigating life transitions.

Why I’m Training to Become a Doula

I'm doing the work to reclaim our rights to informed decision making. I am here to listen and believe people when they share their lived experience. I'm here to honour my clients choices and offer information and emotional support, centering informed consent. I do this work to learn and teach tools to reignite wisdom and bring practical support to empower my clients on their own unique journey. Connecting with people lights me up. I love to feel in flow with another human, as we tread a path together that only we can tread in the present moment. I feel most alive when in this state of interconnectedness.

When I was born my mum's best friend looked to me and said “she's an old soul” - and it's true (minus the gendering of baby me - ew) I've always been thoughtful and a deep feeler. Empathy and curiosity guides me in my practice. Now more than ever I am certain of my vision and purpose in becoming a doula - I seek to offer informational, emotional and physical support during major life transitions, utilising the doula model of care to offer embodied wisdom and judgement-free listening.

Conclusion

I feel so lucky to be able to be in-training currently and can’t wait to share all I’m learning! It feels like the beginning of a nourishing and fruitful journey.