Becoming a Doula

I know what I want to be when I grow up....

A Doula.

After having two great births, I want to help others do the same. John and I had thought about teaching Bradley Childbirth classes after Dory was born, but I wanted to wait until I had another birth under my belt. Closer to Jack's arrival, I started to realize that it wasn't Bradley that I loved so much but the natural childbirth itself and that Bradley was only one way of reaching for that goal. Even when a birth goes 'wrong' and unexpected events occur, it is still possible to have had a great birth and i want to help moms facilitate that. Most of this was realized fully when one of my friends at church was due the same time as I was, and we knew she would only be a day or so behind Jack's birth.
She was very interested in natural birth and had prepared herself for that avenue... but I felt like after talking to her that i just wished I could be there for her to help her through the journey. Now, she never asked this of me, and I don't know if she would have even if I wasn't pregnant with Jack, but *I* wanted to help her and be there for her.
After Jack was born I found out that the birth had ended up being a cesarean after 2 hours of pushing.. . I felt really bad because I felt like I could have helped her. I wasn't there, so I don't know how, but I still feel like I could have. So now, a good friend has heard me talking about it and has asked that I attend her birth. it should be easy, she's going for her third birth, the second at home. But then, what do I know? I have never attended a birth that was not one of mine... Luckily, I have some great help - my own Doula, Lara, who I love dearly. She doesn't know it yet, but she is going to be a great mentor. :)
Off to help the world, one new mommy at a time, by helping to create better births. :)
Okay, so that was over the top... but you get the idea. Birth is a very powerful thing and no matter how it happens, a woman should not be traumatized or regretful about how it happens when it can be such an empowering part of her life. That's what I want to help other women have, empowering births.

Now, all that said... I'm quaking in my boots... much like cold feet before a wedding!