Why I Became A Doula: The Story Behind Kangaroo Birthing & Maternity Concierge
The experience of mothering the mother through one of the most stressful times in her life is like no other.
By Syreeta Gordon
My life didn’t start out knowing that I wanted to be a birth doula. My call into this journey in becoming a doula and business owner was disguised under a lot of responsibility, growing pains and grit in trying to build a better life for my daughter and I. Sometimes, it was embarrassing as I had to suck up my pride to move back in with my mother. It was humble beginnings, as it taught me piece by piece how to set goals, job search and rebuild my credit. I learned so much more…This time was a renewal of my inner soul to figure out what does Syreeta want for myself as a woman and now my family.
After facing adversity for the first time in my life. I had to face the reality that I had to raise my child on my own. After surviving a very abusive relationship, where I thought at one point I wasn’t going to make it out. There was this overwhelming fear that I couldn’t take care of my child on my own if I did leave. The fear was so tight that it felt like a weight hanging on my neck. It was so unbearable and at times made me believe that I couldn’t breath or move.
“When I walked into that delivery room it felt like an out of body experience.”
I thought that my life would stay in this constant struggle in just trying to make a living. After beginning to see some light of day through all that darkness. I began to see the light in blessings of receiving a better job, obtaining my first car and finally closing on my first ever house. It felt like I walked into a dream. The blessing came with some challenges. As sometimes, I had to face working two part time jobs just to make ends meet. This is the time, I began to search for answers and looking for results.
The search began after one of my various part-time jobs tried to make me feel like I wasn’t up to snuff, you can say. I felt as if my life was going through a repeat of the past. In holding back tears in my eyes, I said to this supervisor, “You made your decision and now I have to make mines.” I wasn’t completely sure even then what I was saying. But, that point on, I read a lot of books and enrolled in entrepreneurship classes. I knew there had to be a way out of this…
I can’t remember the exact moment I decided I wanted to be a birth doula and maternity concierge business owner because it feels like it has been in my blood forever.
Here’s what I CAN remember, though…
I can remember the moment that my spirit was ignited when I served as a program coordinator for young pregnant mothers within a community program for single mothers. I received so much joy teaching other mothers defining principles and life skills that will carry then through their motherhood journey.
I can remember feeling the inkling that I found my purpose in life when I worked as a lay counselor, receptionist and healthy relationship speaker at a pregnancy care center.
I can remember feeling intrigued to learn more and take action on learning “What the heck is a doula?” when I had a chance encounter with a birth doula that changed my life.
I remember thinking…
“One day, I’ll make money doing what I love every day.”
“One day, I’ll have the opportunity to support mothers in their best birth.”
“One day, I’ll be in position to teach mothers how to build their lives back after facing adversity”
Here’s the thing: All it takes is one decision. Once you make your mind up there is no turning back.
When you know you just know… It’s a cliché statement but, so true. I remember when I met my husband I had the same feeling. It was that inner voice speaking to let me know I walked into my calling. Well, after being trained and experiencing my very first birth. When I walked into that delivery room it felt like an out of body experience. My first client was a teen mother. Who was scared and alone. Even though she was accompanied by the father of her child. She was in pain emotionally and physically. Upon stepping into the room, she was arguing back and forth with the father of her child. All while laboring her first born. It was a challenge but, I loved it.
Being able to comfort her physically by massaging her hands and legs. Giving her educational information behind where she was at while in the laboring process helped calm her fears. It was all so worth it!
Mom’s we can do anything! When we receive the proper support, education and the right coach by our side. It’s like being in the middle of a perfect storm. When all components are working together. If it is your partner or husband in the room. It can be your mother and doula working side by side. The experience of mothering the mother through one of the most stressful times her life is like no other.
You can get the birth of your dreams.
You can break free from your labor fears.
You can do it all.
So don’t question if you need a doula or maternity concierge support. It’s time to take action and get started. Having a birth coach by your side will not only change your birth out comes.
But, will calm your fears to enable you to have the best birth possible.