Navigating Tough Hospital Births: A Doula's Story
Being a doula is one of the most rewarding and transformative careers, but it’s not without its challenges. There was one birth in particular that almost made me walk away from this work entirely. In the video embedded below, I share the full story of this experience, what it taught me, and how it shaped the way I approach doula work today.
A Challenging Birth
The story begins with a first-time mother person in a hospital setting. We laboured at home for a long time before transferring to the hospital. Our primary nurse was everything you could ask for. Nurturing, supportive, respectful, professional and compassionate. It was the nurse who relieved her for her break that had a completely different energy. I could feel the tension. The way she talked to my client really challenged me as a doula. It's those situations that can be so hard. What do we do or say that can protect the birth space without creating conflict or more tension?
I didn't realize it until later in the birth that the unsupportive nurse did take issue with how I handled the situation. At one point, I was even pulled aside and criticized for what felt like simply doing my job—supporting my client.
Despite the obstacles, I stayed focused on my client, offering emotional support, physical comfort, and unwavering encouragement. When the baby was finally born, I felt an incredible mix of joy for my client and frustration about how I’d been treated.
Doula Lessons Learned
Reflecting on this experience taught me some powerful lessons about navigating difficult situations in the birth space:
Always Focus on the Client: No matter what’s happening around you, your primary role is to be present and supportive for your client. Their needs come first.
Don’t Take It Personally: Sometimes, challenging interactions are less about you and more about the high-pressure environment of a hospital or the views of the staff. Remember, you’re there to serve your client, not to win everyone’s approval.
Communicate Clearly and Respectfully: When you need to interact with hospital staff, be concise and professional. Building bridges, even in difficult situations, can make a big difference.
Learn and Grow: Every birth teaches you something new, even the tough ones. Take time to reflect on your experiences and use them to improve your practice.
Why I Didn’t Quit
This birth reminded me of why I became a doula in the first place: to support families through one of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of their lives. If I was the one to take it for the team so to speak so my client felt safe and supported, then I fulfilled my role. It also showed me the importance of resilience and the value of learning to navigate complex dynamics in the birth space.
If you’re an aspiring doula or a birth worker who’s faced similar challenges, know that you’re not alone. These moments can be tough, but they’re also opportunities for growth and transformation.
Ready to Start Your Doula Journey?
If you’ve ever wondered whether being a doula is the right path for you, I invite you to explore our Holistic Reproductive Practitioner Training program. This comprehensive course combines doula skills with holistic modalities like reflexology and Reiki, giving you the tools to build a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Join the Conversation
Have you ever faced a challenging moment in your work or life that made you question your path? How did you overcome it? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below or on social media.
Thank you for reading and watching. Remember, every experience—even the hard ones—is a step toward growth.
Comentários