My Philosophy, Pt. 1

My Philosophy (pt. 1)

Part of my inspiration for becoming a doula stems from my grandmother because frankly, giving birth to 13 kids is definitely praiseworthy. Even when I was younger, I just knew that one my goals in life was to have children, because even then I knew that there was something so beautiful about pregnancy and giving birth. From the stories my grandmother told me, this also convinced me that I wanted to go au naturale. Later, I decided that I wanted to have a water birth in my own home. Even before becoming trained, my body was already telling me the direction that was best for me to go in. And no matter what anybody else said/says to me, I continue to defend this choice. Even between my wife and I: with her already knowing the kind of birth I desired, she made her viewpoint very clear: she wanted a hospital birth with all the medications. When we decided that she would carry first, she reiterated her sentiments and I’ll admit, I was a little judgmental at first. But, I eventually had to accept that it was her body and her choice. At this point, we have had more conversations and she is keeping our options open. The point is, I’m remaining open-minded and always respecting her choice. Being a doula or a caregiver period is about flexibility and balance. As someone who has anxiety, these are key daily skills, without which maneuvering through some of life’s basic tasks would be impossible. I also believe that I will be successful because of my empathic abilities and efficiency in building trusting, productive relationships with the clients I serve, no matter their background. What better way than for me to become a doula? It just feels so right; as I begin my studies I’m coming to understand that a doula works with clients in a natural setting without modern-day medical interventions, which to me means preserving the sacred space and event of birthing. Ffurthermore, I imagine it to be very empowering and a wonderful way to help parents start their journey into parenthood. As a practicing doula, I want to help parents feel excited about the new lives they are bringing into this world. The implications of parents who wholly invest in the foundation-building and environment provided for their children can mean the decrease of negative public health crises such as child welfare and intimate partner violence (Wilson & Webb,, 2018). Taking the stress out of parenting decreases the likelihood that the strain will carry into the child’s rearing and cause a harmful affect. Working with all of my birthing parents, I will ensure that their all of their basic needs are met, which will encourage feelings of security (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013). Aside from just providing prenatal and birthing services, I seek to build a more connected relationship with my parents; not only will I be serving as their doula, but as their childbirth educator. By this, I mean hosting parenting classes rooted in mindfulness teachings, either with just the couple or in a group setting. Parents will put the focus on working together to prepare for the baby and supporting each other as they confront any issues that could likely interfere with their parenting. Once I complete my Masters program in Social Work, I will be better able to help parents in the postpartum phase and help them strengthen their familial structure so there aren’t any relational issues along with parenting. The long-term implications of this type of work can mean breaking down generational stigmas that inhibit families from fully accessing love, balance, and harmony (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2013). I believe that there is beauty in birth, from the intent that sparks the conception of life, through the development of the child(ren), all the way until delivery. I also stand firm in my belief that parents need to aggressively spend time in the upbringing of their children if we are to bring forth healthy, beautiful babies and release them into the world to enhance its current state.I am eager to learn as much as I can on an ongoing basis, get out there, and get started!

Resources

Wilson, M.H., Webb, R. (2018). Social work’s role in responding to intimate partner violence. Social Justice Brief.

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2013). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.