Transitioning In and Out (and In Again) as a Doula

Once a doula, always a doula.

Supporting a laboring mama at a birth center

Being present with a new mama as she welcomes her baby into the world is one of the most profound and life-changing experiences as a doula, every single birth! I'm so grateful to my dear friends who asked me to be their doula that first time -- I joke that they "saw the doula in me before I did", but it's true! Since then, I have supported about 15 births, all while working full-time in public health, raising my own kids, getting through a global pandemic and doing my doctorate! I know... it was a lot, and it got to be too much actually. So I had to put doula work on pause, I actually thought I was stopping for good. But that's the nice thing about doula work -- it never actually leaves you, and you can always make your way back.

So here I am, re-opening myself to doula-ing. It's slow and sporadic for now, and that's exactly how I want it. I'm also being more selective in the clients I work with. I'm dedicating my limited doula time to single parents, LGBTQ families, immigrant couples, and those struggling with infertility, previous loss, termination or miscarriage - in the Jersey City area. I'm keeping my rates low (or free!), and gladly referring to other doulas in my network should it not be the right fit or timing. So doula friends, let's reconnect if it's been awhile!

Pregnant mama

I feel good about this personal and professional rebirth -- educating and supporting pregnant and new parents is truly my happy place. My own kids are a little older and more independent. I'm thrilled to be able to fit it in, even a little, while also being a full-time professor and researcher. Every birth experience shapes my perspective on reproductive and maternal health research, so it's full circle.

And I'll have a lot more doula training resources coming soon, thanks to partnerships with Wombs of the World and SafetyNest, so stay tuned! Read more about my doula services, and if the idea of having a doctor of public health as your doula resonates, let's connect.