#doulatraining

Michelle had always known she was meant to help people, but it wasn't until she stumbled upon an article about doulas that her purpose truly crystallized. The idea of supporting women through the transformative experience of childbirth resonated with her deeply. She enrolled in a training program, immersing herself in the world of birth support. After months of preparation, the day finally arrived for her first real birth. The call came at dawn. A woman named Clara was in labor, and her midwife, aware that this would be Michelle's first experience, reassured her that she had full confidence in her abilities. Michelle's heart raced as she grabbed her bag of essentials and rushed to Clara's home.

When she arrived, Clara was pacing the living room, her partner, Jake, by her side. The midwife, Nancy, greeted Michelle with a warm smile and introduced her to the expecting couple. Clara's face was a mixture of pain and determination, and Jake's eyes were filled with a combination of excitement and fear.

"Hi, Clara. Hi, Jake. I'm Michelle, and I'm here to support you through this. Whatever you need, I'm here," she said, her voice as steady as she could make it.

Clara nodded, gripping Michelle's hand tightly as another contraction took hold. Michelle guided her through breathing exercises, her calm presence a balm to Clara's frayed nerves. Time seemed to blur as the contractions came and went. Michelle's world narrowed to the rhythms of Clara's labor, the ebb and flow of her breaths, the strength and vulnerability in her eyes.

As the hours passed, Clara's labor intensified. She moved between different positions, with Michelle and Jake providing constant support. Michelle wiped Clara's brow, whispered words of encouragement, and held her hand through every surge of pain. She marveled at Clara's strength, the primal power of her body bringing new life into the world.

At one point, Michelle found herself alone with Clara in the dimly lit bedroom. Clara's eyes locked onto hers, a silent plea for reassurance.

"You are doing so amazing, Clara. Your body knows exactly what to do. Just trust it," Michelle whispered.

Clara nodded, tears of pain and gratitude mingling on her cheeks. In that moment, Michelle felt a profound connection, not just to Clara, but to all the women who had ever given birth, to the timeless cycle of life.

Finally, the moment came. Clara, with a fierce determination, pushed one last time, and a cry filled the room. The baby, red and wrinkled, emerged into the world, and Michelle's heart swelled with awe. Clara collapsed back onto the pillows, exhausted but radiant, as the midwife placed the baby on her chest.

Michelle watched, tears streaming down her face, as Clara and Jake gazed at their newborn with wonder and love. She knew, in that instant, that this was her calling. To witness such raw beauty, to support and empower women through one of the most profound experiences of their lives—there was nothing else she wanted to do.

Hey, I know there's a lot of begging that happens on ye olde brumbl, so please don't feel pressured to do this. I mostly made this to share with people I already know, so I'll add a few details here that those people already know:

I'm in recovery from iatrogenic schizophrenia (long story short, if you put psychiatric drugs in a healthy brain, that brain gets sick, who knew). I've been out of treatment and asymptomatic for six years.

One of the biggest factors in why I was misdiagnosed with mental illness was profound depression and anxiety -- not because of any chemical problems, but because of some very damaging beliefs about womanhood that I was indoctrinated with when I was very young. Feminism was the door that led me to genuine mental health. Nowadays, women's rights, specifically about women's health, have become my life's greatest passion, and I want a chance to work in a field where I can make a difference for women.

My plan to pursue birth care is a direct result of recent attacks on women's bodily autonomy. I want to learn as much as I can about birth care, hopefully leveling up from doula to midwife eventually, so I can offer services to women who are in traumatic pregnancies, who may be forced to carry to term, what have you. Who knows what we might need in the next decade. I just want to be prepared.

I know blupr doesn't have the most fiscally set folks on here so please don't feel pressured to throw anything in the hat. I'm not homeless or trying to escape an abuser, I have insurance, I can afford dog food. I just know that I'd be a great fit for birth care and would very much like to move out of the retail hamster wheel if possible. Lend your support if you're feelin' it, share if you like, or if donating through GoFundMe gives you the howling fantods, let me know and I'll get venmo or cash app or Kofi or whatever the kids are using these days.

Pic of my cute dog as thanks for reading this.

She was in agony. Crying and hurting when I stepped into the room, surrounded by nervous loved ones. She seemed relieved when I came over to her bed and placed my hand on her shoulder. Assuring her that she can do this and to just breathe through the waves. I had her do a few rebozo techniques with a soft small blanket that I picked up from walmart. Wasn't sure if she would do anything I asked her to since she was in total agony, but she did. She relaxed. She breathed. She pulled and pushed when she needed to. She put her trust in me and I wasn't going to let her down.

Once at full dilation, it only took 2 full pushes and some screaming from Momma. With Daddy and I next to her, telling her she has this, the brand new baby came into this world.

A healthy baby girl.