Why I Became a Doula

Giving birth and becoming a mother has always intrigued me. When I finally gave birth myself I became birth mad, I researched every article and study available. Naturally my plans were to study midwifery when the time was right.

A few years later, after giving birth twice more, continuing to research, and hearing from other women about their own births, it became obvious to me there was a nurturing element missing in maternity care. While LMC’s provide fantastic medical care, women need more than just medical care during birth. They need respect, unbiased information, involvement in decision making, empathy, encouragement, praise, physical support, practical advice, and a consistent, calm and positive, presence in the room. Sometimes the support of an LMC, partner, family, or friends is not enough.

While I had great experiences giving birth, it was upsetting to know so many women did not. So many women did not have respectful, caring LMC’s, medical staff, partners, family, or friends. This prompted me to involve myself in improving maternity care in some way, and becoming a doula turned out to be the perfect fit. It allowed me to fill the nurturing, supportive element I felt was missing in maternity care. It allowed me to provide nurturing support to women who really need it.

~ Cherie Raymond, doula and owner at The Doula Advantage