Why I’m Hanging Up My Doula Hat
What a title, huh? I certainly wasn’t expecting to make this post, so if it’s a shock to you too, welcome to the club :). My mentor always said, “you don’t choose this work, it chooses you,” and I totally subscribe to that. But let me tell you, having a baby changes EVERYTHING and for me, doula work is no longer aligning to my priorities.
Ever since having my sweet Antonia, my whole world has been turned upside down…in the best way possible. In fact, ever since finding out I was pregnant almost two years ago things have changed. Not just in my personal life, but in the whole world (hello, global pandemic.) I never thought I’d be one to not want to go back to work, but here I am being a stereotypical SAHM for the time being. In a way, I think COVID has really helped me (and I’m sure others) peel away the things that weren’t working in order to move on with what is.
The pandemic, my pregnancy, the birth of Toni, and my postpartum have really put a lot into perspective. For four+ years I’ve put EVERYONE’s needs ahead of my own. In an effort to get my small business off the ground and hustle to make it a full-fledged career (and a very successful one, at that!) I said yes to everyone and everything that aligned with my doula business. This meant sacrificing lots of my personal life. I missed vacations, meetups with friends, family gatherings, birthdays, holidays, etc. At the time, missing out on those things was hard, but it wasn’t the end of the world. But now, the thought of not being able to do those things because of my work just isn’t sitting right with me.
The truth of the matter is, my number one priority is taking care of myself so I can take care of my daughter. And because of this, I can no longer serve clients in the way that I have before. For the first time in a long time, I am putting my and my family’s needs ahead of everyone else’s. It feels liberating and scary to say that, but it’s true.
PLUS, I’m starting a very exciting new venture…I’m headed back to school next month! I love birth and supporting families so much that I can’t stay away. I start my prerequisites in August to eventually apply to nursing school with the end goal of becoming a labor & delivery nurse. Super exciting and also nerve wracking, but mostly I’m looking forward to doing something for me (school) and also (eventually) utilizing my passion and skills in the delivery room…this time as a nurse!
Although I’m no longer doing birth or postpartum work, I am offering private, customized birth prep sessions. I’ve got more details here. If you or someone you know is looking to prepare for their upcoming birth, I’m your gal!
Thank you to my many clients, friends, and family who have loved me, encouraged me, and helped me along the way. I’m so excited for my future.
PS – let this be a lesson to anyone that you can and should change directions, careers, etc. if you feel called to do so. It is never too late to follow your heart <3.
xo,
Katelyn
