We see you, doulas + midwives!
You've walked out of a birth where your client was mistreated and traumatized while you felt helpless, and you thought, "If I have to do another birth like that it might be my last."
You've taken clients out of obligation or fear of missing out on money, even though you didn't feel aligned with them. Maybe birth work means just making ends meet?
You've had big questions . . . "What else could I have done? Was it true what that midwife said? How do I support my client after this?" But you had no safe place to ask, no one who you knew would give you an honest answer and offer you loving support.
You've poured your heart into educating your clients, but there was never enough time to tell them everything, never enough time to unwind their fear.
You're still here because you really care (and yes because when birth is good, it's great). But sometimes you wonder if you are even making a difference.
We feel you!
This may be the hardest job in the world, even with its rewards, and none of us can truly do it alone.