Episode 55: Sharing Our Own Experiences

Many doulas come to birth work after having their own personal experience with pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. For some, it is a powerful experience. For others, the experience is traumatic. Some may feel that pregnancy and birth are simply a means to an end. Having a baby.

When it comes to serving clients, the question that typically arises is, “To share or not to share?”

As with most things when working with growing families there isn’t one simple answer. The truth is, it depends on the situation, and the client. It also heavily depends on the doula. Is the doula aware of their bias? Do they actively work toward not allowing the personal bias they may carry into the sharing of that experience?

The desire to share personal experiences may come from a form of imposter syndrome. When the doula doesn’t have a lot of experience supporting clients. Not having a depth of experience to share, it’s tempting to share your own story. This often feels like a way to redirect attention from a lack of experience. On the other hand, a desire to share personal experiences can also come from the doula feeling like the choices they made are the best or most preferable choice.

On the other hand, avoiding direct questions about the doula’s own experience can also be problematic. We don’t want the client to feel like the doula is avoiding the question. So how does a doula handle this situation? What about the doulas who do not have children?

Come join us as we discuss the many considerations, options, and alternatives to sharing our own experiences!