It’s been a long time since I’ve done any sort of updating here, and a lot has changed in my life.
I was living my dream of doula-ing full-time taking 3-4 clients per month, and loving life. When I thought things couldn’t get much better, my husband and I found out we were going to be welcoming a new little soul into the world in August 2013. Winter, Spring, and Summer were full of birth energy, both from my clients ( I attended 21 births during the first 2 trimesters!) and my own.
All the families I got to work with were wonderful, and the babies are, of course, amazing. What a fun time. I stopped attending births as I entered into my third trimester. This was due to my growing belly making physical support harder, but also to start to move my birthing energy and knowledge inward. To have some time to reflect on my own pregnancy and focus on my own little one.
After Zachary was born, I tried to jump right in again into doula work. Leaving my baby proved too anxiety producing, so after a few difficult months of back and forth, I decided to step back and take some real time off with my new family. While I did support a few repeat families, (which is so amazing!!) my summer was relaxing and spent doing a lot of self reflecting and working on myself.
What did I learn? I learned that I absolutely love being a mother! I learned that being a stay at home mom is very challenging, lonely at times, and the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I also learned that I LOVE doula work and birth work way too much to stay away for long. Supporting families as they welcome a new member into their arms is something that will continue to be my calling for the rest of my life. Having the honor of being present for these transformative moments is something I am eternally grateful for. I hope I continue to learn and grow as families trust me to hold their space.
Thank you to all of the families who have allowed me to support them over these past 3+ years. I will forever hold each of your families in my heart! Love, Katy
Thank you so much for sharing with us! I can’t wait to hear more!
Katy,
I remember those times, when I knew that what I was doing by staying home with you girls when you were young was so important, but loneliness is pervasive with this choice. I also understand the great value that it provided to you and the girls but feeling valued is harder. Feeling valued was a real struggle for me. It seems to me that you are ahead of the game. I didn’t get that until much later. Thanks for posting! love, Mom