Wow, there are a lot of things happening in our country this month. A celebration of our independence on the 4th of July, many on vacation, time at the lake or beach, or even Disneyland? But other things like weather events, and political upset have also been part of this month.
You know what hasn’t changed? People still got pregnant, they still had babies and they still needed support in the postpartum period. We may not be able to influence the weather or other activities in our country, but we can educate and support women and their loved ones during the childbearing year. And I am guessing that those families will remember us more than other events that happened this July.
You are probably in the birth field because you are a “Helper”. Many of us have passion in our hearts for helping pregnant and birthing families. I call this my heart work. Have you ever heard what Fred Rogers said during upsetting events like the towers coming down? He said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” I used to be an EMT and my husband was a firefighter. We were running in when others were running away. For the most part, our birth work is not dangerous, but it would look different if you weren’t there, teaching, supporting them during birth, and walking with them when the new baby comes home. You are my heroes, and I would say that your clients feel the same.
Do you love having repeat clients and students? This week I will go to visit a family that I have worked with as a postpartum doula for their first two children. Now I’m going to give Dad a birth refresher course, get the new agreement signed, and make plans for what I will do in their home in a few weeks. Does it get any better?
I hope you love what you do. And I hope that you take a little time to think of yourself too. I spent a little time in my Coleman blow-up hot tub last night (a birthday gift). It was heavenly!
Stay cool out there!
Debbie Young
