Riding the Doula Emotional Rollercoaster: Self-Care Strategies to Stay Grounded at Births
Are you ready to discover the secrets to staying grounded as a birthworker, even when the rollercoaster of emotions threatens to throw you off balance?
If you've been trying to find effective self-care strategies that can anchor you as a birth doula amidst the emotional whirlwind of attending births, get out a pen and paper, this episode is for you!
In this episode, we dive into the following:
The transformative power of self-compassion and learn how it can revolutionize your journey as a birth doula…
The overlooked self-care strategy that will help you navigate the emotional aftermath of births and reclaim your inner peace…
The game-changing mindset shift that will empower you to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of births with grace and strength.
… and a whole lot more!
If you're tired of feeling emotionally drained and overwhelmed after attending births, then you wanna listen up!
I know firsthand the emotional rollercoaster that doulas ride during births. It's exhilarating, transformative, and downright exhausting at times. But guess what? You don't have to sacrifice your own well-being to support others on their journey. Get ready to reclaim your power and nurture your soul as we explore the emotional challenges you face and discover practical ways to make birth work sustainable, rewarding, and guilt-free!
Self-care tips for doulas to implement before attending a birth.
Attending births demands every ounce of your physical and energetic being, which is why there is power in preparation. It's time to focus on nurturing yourself, body and soul, before stepping into the birthing space.
1. Physical prep: stretch, walk, and nourish.
Take care of your physical well-being to ensure you have the stamina and vitality needed to support birthing families. Incorporate daily stretching exercises, enjoy walks in nature to soak up the sunlight, and prioritize hydration and nourishment through wholesome foods. (Fueling your body with goodness is the first step to showing up as your best self!)
2. Emotional prep: meditate, journal, and release.
Find moments of stillness amidst the chaos by practicing meditation and mindfulness. Journaling allows you to process your thoughts, fears, and emotions, creating space for self-reflection and personal growth. Release any tension or negative energy through various techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or even a dance party in your living room. The key is to arrive at the birth space free from your own baggage.
Self-care tips for doulas to implement while attending a birth.
The birth may be over, but your work as a doula doesn't end there. It's crucial to prioritize your own healing and self-care in the aftermath of each birth experience.
1. Mental processing and physical rest.
Give yourself the time and space to mentally process the birth. Reflect on the emotions, challenges, and triumphs you witnessed and experienced. Allow yourself to release any lingering thoughts or feelings that may weigh you down. Simultaneously, honor your body's need for rest and recovery. Schedule that well-deserved massage, therapy appointment, or chiropractic visit. Self-care is not a luxury—it's a necessity.
2. Connect with colleagues.
Building a supportive community is vital for your emotional well-being. Find a trusted fellow birthworker who understands the unique challenges of doula work and set up a post-birth processing session. It could be as simple as grabbing a quick coffee together. Share your experiences, exchange insights, and support each other through the ups and downs.
Daily self-care tips for doulas.
You are more than just a birthworker. As a doula, it's easy to become consumed by the demands of your business. But self-care means finding balance and making time for the things that bring you joy beyond work.
1. Time-blocking for success.
Running your own doula business involves administrative tasks, content creation, and other responsibilities that can easily take over your life. Time-blocking is your secret weapon for reclaiming control over your schedule. Dedicate specific periods to these tasks, ensuring you have plenty of time left for self-care, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones. Remember, you deserve a life that extends beyond your professional identity.
2. Build your tribe.
The saying "it takes a village" couldn't be truer in the doula world. Surround yourself with a community of support, including reliable backup doulas, trusted colleagues, and on-call childcare if needed. By building your tribe, you'll have a safety net that allows you to step away when necessary, knowing that others have your back. Together, you can navigate the emotional rollercoaster and find strength in numbers.
Remember, your well-being is not optional; it's the foundation upon which you build your doula practice. Embrace the power of preparation, prioritize your mental and physical recovery, and create a daily routine that honors your whole self. By staying grounded and balanced, you'll not only enhance your own life but also empower the families you serve.
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Meet your host, Kyleigh Banks, a side-gig doula turned CEO of a multi-six-figure birth-focused business. Her passion? Teaching birth nerds, like you, how to build an incredibly successful doula business that allows you to quit your day job, stay home with your kids, and most importantly, make a lasting impact on the world.