After more than 35 years of teaching birth doulas, you might think I would be used to hearing the reflections and heartfelt stories that come at the end of a workshop. But the truth is, I still get teary-eyed. Every single time. There is something incredibly moving about witnessing what can happen when a group of people comes together for four days, whether virtually or in person, to learn about birth, supporting others, and what it truly means to be a doula. What begins as a gathering of strangers often becomes something so much more: a community of doulas connected through shared learning, emotions, stories, laughter, tears, healing, and a collective vision of making birth better. For those who have given birth, a doula workshop can bring unexpected moments of reflection. There are often tears as layers of their own birth experiences are revisited, new understandings emerge, and sometimes, healing begins around things they didn’t know or support they didn’t realize they needed. For those who have yet to give birth, the knowledge and preparation can be invaluable, offering a deeper understanding of birth, informed choices, and the importance of feeling supported and heard. And for those who will go on to support friends, family members, and people in their communities, the lessons extend far beyond the birth room. Because I truly believe that doula knowledge, skills, and care are life skills. We learn how to listen more deeply, how to be present without needing to fix, how to offer support without judgment, and how to trust in another person’s strength and ability to find their own way. These are gifts we carry into our relationships, families, communities, and everyday lives. Again and again, I hear participants describe how these four days have changed them in ways they never expected. They came to learn how to be a doula, but they leave with so much more: new friendships, greater confidence, a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and often a renewed sense of purpose. Having had the privilege of teaching more than 10,000 doulas over the years, I sometimes imagine the ripple effect of all those people carrying this knowledge and compassion out into the world. Each one touching lives, supporting families, strengthening communities, and helping make birth a more positive, respectful, and supported experience. What a beautiful ripple effect that is. And what an extraordinary privilege it has been to be a small part of it. Today, I’m delighted to share a video featuring doulas from one of my recent DONA International virtual birth doula workshops. You’ll hear, in their own words, what they learned, what they loved, what surprised them, and what they are taking away from our four days together. Their reflections remind me why, after all these years, I still love this work so deeply. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing their voices and feeling a little of the connection and magic that happens when we gather to learn, share, and grow together. And I’d love to hear from you, too. If you’ve taken a doula workshop, how did it change you? What stayed with you long after those days together? Did it influence not only how you support birthing families, but also how you listen, care, and show up for others in your life? And if you’ve ever been curious about becoming a doula, perhaps these stories will inspire you to take that first step. Learn more about my upcoming virtual and in -person doula workshop and retreats. Because whether or not you ever attend a birth as a doula, I believe the world needs more people who know how to listen, nurture, advocate, and care for one another. And that is something worth celebrating. ❤️ Get full access to Orgasmic Birth at orgasmicbirth.substack.com/subscribe
