We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jill Magoffin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jill, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
In my work as a birth and postpartum Doula, imposter syndrome is a daily companion. Having battled anxiety for decades, I’ve developed strategies to tackle both. Daily, I consciously acknowledge my skills, seek guidance from mentors, engage in ongoing learning, and utilize my toolkit of coping mechanisms. It’s a continuous process of navigating through anxiety and imposter syndrome, one day at a time.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In my roles as a Doula, educator, and children’s book author, my journey sprouted from a simple passion for assisting families, discovered during my teenage babysitting days. The enchantment deepened when a Midwife recognized my support, unveiling the impactful world of a Doula. The idea of being one of the first people to meet a family’s beautiful new child is something I find incredibly fortunate. How lucky am I to witness the miracle of life and share in that joy?
This joy inspired me to write children’s books like “You Are So Loved” and “Dear Little Baby,” both available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. These books aim to share the beauty of birth with kids early on, making the role of a Doula familiar and celebrating the magic of heartfelt professions.
Beyond births, I offer birth and postpartum services, newborn care, and education throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Additionally, I provide grandparents classes, offering a refresher on taking care of a newborn and insights into what to expect when their child is in labor.
In supporting pregnant individuals and families, I address normal anxieties, providing tools and fostering a shame-free space. I’m currently working on my third book, delving into the struggles of IVF. This upcoming book includes a heartfelt story on how a Doula can stand by a family through their fertility journey.
It’s important to note that many people associate Doulas solely with all-natural births at home with no medical intervention. However, I believe in supporting all types of births, respecting each person’s choice and providing the necessary information for informed decision-making. Whether it’s a medical hospital birth with an epidural or a home birth, the key is empowering individuals to choose what aligns with their preferences and values. It’s about supporting their unique journey with unwavering care and respect.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, having a caring heart for community, patience, and empathy stood out as crucial traits for being a Doula. If you’re starting, take the initial training to see if it aligns with your life. Being a Doula impacts not just you but your family too, as we’re often away and it’s demanding. Burnout is high in the first five years. It helps to work with a mentor, be part of a supportive community, and build a network with peers. Three vital qualities: an open heart, open hands, and an open mind.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My primary obstacle centers around the medical community’s reluctance to embrace evidence-based care, compounded by the overworked and underpaid conditions for doctors and nurses. This hinders their ability to seek additional resources and time for understanding current evidence-based protocols.
Additionally, a significant challenge is the inclination to control birth when our bodies inherently know what to do. While recognizing the necessity for medical intervention in certain conditions, the pervasive culture of inductions and daily fear mongering within the medical system needs reevaluation. Patients are often persuaded to choose one approach over what they truly desire. As a Doula, addressing these obstacles means advocating for an atmosphere that respects and aligns with the unique preferences of each pregnant individuals . This ensures that fear-based tactics don’t undermine the birthing experience, promoting a more natural and informed approach to pregnancy and birth.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jillmagoffin.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jillMagoffin?fbclid=PAAabs9roii0LtBYX47PHg0NMRTxjJdXt1jszjF2wMYoCJoqqQNuEvBLpRLy0_aem_AUT-G8Ab-Z0wdJVc4-pmkOs4nVDLE75LqcYrgaMCG7DUd2uj2_Z8XxZq558CbnmlLZI
Image Credits
Jill Magoffin
