Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rachel Whittington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rachel, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
The field of birth work experiences a notably high burnout rate. However, I’ve managed to sidestep this trend by evaluating my own needs and establishing systems to address them. Understanding my requirements as a caregiver has proven to be my greatest advantage in this profession. I approach this evaluation much like I do when supporting the families I serve. I’ve developed routines that nurture me, such as implementing a “do not disturb” setting on my phone, dedicating time to meal preparation and outfit planning for the week, and decisively declining opportunities where I cannot fully engage. While I acknowledge that I cannot anticipate every challenge, regularly assessing my needs and confronting tough questions has led to personal growth and revealed clearer objectives for my work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Certified Doula, Lactation Counselor, Home Visitor, and Childbirth Educator, I specialize in offering comprehensive support to families throughout the journey of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. My passion lies in empowering families by providing them with essential education, guidance, and emotional support. One aspect that particularly excites me is the profound impact of encouraging breastfeeding/chest feeding, which fosters lifelong benefits for both the birthing parent and the infant. By being a reliable resource and adeptly addressing stressful situations, I aim to not only foster independence in families but also contribute to reducing stress levels. Ultimately, my goal is to establish trust and rapport, ensuring that families feel supported and deeply connected to their community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my three years as a doula, I’ve found three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge to be particularly impactful in my journey:
1. Empathy and Active Listening: Being able to deeply empathize with families and actively listen to their needs has been crucial. This allows me to provide personalized support and guidance tailored to their unique circumstances. To develop these skills, I recommend practicing active listening techniques such as paraphrasing and reflecting back what you hear. Engage in empathy-building exercises and seek out opportunities for compassionate communication training.
2. Continual Learning and Education: Staying updated on the latest research, techniques, and best practices in childbirth support and lactation has been invaluable. It’s essential to invest in ongoing education, whether through workshops, conferences, online courses, or mentorship programs. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from experienced doulas, lactation consultants, and other birth professionals to broaden your knowledge base and enhance your skills.
3. Self-Care and Boundaries: Prioritizing self-care and establishing healthy boundaries is vital to prevent burnout and maintain longevity in this field. Learning to recognize and honor my own limits has allowed me to sustainably support others. Practice self-compassion, set realistic expectations for yourself, and don’t hesitate to seek support from fellow doulas or mental health professionals when needed.
For those early in their doula journey, my advice is to focus on honing these three areas:
1. Build Strong Relationships: Invest time in building trust and rapport with your clients. Prioritize building meaningful connections and understanding their unique needs and preferences.
2. Gain Experience: Seek out opportunities to gain hands-on experience by attending births, volunteering at community organizations, or shadowing experienced doulas. Learning through practical experience is invaluable in developing confidence and honing your skills.
3. Seek out Support: Join a supportive community of birth professionals who can offer guidance, advice, and encouragement along your journey. Having go to birth working buddied to turn to for advice and support can be immensely beneficial in navigating the challenges of being a doula.
By focusing on these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, you can lay a solid foundation for a rewarding and impactful career as a doula. Remember to stay curious, compassionate, and committed to ongoing growth and learning.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book that deeply influenced my approach to this work is “Motherwit: An Alabama Midwife’s Story” by Onnie Lee Logan as told to Karen Clark. This poignant narrative resonated with me on a personal level as a femme-presenting Black woman. Coming from a family with roots in the Deep South, the wisdom and practices of midwifery feel ingrained within me. Reading about the experiences of a Black midwife navigating through history’s challenges and delivering unwavering support to mothers highlighted the profound roots of my own journey. It shed light on the struggles and sacrifices that paved the way for my own path in this field. I am forever grateful for the courage and resilience of those who came before me, and this book serves as a testament to their enduring legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Martinsvillage.com
- Instagram: @Martinsvillagedoula
- Facebook: Martin’s Village
Image Credits
Shawn Sandifer
