why did i become a PP Doula?

For years I have been curious about Doula work. I found it so interesting that there were various kinds of doulas & while I did not know EVERYTHING about the field, I know that I was called to it for a long time. When I give presentations or talk about this work, you will often hear me describe a scenario called “listening to the whispers.” I know that sounds a bit out - there but basically it comes down to intuition. While that all may be a separate blog post for another day - I am introducing all of this to you to say that I got an intuitive message to become a doula.

I was working with my life coach in 2019 and I told her - “I want to become a Doula.” I did not even know what that really meant back then, but I just knew it was something I felt called to, given my caring nature and my love of working with children of all ages. Initially I thought - birth doula - but when I learned that Postpartum doula’s exist…. I felt so excited & motivated to find a training that worked for me and my learning styles. I loved the idea of being with the family - parent & baby - and being a support person for this sacred dyad. I do believe it is my past that led me to this current place. I was not always a doula… in fact, I thought I always wanted to be a “teacher.”

A little backstory: In 2014 I graduated from a small, north shore MA College with my degree in Early Childhood Education. I LOVED everything about my education there (minus the test prep classes!). My professors were creative and unique; I took classes like creative art therapy and studied Jungian psychology and interpreted my dreams. I spent evenings making board games for my Math lessons and mornings sipping coffee and watching butterflies come out of their cocoon for my Science classes. Tests were filled with various supportive options for expressing my thinking. I had the most SUPPORTIVE mentor who’s bookshelves were filled with colorful children’s stories. When it was your birthday, she would bring out a dancing birthday cake and we would all smile with delight. I spent so much time crawling around on the floor whether it was in my classes, practicum experiences or observations at the learning center on campus that all my pants had little holes in the knees. I did my yearly Winter internships at Montessori and Reggio Emilia preschools and I was just IN LOVE with the curriculum I was surrounded by. Learning about children and how they develop and learn was so interesting to me. I felt that my calm nature and bright smile helped me engage with the students I was working with.

Things FOR SURE took a turn, or rather, I had a wake up call once I entered my Senior year and had to write a Thesis and also experience what it was like to BE a teacher full time with my teaching practicum. Quickly I learned what it was like to be an educator in a public school in Massachusetts….an experience I tried so hard to fit myself into for 9 years. That is a blog (or a book) for another day, my friends. I am sharing with you now, how I got into education and why. And now you can imagine, there was a reason for getting out & into something I am more suited to “do” (or rather BE).

I wish that many years ago, there was a job listing out there or even classes I could have enrolled in called “Doula.” But, it is interesting to think that 18 year old Kenz did not have the same passions as she did when she was 25. It can take time to find your true calling and time to really try it on. Once I started sharing more about Fertility Education & Menstrual Cycle Awareness in 2019, I started learning more about what was available in that field. Once I found my niche with clients trying to conceive and then eventually Postpartum - the doors opened wide, angels began to sing and it all made sense.

I am a Postpartum Doula. I nurture and care and let my calming energy support those around me. I show you how to care for your newborn and feel confident. My hope is to help you feel nourished with warming and grounding foods. I am a shoulder you can lean on and a mountain that can hold space for you as you ride the waves of uncertainty that come with the hormone change in Postpartum. I am a resource, providing information or referrals for more providers that can also support you during this time. I am a connector - bringing your family together whether it is your partner, grandparents, siblings or friends that are around you during this time. Doula means to mother the mother and I hope to do just that for you or any birthing person. You deserve to rest and feel cared for during your Fourth Trimester.

I am GRATEFUL my background in education led me to this place of knowing. It feels amazing to share this passion with you all & I hope you understand a bit more about who I am as a provider. If you would like a Postpartum Doula for your 4th Trimester, please fill out the form on my website & I will be in contact with you shortly!