Welcome back to our “Meet the Rocket City Doulas” series! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to one of our devoted doulas, Katie. In this interview, she shares her journey to becoming a doula, what led her to join Rocket City Doulas, and the joys and challenges she experiences in this incredible line of work.
What are your certifications?
Labor Doula, ProDoula & First Aid/CPR/AED
Why did you become a doula?
I became birth-obsessed after my oldest was born almost 10 years ago. Having my doula at that birth was invaluable to me and my husband. It made me realize how important this type of support truly is. I knew then I wanted to provide the same support to other moms. I remember telling my husband I wanted to do more to help moms feel confident, in control, and informed throughout their pregnancy and labors. At the time, the on-call schedule wasn’t possible, but I stayed involved by supporting friends and family through their pregnancy journeys until our family schedule shifted, allowing me to pursue this dream. I truly think it’s the best job in the world!
Why did you want to join Rocket City Doulas?
The doula team model and the non-judgmental support.
What’s your favorite thing about working with Rocket City Doulas?
I’d have to say our team. I always look forward to our monthly meetings. We share stories, ask for advice, give suggestions, and encourage each other. But also, my partner, Heather. She is truly the best kind of human. I’m so happy to be able to do this with her!
What is your favorite thing about being a doula?
Getting to see our clients become parents. The gravity of being invited to support and witness such a life-changing moment is never lost on me.
Without revealing client information, what was your most memorable event/conversation/situation where you thought, “This is what makes it all worth it?”
The one moment that really stands out was after a long, emotional birth. As I was getting ready to leave, I found myself wondering if I could have done anything differently or been a better doula for her. Just then, the dad walked up to me, gave me a huge, appreciative hug, and said, “You’ll never know how thankful we are that you were here.” We all cried. It was such a powerful moment for me as a doula, and it taught me that I’m arguably needed more during the tougher ones.
What’s the hardest thing about being a doula?
The serious FOMO I get when my partner, Heather, gets to attend one of our client’s births, and I can’t be there. We build such a strong connection throughout the pregnancy, so when it’s her turn to be on call, I find myself glued to my phone, waiting for updates! I still enjoy supporting from a distance, but not being there is definitely the hardest part for me.
What’s your favorite random doula fact?
Doulas don’t just support the person giving birth but partners too!
When you’re not with clients, what are you doing?
Spending time with my husband and our three children—usually on the go or coaching their sports teams!
What are your favorite things to do for fun, and why?
Reading, family jeep rides, traveling, puzzles, lake days, good food, and spending time with the people I love.
What’s your favorite dad joke?
Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don’t work.
What else should we know about you?
A few fun facts about me…
- I’ve lived in California, Arizona, and South Georgia.
- I met my husband, Brad, when he was stationed in Jacksonville, FL, with the Navy. When he got out, I moved back home with him to North Alabama. I’ve been here about 12 years and LOVE it!
- We have 3 amazing children together: Charlotte (9), Marshall (8), and Clara (5).
- All of their births were unmedicated.
- I tandem-nursed my two older kids and used cloth diapers.
- I wish I hadn’t put so much pressure on myself to exclusively breastfeed my oldest.
- I got to meet Ina May Gaskin in 2018 (I fangirled HARD).
- I felt guilt for not experiencing that instant movie-like bond when my children were born. It took a few days to learn them and truly fall in love with them!
A huge thank you to Katie for her interview! We’re grateful to have such an incredible doula supporting our Rocket City Doulas families!
