'Sustainable Doula Work'

Saturday, 1:30pm

A workshop discussing ways to address the challenges of being a Doula.
Doula work asks us to put our lives aside for uncertain periods of time. The lead up is anticipated, yet unpredictable. It asks us to be physically and emotionally solid and generous. Afterwards there is often a downtime required prior to returning to our life. Doula work can be sporadic and therefore financially inconsistent.
Given the nature of doula work, how do we gracefully embrace this vocation whilst managing our lives in all its many forms.
This workshop aims to clarify the realities of what doula work requires of us and explores ways to navigate typical issues so as to create as much ease as possible.

About Amanda Watkins

At the age of twenty I started sitting with women in circle, for days at a time, under the guidance of Shivam Rachana. It was a depth of relating that I loved, a raw honesty and deep level of self enquiry that was scary, yet nourishing to be around.
We spoke of all things pertaining to a woman’s journey.
During this time I listened to countless birth stories. I paid close attention as women processed trauma from difficult births. I developed a deep understanding of what nourished a woman and of what depleted her.
Armed with this gift, I birthed my babies at home. My first son was breech and I was lovingly supported by my midwife Marie-Louise Lapeyre, and doula Sunderai Felich.
I came to know the transpersonal nature of birth and I was inspired to become a Doula.
After divorce in 2012, it has been trickier to drop everything to support a labouring woman. I have continued to support women/couples during pregnancy, birth and postpartum, but less frequently.
I find now, as I get my hands dirty as a gardener, my deepest yearning is always to be in that intensely honest place with a woman as she births.