While working on my B.A. in Spanish at the University of Kansas, I volunteered in a home for pregnant teenage girls. The home was designed to offer these young women a safe place to prepare to give birth and become mothers. During this time there was a moment that changed my life. I took one of the young women to Lamaze class. When the time came for the partner relaxation and massage exercises I asked her if she would like for me to do the exercises with her. She turned to me and said, "No. I need to learn to do this alone. I don't know if anyone will be there with me." I could hear the fear and the pain in her voice when she said this and I knew from that moment on that no woman should ever be asked to give birth alone if she wants or needs the support of a loving partner, friend, or doula.
Read about my adventures in "doulahood" by visiting my
blog .
