Abuela Doula

This blog has been a long time coming. Writing - my first love - has been somewhat difficult for me in recent months so I'd left this on the back burner until I could do it justice! 

I first met Mars in March 2019. She was part of a talk at Oxytocin: Mothering The World from Project Procreate. I really enjoyed hearing her speak and was psyched when fellow birthworker AJ introduced me to her afterwards. I was still relatively green at this point, having taken my first doula prep course less than a year before. I had followed Mars for a little while on social media whilst still trying to find my circle. 

After the event, Mars, AJ, Mari (another birthworker) and I went out for a few drinks and I knew quite quickly that I wanted to train with Abuela Doulas. I spoke with Mars and she told me that she had space available on the upcoming course in June. I held my nose and jumped in with both feet! 

Training with Mars was a huge turning point for me. On the one hand, it can be quite scary to be the only person like me (trans) in a group but on the other hand, it was a relief to not be surrounded by other people like me (white).  The course took me outside of my comfort zone. It made me reflect a lot on myself and the people I surrounded myself with. It made me critical of my own practices and it made me want more. 

Mars' teaching style is quite unique and she has a way of making you really analyse your thoughts about things to uncover parts of yourself that you never knew existed. She also has this incredible way of making you believe in yourself - Something I hadn't been able to do for the longest time!

After the 4 day training, I had a reading list, a workbook and a project to complete. Thankfully, Mars remained in my corner, cheering me on at every turn. I also signed up to Mars' mentoring for extra support. There was also a WhatsApp group set up with the intake that is still fully active almost 2 years after the training finished. I LOVE my Abuelitx cohort and definitely feel like we are a little family. 

I took my time working through the reading list (something that will continue for as long as I do this work) and creating my Doula workbook and then at the beginning of 2021, I hit a roadblock. I felt lost and I didn't know what to do! I booked a coaching session with Mars and she helped me pick apart the reasons I was standing in my own way. Mars reassured me that I was doing things right and that my value was set and on 11 January 2021, I officially completed my modules and final assessment and got my certificate! 

If you are looking for a doula preparation course, do be sure to check out Abuela Doulas. You won't regret it. If you're not looking to become a doula but you need a bit of coaching, speak to Mars, I know she can help you. 

Mars also runs a scholarship programme for Black doulas and facilitates cultural competency training. 

Thank you Mars for believing in me and for helping me believe in myself.