Doula Of The Month - March

Introducing Jazmine Lecky, BirthBliss Doula Of The Month, March 2018

I live in Wimbledon with my two beautiful children. Last September I attended Kicki Hansard's Doula course, becoming a Mentored Birth & Postnatal Doula in November. Since then I have been registered on Doula UK and also advertise my services on my personal website. 
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What inspired you to become a doula? 
Earlier on in life I wanted to become a Midwife. During my midwifery studies I found out about doulas as I was studying alongside one. She allowed me to ask all the questions I wanted. I was immediately interested. Mostly because of the way in which a doula can support a woman so intimately and consistently made it a main selling point for me. As a midwife, you may be with a woman throughout her pregnancy care but 'off shift' when she gives birth, so disappointing and not the type of support I wanted to give. So, it was no contest for me, becoming a doula was the way forward.

What did you do for a living before becoming a doula and if so, how has this helped you when working as a doula?
Mostly, my work background is within customer service and caring. I feel like my skills have enabled me to give people what they expect in the way of service and understanding. Also my caring background has polished my way of looking after people at the most vulnerable times in life yet still allowing them to feel empowered and have the final say in their care.

What has been the highlight of your doula career so far? 
Hands down, it has to be when I finally booked my first client.

What have you found the most difficult?
For me it was getting enquiries and not being booking by the client. After speaking with my mentor and other doulas, I have realised that this is the nature of the business as mothers will enquire with multiple doulas at the same time.

Can you share one lesson you have learnt through your work as a doula?
So far I would say I need to read a lot more birth support books to gain a better insight and add to my skill set, alongside connecting with other local doulas for support.

What is the one essential item you can't be without in your doula kit?
Kicki's Path to Birth! It provides a great base for most discussions about birth and also provides a great framework for the first antenatal session.

And finally, what would be your one piece of advice to a woman who is considering training as a doula? 
Do it, you won't regret it!

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