We regularly check in with our team of amazing doulas here at Discover Birth to learn more about their lives inside and outside of birthwork. There are nearly 30 doulas on our team! You can meet all of them by clicking here. Today Elspeth was nice enough to answer some fun questions so you can get to know them better.
What TV show are you binging at the moment?
The Great.
What’s your favourite saying?
There must be a limit to the mistakes one person can make, and when I get to the end of them, then I’ll be through with them. That’s a very comforting thought.- Anne of Green Gables
If there was one thing you could change about birth work what would it be?
I would change the way postpartum support is seen as a luxury.
What’s the ideal way you like to spend a wide-open weekend?
A endless pot of tea, an interesting knitting project that moves quickly and the comfiest couch
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Extra arms like Doc Oc. Only I would use mine for soothing babies, making food, petting cats and knitting instead.
What were you doing for work before becoming a doula?
I was a bartender at a lawless den of chaos! haha
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The first step to being good at something is sucking at something. Thanks adventure time!
What item in your doula bag gets used the most?
My sling ring!
What’s your favourite self-care routine after a busy doula week?
My RMT. I love that woman more than my husband some days haha
How do you motivate yourself when you’re feeling stuck?
That depends on what I’m stuck on. I’m very solutions oriented so if it’s a problem I can get tunnel vision. But I’m always working on being slower and more deliberate, which includes walking away from problems to give myself some space to explore new things
What do you think is most important in creating a great doula/client relationship?
I love being given the opportunity to learn how families flow and where I can help ease some of the pressure. I find it most effective with communication. I try to be honest and clear with my client families so they can feel they can be the same with me.
What’s your favourite song?
Wildly, I don’t like music very much. I’m more of a podcast person. Right now, since I’m working towards my sleep certifications, all my podcasts are on baby sleep
What topic do you wish you knew more about?
Literally everything. I’m autistic and my family likes to say that learning is my special interest. Right now I’m really into urban farming in a way that works with nature and creates ecosystems. But last month it was wood working!
What unusual talent do you have that people might not know about?
I lived on a boat most of my time through highschool. So I know a lot about boats, and knots.
What’s your favourite part of being a birth worker?
All the baby snuggles. Also seeing how relaxed and confident my client families are when I leave. It’s bittersweet but it’s how I know I’m good at what I do 🙂