Our team at Discover Birth is always growing! We’re on a mission to find the most amazing doulas across the GTA to help serve you and your family. Each month we share a bit about our doulas and what makes them so unique. Today, Megan was kind enough to answer some questions about her life inside and outside of birth work.
What has been the best part of being a Doula?
The best part of being a postpartum doula is being able to be with our clients during one of the most special times in their life. It feels like such a honour to be with a new family, being able to support them in their new journey of parenthood & hopefully calming any fears.
What is your favourite movie?
Hard to say, so many great ones! I’d almost have to pick one from different genres. I will say, I’m not the biggest fan of horror, violence or anything dark/scary.
If you could have one super power what would it be and why?
Oh man, hmm. I think I’d have to say teleportation. I think it would be cool to be able to go somewhere quickly & be able to leave quickly. I’d love to be able to see friends & family on a whim and then teleport back to where I have to be.
What’s your favourite item in your doula bag?
Momcozy wrap carrier
If you weren’t working in birthwork what do you think you’d be doing?
I used to do event production so something maybe within that field or something to do with cooking again.
What advice do you often give to clients?
You’re doing amazing! You’re all getting to know one another and now have new identities as parents/ parents of children. New phases take time and you’re doing way better than you think you are. Remember to reach out for support if you need it as asking for help is a strength, not a weakness -especially in the beginning.
What’s your go-to snack?
I’m a fan of mini-muffins. I make a variety of types and keep them in my freezer. It’s a great snack on the go and you don’t need two hands for them.
If humans started a colony on Mars, would you go live there?
Hmm, I don’t think so.
What book do you always recommend to people?
To be honest, not much of a reader. I do have a great cookbook collection though and enjoy reading those.
What’s a hobby you have that people might not know about?
I love to cook & bake. I tried it as a job for a few years and found that the pressure of it took some of the joy out of it for me so I’ll stick to it being something l love to do instead of have to.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I’m rather shy when it comes to singing so I’d happily cheer others on. If I HAD TO I would do Shoop by Salt-N-Pepa as I know all the words haha
When did you first learn what a doula was?
It was probably about 4 years ago when I properly learned what a doula was and how many types of doulas there are. I’ve heard of the profession before then but didn’t know anyone personally so I didn’t know too much about it.
What’s the last TV show you binged?
Loot
What self-care or routine do you use that could be helpful for others?
Try to do something just for you each day & it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. For me, it’s listening to music, podcasts, going for a walk with a friend or speaking on the phone with friends/family. As I’ve mentioned quite a few times, I like to cook/bake so making something that I’ve wanted to do/try is good. When you help others around you, it’s important to do something for yourself, even small. OHHH! I just thought of this too- once I get groceries, I’ll block out a few hours and chop a lot of vegetables/food, then put them on sheet trays and freeze them. Once they are frozen, I take it out and put it into freezer bags flat and stack them. It takes more time up front but then you end up having onions, garlic, carrots, celery or fruit (as examples) already cut up so it’s just assembly when you’re in a pinch.
How do you see birth support and doula work changing in the next 5 to 10 years?
Sincerely, I hope society finally realizes the importance of support for people who are expanding their families. We all use to be a society that took care of one another & understood that it took a village to raise a child. More and more we’re finding that a lot of people don’t have support systems and struggle. I wish that there was more affordable support for every new family or somehow is built into healthcare as an option for families for birth/postpartum.