Meet DTI Educator Julia Underwood, Julia has been working as a doula since 2011, she specializes in being a resident midwife, childbirth educator and doula educator.
How long have you been a doula?
I have been a doula since 2011.
How long have you been an educator?
I has been an educator for about 10 years now!
Do you have any specialties?
I would say my specialties are being a resident midwife, childbirth educator and doula educator.
What was your most powerful birthing experience as a doula?
Once I supported a doula sister from my cohort that became a good friend. During her birth I did very little because she managed to cope beautifully without my “tricks”. I sat beside her holding space and then suggested we call the midwife. I walked away feeling like I did nothing and how she must be judging me. When I returned a few days later she raved about how she couldn’t have done it without me. That immediately was a check to my ego and how I showed up as a doula. It reminded me that I’m there to support and the birth isn’t about me. I do not need to be the star.
What’s one thing you wish you knew sooner in your doula career?
How to see being a doula is a business and not just a passionate hobby.
How has becoming a Doula changed your life?
It has fulfilled a passion and led me to the calling of midwifery.
Where do you think the Doula world needs to grow/change/evolve? How do you hope to see it change in the future?
Doula work needs to be more inclusive to more than just cis gendered white women. Doulas also need to be seen as essential care providers and included to be a part of care. Doulas also need to start looking at this as a career and business.
What’s your favorite thing to teach?
I love to teach and nurture newer doulas!