Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Buchan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I believe that birth work comes with new “defining moments” all the time. No two birth stories are ever the same and you learn something new with every birth. With that said, what I would call my “defining moment” actually happened at the first birth I ever attended after certification. I had attended many births before this point, but nothing could have prepared me for it. The labor was long, difficult. The sweet mom labored strong, with dad right beside her. Those of us on the birth team were encouraging them both. After many long hours, the beautiful baby was finally born. Relief like no other washed over everyone in the room, but that relief quickly left when the baby wouldn’t take her first breath. Sparing details, after many failed attempts by multiple professionals to resuscitate, the precious, beautiful baby girl didn’t make it. I remember feeling complete shock. If you’ve never felt true shock, it’s really hard to describe. The vast range of emotions that everyone in the room had gone through in such a short amount of time were just a blur. We felt the deepest empathy for the parents above all else; birth acquaints people, and we had been with this family throughout pregnancy. The days, weeks, and months ahead were (and still are) being processed by each of us; truly a defining moment for everyone in different ways. Questioning our abilities, questioning God, questioning if we were even in the right field of work. On the emotional drive home from that birth, I felt and heard God tell me, “There is purpose in the pain.” I had to pull over on the highway and sob – those words were encouragingly said to the mom earlier during labor by one of the midwives. The mom was having back to back contractions, it seemed as if she wasn’t getting a break to take a breath. It was getting overwhelming and mom was saying, “It hurts, it hurts…”. I remember exactly where I was in the room, where my eyes were, and what I was feeling, when the midwife gently replied, “There is purpose in the pain.” When I was reminded of those words by God on the way home, I felt a peace. I sat and sobbed in my car on the side of the highway. I didn’t know the purpose the pain had in that moment, but I knew it had one.
Aside from the physical learning experiences I received that day, I also had what I would call an emotional learning experience. I remembered my training in the process of certification, the weeks that covered miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss. I never would have imagined that I’d ever be actually applying what I learned in that module, let alone so early in my career. I realized that doula work is not just going to be joyous. While I do believe that the good outweighs the bad, this experience completely shifted my mindset and perspective. What about those clients who don’t get to experience bliss or relief at the end of their labor? Unlike some other medical professionals, a doula’s work doesn’t end after the birth. It’s only just beginning. We are to help equip, assist and support families – bear their burdens, carry their weight – throughout labor, birth, postpartum and beyond.
Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
The first time I entertained the idea of becoming a doula, I was in labor with my first baby, receiving very valuable knowledge and support from my own doula. That doula stayed with me for nearly 30 hours, encouraging me, physically supporting me, educating and empowering me. Around 5 years passed, and in that time, I attended many births as a photographer and general support person. I had my second baby in that time frame as well. Then, one of my friends had the first documented successful maternal assisted cesarean in the US. After I watched the video of that birth, I felt the spark in me to become a doula reignite. I wanted to be a doula that provided support for any type of birth. I provide services for home, birth center, and hospital births. Having had an unplanned c-section with my first baby, a successful birth center VBAC with my second, and a super special place in my heart for homebirths, I feel readily equipped to assist in any birth setting and help women achieve the birth story they desire!
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely! I firmly believe birth work is my calling. It took awhile for me to finally realize that, but when I did, there was no denying it. The experiences I’ve had in the field, both good and bad, have all just solidified the fact that this is where I’m supposed to be. Even that “defining moment” birth I discussed earlier… during the early stages of grieving, someone asked if that experience made me question becoming a doula. I remember not having an ounce of doubt in my mind when I said, “If anything, this just makes me even more confident in my calling.” There is nothing that beats being allowed to be a part of someone’s birth story… nothing except your own birth story!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Hands down, the ability to have and show empathy. As a doula, you are allowed in the room with someone in their potentially most vulnerable state. They’re in pain, they sometimes have fear, or sadness. The ability to meet them where they are and sincerely empathize with them, validate them, and keep them moving forward is something very important to possess. This goes for all the good feelings, too! Sharing in your client’s happiness and joy is invaluable. Another thing I’d say that is important is the ability to give self-care, and recognize when it’s needed. Birth work can be physically and emotionally taxing for a number of reasons. Being self-aware and taking the time for yourself to recoup so you can be 100% for your client is very important. This can be difficult to do when your job is literally hospitality for others. Allowing yourself grace is a huge part of being successful in anything.
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