Benefits of a Christian Doula

 The word doula is derived from the Greek word that means "a woman who serves."

Doulas are helpers, servants, teammates, supporters, and partners that assist mothers-to-be and their support system during birth. God is very intentional about birth and the birthing process. In fact, midwifery is mentioned in many biblical contexts throughout the Bible. 

Despite midwifery being a practice that outdates modern medicine, midwifery and birth working often get a negative reputation as being practices that are regarded as 'new ageism,' 'hippie,' and 'alternative.'

Midwifery and birth working are both ancient practices that have existed since the beginning of time and while yes, they are sacred practices (as birthing is a sacred act), they aren't otherworldly or a separation from God's power. 

Chrisitan birth work is a necessary practice for doulas that identify as believers and for mothers-to-be that are believers. Throughout the internet, many doulas do in fact resort to new age practices for their doula work. I see doulas that use crystals, sage, and other tools of new ageism. But as a Christian, we have to be watchful of the things we practice including the tools, instruments, beliefs and sciences of birth working. As someone who once practiced new ageism and has been delivered from that lifestyle, I now try to make it a point to extract my skills from the principles and wisdom of God ONLY. 

Here are few benefits of a Christian doula:

- Christian doulas have the ability to exercise the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit in their practice. Listen! There's nothing like having the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God gives us gifts like the discerning of spirits, prophesy, a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, healing, faith, etc. to be able to see, intercept, gauge, understand, and strategize things beyond human concept. In several instances, the Holy Spirit has been a guide in my own medical journey and has saved my life from a deadly blood clot, unforeseen danger, and more.

- Christian doulas have spiritual clarity. This piggybacks off of the first point, but an anointed Christian doula has spiritual clarity and can intervene in situations under pressure with authority from God. As your ally and advocate, I'm anointed to use clear thinking, strategy, wisdom, intelligence, authority, and discernment to best speak up for your wishes and help you to plan your birth and outcomes accordingly. 

- A Christian doula's practices are rooted in God's love and design for family, parenthood, and childrearing. Believers have our own standards regarding family and parenting. I have a scripture-led understanding of these things and will be an advocate for your Christian values and beliefs. I also incorporate practices like prayer, worship, biblical meditation, and more within my birth working. 

- Christian doulas understand spiritual covering. Many people don't understand the importance of intercession and spiritual covering. Two days before my first doula client was scheduled for a C-section, we prayed in the spirit and when she went in for the procedure, the doctor allowed her to attempt a VBAC and she did, and it was successful. As a watchman, prophet of God and intercessor, I believe that the fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. As a prayer warrior, I protect and guard my clients spiritually and intercede for them against danger, traps of the enemy, and anything that we cannot perceive naturally. 

Christian doulas also provide spiritual connection, trust, care, and bonding in ways that non-believers can't. Due to our shared values and lifestyle, I am able to truly connect with my clients in an authentic way. Keep in mind, you don't have to be a 'super' believer or even a Christian to have a Christian doula!