New "Career" Move: Doula!

I know I'm all over the place with this blog right now, but I need the distraction and, truly, there are always tons of things going on in my life, as you already know from reading this blog. So, let me tell you a bit about last weekend...

I went to the main conference of my discipline, at Harvard. Apparently, it was the biggest conference to take place there EVER. Not so good for the presenters, several of whom were stuck in tiny rooms with barely room for the seminar members, and NO room for other attendees. Other people had to get coffee and refreshments in tiny, crowded hallways. We were lucky to be in one of the nicest buildings (Barker). So, no, it was not a success with the conference goers. And there were nearly 2000 of us. I guess everyone thought: Harvard! I! have! to! go! BLAH. I want to post a poem about Harvard later, maybe even today, since I'm so prolific right now. :-)

Anyway, I went to the conference and stayed at my friend's apartment. One of my best friends from high school is living in Boston right now (since last October). Her husband is studying English, but they're mostly here to have an American baby. She's 3+ months pregnant and needs tons of advice and has a never-ending list of questions. So I obliged. And, most importantly, I know her really well. I know that she's extremely organized and systematic and that she will want to be ready well ahead of time and have everything she needs at hand. So I discussed all options with her into the night, from the fancy Bugaboos to the humblest umbrella strollers.

As I laid all options before her and learned of the particular situation (most importantly the fact that her husband will not be at the birth because he is averse to hospitals and won't even consider it and, if I know her mom, she might not want to be in the room either) I mentioned doulas and how useful they can be. When I talked to her in more detail about it, it occurred to us that I might be able to do it for her. Later I called K and he was enthusiastic -- "Not only can you do it for them," he immediately declared, "but this can be [he actually said "will be"] a new career that you can get started on!" Yes! So true!

I have already checked out how I can get certified and I almost certain that I'm going to do it! Most importantly, apart from my friend, I have three other friends who are expecting babies within the next 3-6 months! So, attending their births as a doula (even if almost an unpaid one in the case of two of the friends), will help me get certified!

I've already read online that it's not a job that pays very well, but it is most certainly something that I'd LOVE to do!! And I have some "extras" that might help me ($)! I can speak 4 languages, I can take photos and film if they want it. And I'm sure I could think of other things (like cooking after baby is born -- I'm a pretty good cook).

So, I'm quite excited at this new possibility! I'm already thinking that I will be homeschooling the boys in the Fall so I can come to Massachusetts for a few weeks with them (and stay at my in-laws) around my friend's due date. I just cannot believe I didn't think about doing this earlier!! The timing of this visit to my friend couldn't have been better!

What do you guys think?