Doula's Holiday Survival Guide

By Stephanie Larson

With the holiday season upon us, we birth professionals are gearing up to experience a unique blend of challenges and joys. One thing is certain...babies decide to be born regardless of the special events we have on our calendars!

To help you navigate the holidays smoothly and maintain your holiday spirit, here's my Doula's Holiday Survival Guide. Everyone deserves to not just survive, but thrive, with true joy and peace.

Update Your Doula Bag Contents:

What special items do you need at this time of year? How about a dressy outfit to change into, in case you need to go straight from a client to a holiday party. Perhaps a touch of holiday decor, meaningful to your client, to adorn the space? And of course something special just for you, to keep your spirits high. One of my favorites is pine essential oil on a cotton ball in a baggie, which I breathe in for a dose of holiday cheer.

Create Boundaries:

Throughout the year and especially during the holidays, set clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Communicate your availability to clients and loved ones, designating separate time for your work and your personal life. Let your clients know what hours you are available to respond to their non-emergent communications. Also be clear about your protocol for them to reach you if they are in labor. Ensure that you have a trusted doula filling in for you during those dates that you will not be working, and that your clients have their contact info. If you have only one back-up doula consider adding a second and third tier of back-ups.

Nourish Your Soul:

The holidays can be hectic, so it's crucial to carve out moments for self-care. Prioritize activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's indulging in a good novel, dancing to your favorite song, or enjoying a break and a delicious beverage. Dancing is my go-to because it's a stress-reliever and creates a positive and celebratory mindset. Block time for self-care on your daily calendar so you actually do it on a regular basis!

Think Three Steps Ahead:

What are three frustrations you can address now, before you encounter them yet again? If it's being mistaken for a family member when you are with a client during labor, gift yourself eye-catching doula apparel or a  doula badge. If it's stressing over the idea of possibly missing your own holiday party, clean and cook ahead of time, record a video greeting for your guests, and appoint a co-host who could run the party until you can be there.

Embrace Rituals:

Creating meaningful rituals will anchor you in the midst of the holiday rush. Whether it involves a serene morning stretch or lighting candles in the evening, integrating rituals into your daily routine can offer a feeling of steadiness and connection. Moving your body is a great way to bring you into the present moment. Presence is a gift to yourself that benefits all aspects of your life.

Plan for Next Year's Holidays Now:

If you want to take off a month at holiday time, what can you do now to make that happen? If you prefer to work but want to take on fewer clients next year at this time, set your client limit now. If you have plenty of availability to work, help out other doulas by letting them know you have the capacity to take on extra clients, or back them up.

Reflect and Set Intentions:

Take time to reflect on the past year, acknowledging your milestones and opportunities to grow. Set intentions for the upcoming year, both professionally and personally. Could your happiness be improved by adjusting the number of families you serve? What actionable steps will you schedule on your calendar to turn your intentions into your reality? This reflective practice can help you enter the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and vision.