2017 International Doula Month Member Spotlight

Robin Douthit, CD(DONA), CLC, MA, LCCE

Where do you live?

New York City, New York, USA

How long have you been in the childbirth field?

11 years

Why did you become a doula and childbirth educator?

I became a birth doula because I wanted to support women while they were doing the challenging work of giving birth. Sadly, I saw many were coming into their birthing experiences terrified of what lay ahead, and that broke my heart. I wanted to reach women earlier and I knew that becoming a childbirth educator would give me the opportunity to demystify labor and that would, in return, remove a great deal of anxiety and fear women have about the labor experience. I believe women should be given the opportunity to be excited about and to look forward to their birthing day instead of being fearful and dreading it. Every woman deserves that and educating women gives each a better chance of having a satisfying birthing experience. That is why I teach.

What's your favorite moment from your career so far?

I love it when I see the lightbulb turn on in my students' minds while I'm teaching about normal physiological birth and the role of hormones in labor. I see them begin to relax in their seats and even smile a little when I share how their bodies not only know what to do but also allow for a pleasurable experience with the release of oxytocin (the love hormone) and endorphins! I love those moments!