- Brittany Bright is a mother to two and hired a doula overnight to care for her baby.
- A TikTok that showed her night routine as a doula was there in December went viral.
- Ronny Maye has been told her story.
Self-care is something I value. This includes outsourcing services that allow me to shift my attention and make sure I am fully present for those who are dependent on me.
Camille was a doula for my family to provide additional support during and following my second pregnancy.
My nighttime routine as a mother-of-two in December 2021 was posted on TikTok. I shared that my partner Marquis was off duty from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. because Maddox was being cared for by Camille.
While the comments were mostly supportive, they did not go viral. VideoThis is without criticism. I was shamed by the fact that I hired an overnight doula. People called me names, judged and commented on my parenting and how much my family had.
It is shameful that mothers are expected to never ask for help. It was amazing that after literally bringing this life into the world, I didn’t prioritize my own time.
We had to find a doula.
2016 was a challenging year for me. My 5-year-old son Jaxon suffered complications in labor. A fibroid, a tumor the size of a grapefruit, was found in my uterus. The doctors denied my concerns and said that there was no problem.
Jaxon was delivered via an emergency C-section. I was traumatized and suffered from postpartum depression.
A doula’s role includes advocating for families and mothers. I was not supported by anyone during my first pregnancy so I sought a doula for the second.
We reached out to Arkansas Family DoulasWe were blessed with Godsend Camille.
My mother and partner could only do so much
Some comments on my TikTok videos suggested that my spouse or family would have been all that I needed.
Camille provided a level of expertise and support that was beyond my expectations. Jaxon was a good friend of mine, but I didn’t know how to help after such a difficult birth.
Imagine becoming a parent, with household chores, work responsibilities, and marriage responsibilities. All the while, you are trying to heal yourself from bouts of depression.
depression
and forging a relationship with the precious newborn. It was both mentally and emotionally exhausting.
Maddox and I were only 10 hours from our family and had only my mother for a month. But having my partner, mother and doula working together made all the difference.
My mom was focused on cooking and cleaning the house, while my husband and 5-year-old took care of my son and I. My doula cared for my newborn and me. This group effort helped to eliminate feelings of stress, fatigue, and overwhelm.
I wish more people knew about doulas
My video received comments from women who had never considered having children, but are reconsidering their options due to the existence of doula services.
I want to encourage new mothers, parents and families that are growing, to realize it’s okay to ask for help. You cannot pour from an empty cup to be the best version of yourself if you aren’t whole.
It is not a good idea to struggle. There is no badge of honor for it. Trusting your community is essential. This glimpse into my motherhood showed many other sides. For this, I am grateful.