Celebrating 100 Births: The Deep Lessons of Doula Work

At the beginning of August, I attended my 100th birth. A milestone that, in the days following, had me deeply reflecting on my journey through birth work and what it truly means to me. Reaching 100 births isn't just a number; it represents countless hours of holding space, bearing witness to the most intimate and transformative moments of people’s lives, and feeling every emotion from the joy to the pain, right alongside my clients. As I sit with these reflections, I realize more than ever that birth work is so much more than just a job, it’s a sacred path that I am endlessly honored to walk.

Image by Elisha Hanshue

Birth work isn’t just something I do— it’s the very essence of who I am. It’s a calling that found me, wrapped its arms around my soul, and refused to let go. It’s the kind of work that demands your heart, your spirit, your energy— everything you’ve got, and then some. Yet, for all it takes, it gives back in ways that are profound, humbling, and life-altering.

From the moment I stepped into the world of birth, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. There’s a magnetic pull to this work that’s hard to describe, but once you feel it, you know there’s no turning back. Birth work calls you to show up in ways you never thought possible. It asks you to be fully present, emotionally and spiritually, for every twist and turn of the journey.

It’s not just about guiding families through the physical process of birth— though that’s a huge part of it. It’s about being there, heart and soul, for the emotional and spiritual journey as well. It’s about holding space for every tear, every doubt, every triumph. It’s about being a witness to the incredible transformation that happens when someone brings a life into the world.

There is no place more sacred than the birth space. It’s a place where life begins, where the energy is thick with anticipation, love, and sometimes, a little bit of fear (and that’s okay). It’s a space where time seems to stand still, and the outside world fades away, leaving only the miracle that is unfolding right before your eyes.

Every time I step into a birth space, I’m reminded of the profound honor it is to be invited into such an intimate moment in a family’s life. It’s a privilege that I don’t take lightly. Each birth is unique, and each one leaves a lasting imprint on my heart. It’s in these moments that I witness the raw, unfiltered power of creation— the kind of power that takes your breath away and leaves you in awe, no matter how many births you’ve attended.

The birth space is where you see people at their most vulnerable and yet, at their most powerful. It’s where love and strength collide in a beautiful, sometimes messy, but always magical moment. And no matter how many times I witness it, the magic never diminishes— it only grows stronger.

Let’s be real, birth work is not for the faint of heart. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, full of highs that lift you up and lows that challenge you to your core. But it’s in those extremes that the beauty of birth work truly shines. It’s about holding space for every single emotion that arises— joy, fear, pain, triumph— because they are all part of the journey.

When I’m in the birth space, I’m not just there to guide my client’s through the process, I’m there to hold space for all that they need. I’m there for the tears, the doubts, the moments of uncertainty that inevitably come. And I’m there for the overwhelming waves of love that wash over the room when that sweet baby finally makes their entrance into the world.

Seeing the look on a new parent’s face, that mix of exhaustion, relief, and pure, unfiltered love… it never gets old. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do. Because birth isn’t just about bringing a baby into the world— it’s about helping people find their strength, their voice, and their power. It’s about witnessing their transformation as they step into parenthood with a newfound confidence that they didn’t even know they had.

One of the most incredible aspects of birth work is witnessing the transformation that takes place— not just for the baby, but for the parents as well. Birth is a rite of passage, a journey from one state of being to another. It’s the moment when someone steps into their role as a parent, and that is a transformation like no other.

I’ve seen people find a strength they never knew existed. I’ve seen them discover their voice in the most vulnerable moments. I’ve watched as they’ve navigated the twists and turns of labor, sometimes with confidence, sometimes with doubt, but always with a fierce determination to bring their baby into the world in the best way they can.

This transformation is not just physical— it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. It’s a journey that changes you at your core. And as a doula, I have the incredible honor of walking alongside people as they make that journey. I’m there to support, to guide, and sometimes just to be a quiet presence in the room. I’m there to remind them of their power, to hold their hand when they need it, and to celebrate with them when their baby finally arrives.

Being a doula is not just about being there for the birth— it’s truly about the entire journey. It’s about preparing parents for what’s to come, offering them the tools and information they need to make informed decisions, and supporting them every step of the way, no matter their choices. It’s about being a constant source of love and compassion, even when the journey gets tough.

This work requires you to dig deep. It asks you to be fully present, to give of yourself in ways that are both challenging and rewarding. But it also gives back to you in ways that are hard to describe. Every birth I attend leaves a mark on my soul. It deepens my understanding of life, love, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.

This work changes you. It challenges you to grow, to learn, and to become the best version of yourself. It’s a journey that is both beautiful and difficult, but it’s one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

As I reflect on the path I’ve walked as a doula, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This work is not easy, far from it, but it is the most rewarding, soul-fulfilling journey I could ever imagine. It’s about connection, transformation, and the unwavering belief in the strength and beauty of the human spirit.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me to walk this journey with you. Every birth I attend is a reminder of the magic of life, the power of love, and the incredible honor it is to be a part of it all. Walking this sacred path with my clients is the greatest privilege of my life, and I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to serve, support, and witness these remarkable journeys.

With love,
Madison

P.S. If you’re searching for compassionate and personalized support during your birth journey, I’m here for you. As an experienced doula in Denver, my mission is to empower, guide, and stand by your side every step of the way. Click here to submit an inquiry, and let’s walk this sacred path together.