A Doula for Teenage Mothers
A Doula for Teenage Mothers in Chicago Found Her Calling at CCY — Meet Nicole McCollum
By Cia Gabriel
“The doula training at the Center changed my life,” says Nicole McCollum. “Prior to coming to the Center, I was doing some prenatal massage, which I enjoyed, but I never imagined being a doula would be IT.”
With a new career as a community-based doula serving low-income pregnant teenagers in Chicago, and funded by the Ounce of Prevention Fund, it is clear that being a doula is “it” for McCollum. McCollum says that this work is fulfilling her life mission of service. After attending the Center’s doula training course in August of 2005, McCollum worked as a volunteer with the Doulas Care Program and as a private paid doula. She enjoyed working with a wide variety of clients, but felt especially fulfilled when working with low-income mothers through the volunteer program. She was inspired to find a paid position to continue her work.
“There’s a lack of education and resources if you’re lower class,” she explains. “You’re not given that much information about your pregnancy beyond being told, ‘attend your prenatal visits’ or ‘we’re going to do these tests.’ These women don’t know they have options for labor and there’s so much more to it. It’s bigger than what they think of it. I was a Women’s Studies major and I feel called to activism. To give women a voice. These women can be involved in making really important decisions. It’s not just labor. It‘s about opening their eyes to it for the rest of their lives. I tell the girls, ‘This is really big. Making decisions about labor and delivery, about raising a baby. You have to start thinking about bigger things. Labor is just a beginning.’”
Reflecting on her training with Patty Brennan at the Center for the Childbearing Year, McCollum sounds warm and passionate. She compares the atmosphere of the doula training to other professional trainings she has received and says, “It’s different from what you get in other places. Everyone is so warm. There’s just a beautiful spirit. I love the work. I love Patty. I love the Center.”
Charlie’s Angels: The Aroma of a Doula
By Charlie Long Graham
The doulas’ role in my life after giving birth has become like treasured memories. With a willing spirit, the doulas’ embrace was warm and their compassionate acts of gentle and genuine service helped to maintain a safe and uplifting atmosphere while my body healed. Their personal and sincere touch, wrapped with sensitivity and a nurturing spirit, made the definition of doula come alive in my presence.
Today, I pay tribute to doulas across the globe, especially the doulas in Ann Arbor and Plymouth, Michigan. These doulas were chosen and trained for action and help set the tone for my healthy postpartum recovery — mentally, emotionally, and physically. The mission statement that represents agencies can often become words with little success, lacking little impact. I am a witness to the statement the doulas made. The doulas bring their mission statement to life, by their works. The Center for the Childbearing Year is reaching women like me within the community and decreasing high levels of stress that often characterize post-birth experiences. Women are overall the caregivers for the families. When you help a woman maintain her mental and physical health, you help a nation.
I represent one of the women within Washtenaw County who was in great need of support after delivery. It is evident that the doulas are being chosen and hand picked to provide this service. Women are able to overcome any obstacles when surrounded with a positive empowering team. The Doulas Care community-based program was in the position to send my family help in the form of professional, non-judgmental, caring doulas. I was encouraged and motivated, while the doulas provided assistance. Without the doulas caring for my newborn and supporting me with my three- and four-year-old sons while I learned to walk again, my road to recovery would have been consumed with discouragement and stress. The doulas added to my hope and lifted my confidence tremendously.
There were many people wondering how I could make it without becoming completely depressed. Those people underestimated my level of faith and the mission statement behind the doulas. I was fortunate to have a caring agency that provided me with assistance. The “aroma of doulas,” their dedication and commitment to this much needed volunteer and support service was like a scent of inspiration. They created an environment where I could heal with confidence and hope. It’s an honor to send words of thanks and appreciation to all the employees and volunteers for developing and maintaining an agency that helps mothers overcome the challenges of childbirth. I salute you for your commitment to women.
A Doula to the Rescue of a Breastfeeding Mom
by Charlie Long Graham
Kiki Farrow is a doula from the inside out, with tender-loving care
spreading her gift of compassion and kindness to women everywhere.
Kiki received a call about a mother in need;
I was hospitalized and unable to walk after giving birth.
I’m the mother who was determined to continue to breastfeed.
I had a breastfeeding dilemma and the only way I could
continue to nurse my three-month-old son with pride,
was to have 24-hour help by my side.
Kiki entered my hospital room with an aroma so sweet;
I will never forget the day she set my spirit at rest.
Kiki was a gift to our family and stands out as one of the best.
My breastfeeding dilemma was about to come to an end;
The day I received my doula, Kiki, I received a mentor, a nurturer, and a friend.
Kiki’s smile was like a rainbow full of promise and cheers;
she embraced you with her presence, while eliminating all your doubts and fears.
A stranger no more after five minutes of her special touch,
her doula expertise and inner beauty rose to an A+.
I was wheelchair bound with three children, four and under;
I had a high need for committed assistance.
Kiki’s dedication prepared me for my independence.
Kiki remained committed after my month-long hospital stay;
she was so devoted to my family, with rich and kind words to say,
I said to myself, “this doula deserves pay.”
My doula helped organize my home, putting things at arms reach,
in order for me to care for my children and breastfeed with peace.
This is what I call doulas in action delivering a service to your satisfaction.
“Compassion in action” – my doula made those words come alive.
Through her service, I breastfed my son for 18 months with pride.
Transportation to therapy, housework, child-care, you name it!
My doula was determined before she left me alone,
that I could handle things on my own.
I honor Kiki Farrow for being my doula sent with grace,
always on time with a spirit of excellence,
embracing me with her sincere and loyal presence.
I will always cherish and honor the Center for the Childbearing Year.
I am thankful for your labor of love and for choosing women like Kiki Farrow:
Pleasant, Patient, Positive, and Powerful.