Doula Spotlight: Danielle Fox

How long have you been a doula?

Since 2016, so 10 years! Cardiff, South Wales.

What inspired you to train?

It's always a nice feeling when a previous client books you in again for their next baby. But I've also had the privilege of supporting IVF clients from conception all the way through to birth and postnatal... that for me was the ultimate support I could give.

What has been the most rewarding part of building your doula business?

Being there for families in times of need. Being able to work around the care of my sons as they were growing up, I never missed a special occasion, and summer holidays were spent together.

How has being a doula impacted your life? (personally, professionally, or both)

It has changed my life more than I ever thought possible! It's an emotional rollercoaster at times. It has made me become a lot more organised in my life, as well as being a better sister and friend. I am able to hold space for people by just listening, learning to sit on my hands and not want to 'fix' every situation I come across!

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since becoming a doula?

You don't have to be 'doing' things to be an amazing doula.... just 'be' and hold space for each person. That is enough.

Which skills or knowledge from the Nurturing Birth course have helped you the most in your work?

Boundaries! Remembering that this is my own business and I chose to be self employed for a reason. Not taking too much on at once. The saying... "If I say yes to something, what am I then saying no to?"

What challenges have you faced along the way? How did you overcome them?

The obvious one of building my business from scratch. That was hard at first. Once I started networking in person, things picked up pretty quickly from there. Potential clients want to see you, and know who you are as a person. I also struggle when leaving clients after supporting them for many months. It's a bittersweet goodbye as I am so happy to leave them as confident parents, but sad that our journey has come to an end. Many clients still WhatsApp me with photo's now and then... which I love!

What do you enjoy most about your doula work?

Being invited and trusted to be part of someone's pregnancy and birth journey is the biggest privilege. I still kick myself that I get to witness birth in it's purest form, and then see clients grow and blossom thought parenthood.

What values guide the way you work with your clients?

Have integrity in all things. Show up with kindness and compassion. Don't try to be like anyone else, be authentically myself. A good belly laugh is good for the soul!

What do you think sets you apart as a doula?

I think I have the type of personality that draws people in (so I've been told!) I am a real people person, and a good listener. I also have a huge sense of humour which tends to come out front and centre!

Have you formed friendships or connections with other birth-workers local to you?

Yes. It has been a great joy of mine to be able to have so many birth-worker friends. I have the privilege of mentoring some of them and watching their doula journey go from strength to strength. Here in Cardiff we meet once a month to share, hug, and hold space for each other, it's super important to me.

What has surprised you most about being a doula?

How quickly I have grown in this work. It doesn't feel like I've been doing it 10 years!

What’s your favourite part of a typical day as a doula?

Drinking tea and putting the world to rights with a new mama. Being present at a baby's birth. Watching a new parent be so smitten with their newborn, smelling and drinking them in.... I remember those days with my own sons. It's beautiful to watch.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a doula but isn’t sure if it’s right for them?

Book in a call with Sarah! Don't sit on the fence and answer your own questions. Find out the actual answers then you can make an informed decision. Remember that you can be whatever doula you want to be... you can just work online, support antenatal and postnatal only, support only birth, or do all four! If doulaing keeps popping up in your mind, there is a reason... don't ignore it.

If you could go back to the start of your doula journey, what advice would you give yourself?

Keep going, all these things you are doing now WILL add up. Don't focus on 'likes' on social media. Stop comparing yourself to others. Your networking is going to pay off one hundred fold.

How do you see your doula work evolving in the future?

I am starting to support less births in this season of my life. I am now enjoying postnatal a lot more, alongside mentoring other doulas.

What's your favourite self-care treat?
Spending time at the farm with my horse Finn of course! But I do also love a full body massage now and again.

Your doula-bag must have

For me: SNACKS. For my client: A fan, and a flannel

Your favourite affirmation or mantra

"You will meet your baby soon".

If you weren't a doula what would you be doing?

Running my own small holding.