Being New/Imposter Syndrome

Hi!
I am a postpartum doula. I have only had a few clients and also have my own child. When I did my training 3 years ago, I was very excited about the work. Over the past few years, I have less of that excitement and am not sure I want to do this work.

I have a new client starting next week and I am feeling very nervous. She is excited to have me and said she feels grateful to have a postpartum doula. This is making me feel like I don’t have enough experience and whe deserve someone better. At the same time I want to show up for her and give her the support she needs as best I can.

I also just got a referral for another client and told them I am taking new clients all while feeling like I don’t know if I can or want to be doing the work.

I think I am mostly wanting support from you on how to show up as a confident support person. Thank you.

 

 

Answer:

What if it’s ok that you aren’t confident yet? We all start out new jobs with little experience. We learn, we try, we make mistakes and for the most part become better at what we do.

I would offer that you give yourself a good go at being a postpartum doula. Pick an amount of time you want to stop questioning it and go all in. Serve the client you have, look for new ones and see what happens, like an experiment.

Part of this is believing that you do have so much to offer these new parents. As you do the work, trust that an answer will become clear.

What were you thinking when you were excited?

What are you thinking now that’s bringing up doubt?

Notice your thoughts and what you’re creating. Awareness and curiosity are the goal.