Becoming a doula have always been a calling that I’ve answered. But the path that led me here was built on years of experience as a nurse, where I learned lessons that shaped me into being a resourceful, empathetic and curious doula-always willing to know more, to learn more.

I began my nursing journey the moment I enrolled in American University of Beirut. I had huge curiosity of how does the body works. The more I dug deeper-Human Morphology, Physiology, Pathophysiology, the more I believed in our body’s capability and power. I was so impressed by how our body is created!

I did my residency in Oncology floors, and worked with palliative care team at American University of Beirut Medical Centre. It was a place of both profound grief and deep human connection. There, I learned to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments, to listen with my heart to their stories, pain, hopes, beliefs, and suffering. That experience strengthened my empathy and taught me the power of simply being present. It also gave me a deep respect for each person’s unique story and strength-qualities that now anchor me in my work as a doula.

I graduated in Spring 2016 and became a Registered Nurse in a Medical Surgical Floor in AUBMC. This built a solid foundation in medical knowledge. I developed a strong understanding of medical procedures, pharmaceutical treatments, human physiology and pathophysiology. I became well acquainted with hospital systems. I became part of multidisciplinary meetings, allowing me to collaborate with attendings, residents, interns, dietitian, pharmacist, nurses, radiologist, osteopaths and other medical staff. From this, I acquired the skill to translate complex medical terms and interventions to clients to help them take informed decisions, and bring calm in the midst of medical intensity. My clinical knowledge now helps me bridge the gap between birthing families and healthcare providers.

Nursing gave me much more than knowledge. It gave me skills that are essential for birth work. Collaboration, empathy, active listening, emotional support and holding space in hard and challenging moments.

Being in the hospital system also taught me how to understand its structure and limitations. I know how to work within it while keeping the birthing person’s needs at the center. As a doula, this knowledge helps be set realistic expectations for my clients birthing in hospitals while empowering them to have informed decisions.

My nursing path isn’t and will never be something I left behind; however, it’s a part of me I will always honor and be proud of. It’s something that deepened my compassion, sharpened my intuition and reinforced my belief in holistic, respectful care.

I am and will always be proud of being a nurse because it made me capable of becoming a doula that serves all!