Hi everyone! This is a new series I am adding to my blog & YouTube channel, “From Passion to Profession”, where I provide insights into different careers for students in high school, college, or graduate programs who are uncertain about their future paths. It’s also a resource for adults looking to pivot into new fields, offering guidance on the steps needed to make a successful transition.
In this blog, I will be sharing highlights of the interview I had with Michelle Humbert, a licensed doula in Chicago, United States.
Michelle has been running her own doula business, Womb Embrace Doulas for over 3 years. I decided to interview her because I love how she goes about her craft. She teaches women how to take care of their body and mind before and after they transition into motherhood. To learn about how she got to where is read this blog or listen to the first part of the interview.
What made you want to be a doula?
Michelle’s original plan was to be a pediatric nurse, but with a curiosity to learn how to work with people efficiently, she became a social worker. Along her journey, Humbert discovered that she could combine her joys of providing medical treatments, caring for babies, and helping people to become a doula.
Were there any challenges?
Working in a hospital setting can be challenging because OBGYNs and doulas can hold different perspectives on how to assist patients. However, she knows that everyone has their own style. Michelle is a team member; her priorities are being an advocate for her clients, making sure their voices are being heard and that they are being respected throughout their whole experience.
How do you find your private clients and community of doulas?
Michelle finds her clients by attending summits, volunteering, and through word of mouth. Find out how she communicates with potential clients in the interview.
Question: What do you consider to be an excellent doula?
She believes that being a good listener and having a strong sense of empathy is what makes an excellent doula.
For someone interested in becoming a doula, what’s the first step you would encourage them to take?
Michelle would tell them to research what type of doula they want to become, then look for a program that is helpful in the niche (birth, post-partum, adoption, etc.) …
To find out what other advice Michelle has to share, look out for Part 2 of the interview on November 1st which will be posted on YouTube! Until then, you can catch up and learn more about Michelle’s journey in our part 1 interview.
If you’d like to reach out to Michelle, here’s her contact info:
Website: Womb Embrace Doulas | Email: michelle@wombembracedoulas.com