Grateful for My Doula: Marqulia’s Story
Why I’m Grateful for My Doula
Marqulia is the mother of three beautiful children. She met her future doula, Amber, at an outreach event when pregnant with her third baby, Tamia. At the time, she had never heard of a doula before, and she was nervous about the thought of having a stranger come into her life during this vulnerable time. Still, she recalled how difficult the transition to motherhood was with her first two children when she did not have the support she needed. She liked the idea of having a Black doula, someone who looked like her. It seemed worth a try.
Learning How to Take Care of My Health
Before meeting Amber, Marqulia says that she felt like her life was on a rollercoaster. But, she says, “Having a doula was the best thing that happened to me at that time. Amber was there for me from the beginning to the end. Not only did she help me through postpartum recovery, but she also helped me to get my life on track. The key was self-love and self-care.†Amber educated Marqulia along the way about her baby’s milestones, encouraged her to breastfeed, and was able to refer her to additional services during the postpartum period. “Amber got me the help that I needed,†Marqulia recalls. “Through this experience, I learned to take time out for myself and to take care of my health. I came away with a toolbox that helps me in my day-to-day journey.â€
“Having a doula was the best thing that happened to me at that time….”
-Marquila Gowens, past mom
The Sky is the Limit
Amber also encouraged Marqulia to continue her education. She has since graduated from cosmetology school and now owns her own business, Quays Majestic Hands Hair Salon. More recently, Marqulia had shared her story with thousands of others about how having a doula impacted her life when she was invited to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 50th Annual Legislative Conference.
You can follow Marqulia on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/quaysmajestichands/
Written by: Chelsea Sosa