Julie McBurney CD(DONA)

My pronouns are: She / Her/ They

What led you on this path to become a doula?

A question I am often asked at an interview…

My journey with birth really began when I found out I was pregnant for the first time. I felt a need to understand the process (better than the run-of-the-mill books I found provided) and was fortunate to find resources that empowered me to move through the process in a way that was absolutely right for me. The information and support I had, made all the difference. It was beautiful, hard, empowering, and transformative. It was just the right experience to prepare me for motherhood.

After my first positive birth experience, in 2000, I found myself hearing a lot of negative tales from other mothers. I wanted to reach out to them and help them have better experiences. I found myself wishing I could have been there to support them mentally, emotionally, and physically. My compassion became a passion towards better birth experiences. 

I can't remember how I found out about doulas; I believe it was from my midwife. But after hearing the experiences of others- it seemed like the right role for me. I wanted to help empower birthing people with the lasting memory of a good birth. Choosing to become certified by DONA International, I started attending births as a trained doula in the Summer of 2005.

When I think of birth, I think of it as a natural, normal event that involves a need for support, rhythm, and comfort. Having the right tools to move through birth makes a huge difference. I have a tremendous tool box from almost 18 years experience and constant continuing education; including things like optimizing fetal positioning, counter pressure, acupressure, or even a cool cloth at a perfectly timed moment. Having someone experienced providing continuous care who is there entirely for you, if unexpected decisions come up, is also an invaluable thing I provide, as a doula. It is important, to me, that you feel confident with every decision you make.

One key thing I've learned, as I have gained increasing experience in birth, is that every journey is unique. I love working with families of all shapes and sizes. I love moving through a well supported birth, whatever the details and preferences involved. My own births were right for me. The process of figuring out what my right birth would look like was transformative. My goal is to be a tour guide on that journey, for families, in finding their right birth. I've learned about options available in different birthing locations, comfort measures to pull from for bodies of all types, teaching styles for all forms of neurodiversity, and how to smooth the whole process from pregnancy to parenthood. I have, over many years of working in the Triangle, developed a network of professionals to become the "village" for families to feel confident that their needs are met, and met with deep respect to their personal autonomy.  

I want to complete the circle of support, around you, as a member of your birth team -encouraging everyone to nurture your preferences and vision. I am always honored to be invited to this intimate experience. I would love to support your journey through parenthood, as a Birth Doula and Postpartum Mentor. I believe, with all the links connected, that any birth can be a blissful, empowering, and beautiful experience. I know that confidence makes all the difference in birth. That level of confidence will not only carry you through your birth, but throughout parenthood too. I would be happy to join you as you labor towards the natural bliss of birth.