When you're in the birth worker field, every pregnancy and/or labor is like a snowflake, no two are alike. But there are times when you receive an unreasonable, unprofessional client from hell. A client who makes doulas and/or birth workers question is this the profession for them. First, I received this client through a service and she always seemed standoff-ish. I would ask general questions that any doula would ask, "How is your pregnancy so far? Do you have any doctor appointments? How are you feeling about labor? Do you have any expectations for labor?" Responses would literally be yes or no, thatâs it. No additives and definitely no conversation. We scheduled an appointment so I could meet face to face and get some additional information from her. Not only did she miss the appointment, she dropped off the face of the earth. A month goes by and I tell my supervisors and they reach out to her. She tells my supervisors that she still wants the service! (sdrawkcab right!?) I contact her again. Same song and dance. One-word responses. I asked her if she had the baby she said no not yet. We had one phone call and during this call her mother was very rude and opinionated about doulas, what we are, what we do, and how we provide support. But I kept it professional for the sake of the client. I texted her to see if we could meet up and she says that is indeed in labor. I immediately called her, no response, she let the phone ring. I asked how many cm dilated she was, she said 5. I then asked her if she wanted me to come and support her, She Said Yes. I rushed out as quickly as I could. Because of this new covid variant, I got a rapid test and went to the hospital. I get there maybe 3 hours after later to do a job and everything switched. I was told that my clientâs mother did not want me in the room and everyone that needed to be in the room was already there. I waited patiently and informed my supervisors. After about 15 minutes, a nurse led me to her room. I asked her if she wanted me to stay, she said, âYou don't have too." Mind you, she could have told me not to come when I initially asked for confirmation. It is hard when you have a young woman who obviously wants support but her family is against it and you have yet to advocate for yourself. I didnât fuss, fight, or argue; I left and thatâs it. #Moralofthestory: If a client is showing signs of resistance or hostility, donât take it personally when they actually resist.
