Self Care for death doulas, midwives, guides

We are caring for our own families and friends. And, we are Professional caregivers have an increased responsibility to take care of ourselves, as we care for so many others. Not only our livelihood depends on caring for our number one asset, ourselves, but the care we give others too.

​But isn't there the "proof" that all is well (even when we don't) as many of us have worked on an empty tank and everything turned out ok, right? Or did it?

What are we measuring in this determination of 'how much we can get away with' in our self care routines? If we are measuring the outcome of the people we served that day, I don't think that is the stick to use. 

In our work, it is the accumulation of our daily output of energy, love, care and expertise over time and how we are over time that should be the measurement. Over a 6 month period, how are we doing? Its the daily walk, seeing the strength build from our self care over time or seeing us unravel that tells the real story. 

Tune in here for Podcast: Self Care for Doulas with Elena Lipson

We are used to quick fixes and band aids and measuring our results sometimes by grand moments of success or failure. But sometimes (and this is one of those times) 'success' as far as our care for our selves should be measured over time. The proof is in our sense of well being, day after day. We know when we are off track. 
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There is an awesome interview with Elena Lipson that I did this week that I want you all to hear. My hope is that listening to this podcast with Elena, who devotes her life to this topic, will motivate you to take even better care of yourself than you already are, perhaps help you 'get back on the wagon' if you've fallen off. ​