Guided by Purpose: Undraya Jones’ Journey Toward Doula Work

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Finding My Way Into Doula Training

We know that access to education shapes who gets to show up in birth work. That’s why bebo mia has invested over $500,000 into doula scholarships and doula awards. Our full spectrum doula training prepares students for work across fertility, birth, postpartum, and loss, all within a live online classroom. This post is written by one of our scholarship recipients.

My name is Undraya Jones, and I’m deeply grateful to receive the bebo mia scholarship and begin my training as a doula.

A bit about me? Who am I besides a mother of 2 incredible children, a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and granddaughter? Well, I’m also a Certificated Breastfeeding Specialist, my most recent title and achievement. I’m also a woman of color, a native of Middle Georgia who’s just seeking a strong win after so many setbacks. I haven’t been defected because I’m still trying. I’ll give more details of one of my most recent and heartfelt setback a little later.

Early Inspiration

I wanted this scholarship because honestly it was a need. Having a graduating senior my money is stretched beyond maxed out. Having the stigma of being a single mom, I fight with asking for help because I want to show my children that being independent is an honor. I’m learning it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.  I wanted an opportunity to learn something different, build a business, help my community, and follow my dreams. And to have a safe space to do all that, why not ask for an opportunity. By being blessed with this opportunity I’m able to one be a blessing to others.

Again, I needed a safe space to learn and grow. After doing a lot of research I felt the Bebo Mia community was a great fit for me. I was just something about the feeling I got from reading posts and watching videos that made me think, “Undraya find a way to make it happen, ask if there are any scholarships or discounts.” One night, or should I say early morning when I couldn’t sleep, I was scrolling on social media and saw an ad saying that the scholarship applications will be opening soon. I thought to myself, “Girl, go to sleep cause your seeing stuff. These phones are really tracking everything. How could they know?” Any who,” You have not because you ask not.” I asked, told my story and here I am! Oh, after I was awarded the scholarship, I mentioned to a doula that I know about the program and was excited to say that she trained with Bebo Mia and that I was in good hands. That was all the confirmation I needed. 

Discovering the Role of Doulas

It was my dream as a child to be a midwife. I watched every labor and delivery show, anything that had a story line of a birth, midwife, or hospital I was all the way in. It seems like a calling, most so that I’ve been chosen to be a birth worker. I discovered Child and Maternal Health is a passion of mine, Human Lactation is a passion of mine, counseling and teaching are things that come natural to me. I have spent the last year and a half working to become an IBCLC. I spent countless hours studying and learning Human Lactation and its science all while caring for my family and working full time. And although I had a major setback, I failed the exam by 1 point. I could feel like the color drained out of my body, disappointment was and still is an understatement. And to have my colleagues know that I was taking the exam and having them with me when the results were posted, I wanted to cry, scream, and leave work. How could I have worked so hard to have failed by one point. I feel like I need to be reminded of my dreams and be pushed to stop settling. I know women like me have always had to work harder and be humble, so we won’t be labeled as aggressive. But I just need an honest feel good and well-earned win.   

Looking Ahead

My business plans after completing this program are to create a safe space in my community for families to learn how to care for and create their families. We need support and knowledge in our community. I know I learn better from a familiar and friendly face. I want to be that for others. I want to create a place where an expecting parent can come and feel safe and sure that they can get everything they need on their new journey. No matter how many birth experiences you have, each one is a new journey. I want to be able to add my human lactation knowledge with childbirth knowledge just be a great support to my immediate family, extended family and community.

From Interest to Action in Doula Work

If you’ve been considering doula training, now is a powerful time to begin. Our online doula training is offered twice per year and supports you in becoming a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, or full spectrum doula. You can apply for a doula scholarship or enroll and take your next step.