To do the work you love, you’ve got to unlock a few doors. UNLOCKED Stories are honest conversations with 20 and 30-somethings who chose a path + made it happen.
A note from Ellen: I’m thrilled to spotlight Marea in this week’s installment of UNLOCKED Stories. She’s a woman who never intended to become a childbirth specialist — but after an unexpected request from a friend, she found herself deep in the world of birthing and wellness education.
Marea is an example of someone who didn’t really “choose” her career — it chose her. She trusted her heart every step of the way, and it never led her astray.
Even if your career has nothing to do with birthing babies, I know you’re going to be inspired by Marea’s story. I know I am. Read on, and don’t miss the powerful questions at the very end…
: What do you do?
I am training to be a licensed midwife at the National Midwifery Institute.
Right now, I’m working as an apprentice under the guidance of two fully-licensed midwives.
We are on call for births, 24/7. Some weeks we get called for three or four births. Other weeks, none at all. When it rains, it pours!
I just attended my 55th birth and I have delivered 10 babies all on my own.
: Where did the original idea for your work come from?
Several years ago, a friend of mine got pregnant and asked me to be her doula.
A “doula” is someone who supports you before, during and after the birthing experience. It’s not a medical position, like a nurse. It’s more like a “birth coach.” I enrolled in a six-week training course to become a doula — with no intention of making it my profession. Initially, I was just doing it to support my friend.
My friend’s birth was an amazing experience, and I was surprised at how comfortable I felt in my role as a doula. After coaching my friend, I began working with other clients as well.
And then, there was a beautiful moment of synchronicity.
About one and a half years later, the midwife who oversaw my friend’s birth called me out of the blue and told me her apprentice had quit. She asked if I was interested in becoming her new apprentice.
I knew right then and there that I wanted to do it — so I said YES!
Her invitation came at the perfect time. I applied to Midwifery school, got in, and began my formal training right away!
: What were you doing before you did Midwifery?
I studied Spanish and Portuguese in college. I love languages and I love exploring how people communicate, across cultures — the fact that I am tri-lingual has definitely come in handy in my work as a midwife!
After graduating from college, I co-wrote a vegan cookbook with my mom called Straight From The Earth. My parents started Earthbound Farm, the largest organic produce company in the world, and working on the book was a beautiful way to honor my upbringing and my parents’ legacy in the world. Nourishing and caring for people definitely runs in my blood.
A week before we sent the book to the publisher, I got that fateful phone call, asking if I’d like to become a midwife’s apprentice. And that was that!
What was you biggest “LOCKED DOOR” moment? Did you almost give up on your dream?
When you’re a midwife, going to work can feel like running a marathon.
You’re on call 24/7. You never know exactly when the baby is going to arrive. And when your client goes into labor, you might be by her side for up to 25 hours, straight.
It’s a very intense profession, and there have been many, many moments where I’ve thought to myself: Why am I doing this? There has got to be a better career choice!
But then, finally … the baby arrives. It’s a magical experience, every single time. And afterwards, I’ll get some sleep. Eat a good meal. Take a long bath. Hang out with friends. Have a good cry. Go on a long walk and just forget about midwifery for a while.
After I’ve taken some time to tend to my own wellbeing, I always feel better. And then I remember why I do this work: to bring new life into the world, and to give mothers the best possible birthing experience they can have — at home, in a space they love, surrounded by people they know + trust.
: What is the BEST thing that has happened since you UNLOCKED that door?
At a recent birth, the dad came over to me and said, “You did a really great job.” Compliments like that always feel good.
But the best part about this profession is the way that it pushes my boundaries — no two days at work are alike, and I’m constantly being challenged to grow, both as a midwife, and as a woman.
I don’t want my life to be easy. I didn’t sign up for that. I’m here to guide women through the most intense process of their lives, and watch people become families.
: What’s the next door you need to unlock? (And what’s the plan?)
After I graduate + pass my final licensing exams, I want to deliver as many babies as I possibly can!
I also want to become a speaker + educator. There are so many misconceptions about what midwifery is (and isn’t) and I’d love to help women make informed choices about where + how they choose to give birth.
Eventually, I’d love to have a thriving practice as an independent midwife, specializing in home births. Maybe even starting a Midwifery School — which is greatly needed in the Bay area. And later, starting a family of my own.
I love what I do, and I want to do it for as long as I can.
: Last but not least:
What’s your biggest piece of advice for anyone who wants to stay motivated, do amazing work and unlock major doors?
Say YES to opportunities that excite you, even if they’re completely unexpected.
Don’t be depressed if your original plans don’t pan out.
Remember that you can always change your mind.
But once you do choose a path, be devoted. Put both feet in.
UNLOCK yourself
Three questions to think about, write about — or talk about with a friend.
1. Marea’s career began when a friend made an surprising request: “Will you be my birth coach?” Marea was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed birth coaching, which ultimately led to her decision to choose midwifery as a career.
: Has someone ever asked you to do them a favor, that left you thinking, “Hey! That was a lot more fun than I thought!”
2. A turning point in Marea’s career was when she received an unexpected phone call inviting her to become a midwife’s apprentice.
: When unexpected opportunities come your way, do you tend to say “yes” or “no?” Have you ever said “no” and then regretted it, later?
3. Marea’s work as a midwife is physically + emotionally draining — with long births that sometimes last up to 25 hours. She’s learned that by taking care of herself, first, she has more love + energy to give to others.
: How do you care for your mind, body and spirit, right now? Is there a part of your life that could use a little more nourishment?
For more UNLOCKED interviews, click over here.
Know somebody that ought to be spotlighted? Write to me here.
See you next time for another inspiring conversation!