“An adjustment” is what one doula said
to how she fulfils her mission.
“An adjustment” for the families
who will welcome a new addition.
“An adjustment” to the demands
of everyone she serves.
“An adjustment” to the long hours,
but she gives what they deserve.
“An adjustment” to be there virtually,
whether text, phone, or Zoom.
“An adjustment” to help the families
with their baby in the womb.
“An adjustment” to respond
at any given hour.
“An adjustment” to support,
so families feel their power.
“An adjustment” she says,
is needed to deal with the unknown.
“An adjustment” that can help us
even over the phone.
“An adjustment” leads to flexibility
and from there she went
to help the families
make their adjustment.
This past summer, I worked with Bridging the Gaps and Together for West Philadelphia as a community connector. My role in the program was to assist community members in accessing resources. In one of our projects, we paired with the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that assists new mothers by improving the pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and NICU experiences through education and resources. We had the opportunity to interview their doulas about their experiences caring for pregnant clients throughout the pandemic. “An Adjustment” is a poem that was inspired by my interview with a doula on the effects of COVID-19 on her work. My first question to her was, “How has COVID-19 affected your experience as a doula?” Her response, after a brief pause and a deep breath, was: “An adjustment.” I was subsequently amazed by how she could continue this valuable work despite all the challenges she faced, and I was struck by the hope that the doula provided her clients. Her main message spoke of the adjustment that everyone needed to make.
Christopher Fiorina is a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2023.
