Doulas in a World on Fire: Choosing Humanity, One Life at a Time

These days, it’s impossible to ignore the state of the world. From political unrest to environmental crises, social upheaval to personal anxieties, we live in times that feel, honestly, overwhelming. And for parents, or people considering parenthood, that weight can be staggering.

A client recently asked me, “Is it wise to bring a child into this world?” It’s a question that cuts straight to the heart of our responsibilities, our fears, and our hopes.

Here’s the thing: whether you choose to have children or not, whether you nurture new life in a nursery or nurture your community through action and care, both paths are radical. Both are revolutionary in their own quiet, steadfast ways.

As a doula, I’ve seen this up close. I’ve held space for families navigating the uncertainty of pregnancy, the vulnerability of birth, and the profound transition of postpartum life...all while the world rumbles loudly outside the walls. In those moments, being present is itself a radical act. Supporting new parents, witnessing grief, celebrating tiny victories—these are the acts that ripple outward, shaping not only individual lives but the collective energy of our communities.

Choosing to have children right now does not mean turning a blind eye to the chaos. It can mean choosing hope, teaching empathy, modelling resilience, and showing what it looks like to care deeply in a world that sometimes feels numb. Choosing not to have children also carries its own revolutionary potential: dedicating your time, energy, and compassion to the greater good, supporting others, and building the frameworks of community that will sustain us all.

Doulas are the helpers of the world in times of upheaval. We bear witness, we provide care, we help families navigate transitions with gentleness and intention. And perhaps, in a world that can feel so fractured, that’s exactly the kind of work that matters most. We don’t have to have all the answers. We don’t have to fix the world in one lifetime. But we can choose humanity, in each small interaction, each act of support, each choice that reflects care over fear.

So whether you’re welcoming a new life, walking alongside someone in grief, or choosing to pour your energy into the world in ways that don’t involve raising children, the truth is the same: your actions matter. Doulas help illuminate that path, helping people embrace compassion and courage, even when the world feels like a dumpster fire.

Because ultimately, the revolution begins in the small, everyday acts of choosing to care, to nurture, and to be fully present—no matter the chaos outside.