Doula Spotlight

Coffee, Cramming, and Contractions:

The Life of a College Doula

Ryan skillfully supporting her laboring client. Photo credit- Carol Ann Neville

Hi, I’m Ryan Sesker—a 21-year-old psychology major at Hollins University, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and a birth doula serving families in the New River Valley. My life is a whirlwind of lecture halls, textbooks, and the incredible, unpredictable work of supporting people as they bring new life into the world. Between balancing the demands of college and the sacred responsibility of birth work, I’ve found a purpose that fills my heart and keeps me grounded through the chaos. Some days, I’m just another college student, rushing to make it to class on time, surviving on coffee, and squeezing in study sessions wherever I can. Other days, I’m standing in a delivery room, helping someone breathe through the intensity of labor or offering a steady hand during moments of uncertainty. It’s not a life for the faint of heart, but it’s one I’ve chosen wholeheartedly.

Balancing college life with birth work is no small feat. My day starts early, with classes from 9 AM to 1 PM. Afterward, I often work as an RBT, supporting clients through behavioral interventions and teaching essential skills. By the time evening rolls around, I’m either buried in coursework or on-call for a laboring client. My phone is always nearby, ready to light up with a text or call that means it’s time to drop everything and head to the hospital. When that call comes, everything else fades away. Essays, deadlines, and sleep deprivation take a backseat to the family who needs me. Birth is unpredictable—labor can last hours or even days—and I’ve learned to adapt, squeezing in naps during pauses in labor or typing out assignments in waiting rooms. It’s not easy, but every time I see a baby placed into their parent’s arms for the first time, I’m reminded why I do this work.

Birth isn’t just my job—it’s my calling. There’s something deeply sacred about being present for such a transformative moment in someone’s life. I’ve seen it all: the quiet strength of a birthing person as they power through the hardest contractions, the tears of joy when a baby takes their first breath, and the collective sigh of relief when the room fills with the sound of a newborn’s cry. As a doula, my role is to be a steady presence amidst the intensity of labor. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement, suggesting a new position for relief, or simply holding someone’s hand, I aim to create a space where families feel empowered and supported. Birth is raw and unpredictable, but it’s also beautiful. Watching someone discover their own strength in those moments is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

My background as an RBT and psychology major has given me a unique perspective in the birth room. Understanding how emotions influence behavior and how stress impacts decision-making helps me anticipate my clients’ needs and tailor my support. Birth is as much an emotional and psychological experience as it is a physical one, and being attuned to those dynamics makes all the difference. Sometimes, my role involves guiding someone through breathing exercises to manage pain. Other times, it’s helping them find their voice to advocate for themselves or offering a simple reminder: “You’re not alone in this.”

Birth is a deeply personal journey, and every family deserves to feel heard, respected, and cared for during such a monumental experience.

Being a college doula has taught me more about resilience, empathy, and human connection than any classroom ever could. I’ve learned the value of presence—of truly showing up for someone in their moment of need. I’ve witnessed the raw strength of birthing people as they push through exhaustion and pain to meet their babies. I’ve seen partners cry tears of joy, parents exchange nervous smiles, and nurses cheer on their patients. These moments remind me of the incredible capacity for love and determination that exists within all of us. I’ve also learned how to adapt to the unexpected. Birth is never predictable, and no two experiences are alike. One moment, I might be helping a client work through a challenging contraction pattern; the next, I’m offering reassurance during an unexpected turn in their birth plan. Flexibility, patience, and a calm demeanor are essential—not just in the birth room, but in life.

Juggling college life and birth work isn’t without its challenges. There are days when I feel like I’m walking a tightrope, trying to balance academic deadlines with the unpredictability of being on-call. But amidst the exhaustion and chaos, there’s a deep sense of purpose that keeps me going. Every birth I attend reminds me of why I chose this path. It’s not about the late nights, the missed social events, or the long hours of studying squeezed into unpredictable schedules. It’s about the families I get to support, the lives I get to touch, and the moments of profound joy that I get to witness.

Being a doula is more than a career for me—it’s a privilege. It’s an honor to be invited into such an intimate and transformative moment in someone’s life. I’ve held hands through tears, shared laughter in between contractions, and celebrated the incredible strength of people as they bring new life into the world. This work isn’t glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding. It’s about connection—about being present for someone in their moment of vulnerability and reminding them that they are capable, strong, and supported. It’s about witnessing the beauty of human resilience and celebrating the miracle of life in all its raw, messy, and beautiful glory.

As I move forward in my journey, I know birth work will always be a part of my life. It’s shaped me into a more empathetic, grounded, and resilient person. It’s taught me to find joy in the small moments, to embrace the unexpected, and to see the strength in every person I meet. To the families who have trusted me to be part of their birth stories: thank you. You’ve given me a gift I’ll carry with me forever.

To anyone considering birth work: it’s not easy, but it’s worth every sleepless night and every sacrifice. Here’s to the coffee-fueled study sessions, the late-night labor calls, and the incredible families who remind me why I love what I do. Being a college doula isn’t just a job—it’s who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.