Becoming a doula

Foxinsocks

I just signed up for classes to become a doula through DONA. Anyone else get this certification? Any advice? I am working my way through the readings, and I am newly pregnant (multitasking, ftw!). 

OldGlory

I'm intending to become one. I figured I'd focus on it after LO arrives b/c getting ready for baby and working ft  and trying to read as much as possible, etc for the birth puts a lot on my plate as it is.

Additionally, I'm using a doula for my birth and I want to experience it before putting in more money for a certification. The plus side, is that I'll already have the books and would have recently read them.

Oh, and there are a number of certifications out there. My doula is certified through Childbirth International. She informed me that (to her) it was more rounded as far as supporting women and what the various needs focused where as DONA was more only natural/non-medicated birth needs focused. It's all about finding the right fit for you.

GL!

Celyn

Yes, I'm DONA certified.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.  I can't imagine trying to be a doula with a newborn though.  It was hard with a nursing toddler.  Are you planning to do birth or postpartum work?

oliversmommy32912

I am in the process of becoming DONA certified. It's been a lot of fun! My first client is due in four weeks and my next one is due in eight. I have finished the training and have observed both a childbirth and breastfeeding series. I am working my way through the required reading right now.

The only part I am concerned about is we are going to start to TTC number two in the summer and I know I won't be able to attend any births while pregnant (I have a super weak stomach during pregnancy) and DEFINITELY not with a small baby. DS is ten months and I am just now getting it together so to speak. Part of me feels like I should have waited until our kids were older but everything just sort of fell into place so here I am!

Good luck on the pregnancy and with the certification! 

Foxinsocks

Celyn:

Yes, I'm DONA certified.  I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.  I can't imagine trying to be a doula with a newborn though.  It was hard with a nursing toddler.  Are you planning to do birth or postpartum work?

 

im not in a rush to get certified. I think I have 2 years, right? Plus, I have a wonderful day job as a teacher. My intention is to only do doula work in the summers, when I am not teaching. Not trying to do it as a career, I will probably focus on low-income and teens. 

Celyn

Awesome.  There's a huge need for that.  Good luck!

briannabeebug

I'm in the process of getting DONA certified as well!  I took the class last december ('11) and thanks to pregnancy am almost finished with all the reading.....annd now trying to figure out how to attend births...good luck!