Birth doula. The birth Doula’s goal is to support a mother and her family throughout the birth process. This includes giving emotional encouragement, teaching about birth, giving massage and physical support during labor, and coaching breathing techniques and labor positions. Birth doulas typically visit their families 1-2 times before and after birth. Antepartum doula. These doulas commonly serve women who are having high-risk pregnancies or who are placed on bed-rest. They offer emotional support and sometimes even help with cooking and light housework. Postpartum doula. This type of doula helps new mothers learn to breastfeed their children, gain an understanding of normal infant sleep cycles, or calm them down. They offer information, support, and sometimes even help out around the house. Adoption doula. An adoption doula often works with both the birth mother and the adoptive family to offer emotional support and to ensure a smooth transition for the child as well as both mothers and families. Miscarriage/loss doula. These doulas help families deal with miscarriage and offer physical end emotional support throughout the process.
You can be trained at a location of DONA International, International Doula Institute, International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), Lamaze International, or to Labor (The Organization of Labor Assistants for Options & Resources). [3] X Research source [4] X Research source www. internationaldoulainstitute. com/doula-training/ As you choose your training program, you should not only make sure that it is reputable, but that it gives you what you’re looking for. You should consider the philosophy of the particular program, the depth and length of the training, as well as the cost — it can cost $500 or more. Don’t let cost stop you, however, and make sure you look into scholarship programs before turning down a program because of cost alone.
Gaining knowledge. You’ll have more opportunities to learn about the different aspects of being a doula, from connecting with clients to helping them breastfeed. Gaining credibility. Being listed in a database that allows you to be more easily found by clients. Becoming more marketable to new clients. You’ll be more likely to be trusted if you have some paperwork to back up your expertise.
16 hours of workshop instruction. 12 hours of childbirth education classes (you may substitute a 7-hour DONA approved “introduction to childbirth for doulas course” in place of the childbirth education series). Read a minimum of 5 books from DONA’s required reading list. You can download the required reading list from the website.
Observe a complete childbirth preparation series (not as an expectant parent). Attend an “Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas” class that is offered in conjunction with an approved workshop. Train in midwifery or childbirth education. Perform work experience in labor and delivery as a registered nurse (RN).
Lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or community breastfeeding educator Completion of 1 approved online course in breastfeeding basics or lactation education resources Completion of a 3-hour breastfeeding workshop that is taught by an educator with proper credentials (IBCLC, CLE or CLC)
Labor support before or at the onset of active labor Labor support of at least 15 hours total Continuous presence at the labor and birth Postpartum support Documentation of vaginal examinations on the birth record sheet’s labor progression chart Inclusion of a client confidentiality release form, DONA International birth record sheet, typewritten account of each birth (500 to 700 words), evaluation from each client and each client’s primary caregiver A list a of at least 45 local resources in at least thirty 30 different categories A signed copy of the DONA code of ethics and standards of practice Provide full contact information for 1 client and 1 birth professional who agree to serve as references for you Submit a typewritten essay (500 to 1,000 words) about the value and purpose of labor support Provide a check for the certification processing fee
Your training or certification program should be able to help you, but you’ll still need to be patient. Your clients will most likely not book you after speaking to you over the phone. You’ll need to go to their homes or meet with them during an interview process so they can make sure they can trust you.
Even if you’re not a birth doula, you may need your strength to help women out around the house or to help women change positions after labor.
You’ll also need to know how to be kind and loving with both the birth mother and her baby, and to continue to give the family your love and support. It’s important to be able to form emotional connections with the families you work with, while maintaining your objectivity and doing what’s best for the birth mother and her baby.
Your own family life should also be pretty flexible. You’ll need to be able to leave home at a moment’s notice, and to have someone to look after your children, if you have any. If you’re an antepartum, postpartum, or another doula, then your schedule may be a bit more regular, though being available is always a must. Having a flexible schedule will also make you a more desirable candidate for families.
You’ll also need to have a soothing and calm manner over the phone, since many of your clients will be calling you seeking reassurance. You’ll need to tell them that everything will be all right and to offer advice and comfort, especially if you’re on your way over and want your clients to stay calm until you arrive.
Getting support from other doulas can also help you tackle tricky situations with families or can just give you practical tips for improving your work.
Lactation counseling. Help families learn the intricacies of successful breastfeeding. Placenta encapsulation. This is the process of drying and then powdering the afterbirth of the baby to create capsules that the mother can eat. Some say that this has tremendous physical and emotional benefits for the mother. Childbirth education classes. You can share your knowledge in classes with expectant parents. These classes can also help you advertise your services. Photography. You can also take photographs of the happy families and their newborn children. Belly casting. You can create a mold of the mother’s pregnant belly for the family to keep as a memory of this exciting time.
