Q. I have read about doulas and I want to become one. What should I do first?
Becoming a doula seems daunting at first. We want to help you with this. You will find a list of steps for certification with DONA here. Print off these instructions and read through them several times.
The most important things you can do to begin is:
1) Become a member of DONA! This is a requirement for certification with DONA and will give you support throughout the process. You can also receive referrals and a quarterly journal as a benefit of your membership.
2) Read The Doula Book and The Birth Partner
3) Register and attend a DONA approved birth doula training workshop. You will receive a discounted fee for your workshop if you host a training. For a complete list of DONA approved training see their website.
Q. What will be covered in a birth doula training workshop?
A DONA approved workshop is going to cover core requirements:
It will be at least 16 hours
It will cover the Significance of Birth, Prenatal Client Contact, Communication Skills, Emotional Support, Comfort Measures, Difficult Births, Ideal Births, Cesarean & VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and The Newborn Family.
Q. I don't have a medical background. Am I qualified to attend a training and be a doula?
A doula is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide labor support. She does not perform clinical tasks. By reading and attending the workshop you will be equipped to be a wonderful doula who can provide excellent labor support. The most important requirement is that you have a warm heart and a gentle spirit.
Q. I haven't given birth. Can I still be a doula?
Absolutely! One of the founders of DONA, Annie Kennedy, had no children when she started as a doula. Our role as a doula is not to related to our birth experience. We are simply to support our client's wishes for her birth. Sometimes this is easier for women who have not given births themselves. Having a heart for women will be your most important qualification as a doula. Don't wait until you have had children to be a doula!
Q. Is there really a need for doulas where I live?
The benefits of doulas have been documented and supported. All women NEED support regardless of age, race, or economic status. Every woman should have access to a doula. DONA's mission is a doula for every woman that wants one. Whether doulas are widely recognized in your area depends. If they are not, you will be a pioneer and you are desperately needed. Doulas are not a passing fad. They are here to stay, and your client base will grow if you stick with it.
Q. How will I find clients?
This is always one of the first questions that comes to a doula's mind when she is starting out. It is also a subject we discuss during the training. Briefly, networking with other doulas, childbirth educators, OB's, midwives, and pregnant families are all ways you will be able to find clients. It is surprising how quickly you will find that your calendar will fill once you get your name out there!
Q. Can I make money being a doula? Can I quit my job after the training and make a decent living?
This is one of the toughest questions we are asked! Many factors contribute to how much money you make. The average across the US is anywhere from $200 - $1,000 a birth. As you can see, this is a very wide average. The more experienced you are, the more you will have flexibility on how much you charge. Most doulas are charging something in the middle of this range. Again, the longer you are a doula, the less you will have to market. Your name will begin to be passed around and referrals will come more easily. Whether you quit your job or continue working a traditional job has to be something you decide after gathering all the information you can and weighing how big a risk you want to take. That is something that takes time and cannot be decided at the beginning of this process.
Q. I have a baby and am still breastfeeding. I don't think I can leave my baby for 2 days to do the training. What can I do?
As doulas, we know how precious those first years are, and how much they need their mom! We always welcome breastfeeding babies. We do recommend that you bring someone with you to assist you if you are able to. This will allow you to get the most from your training!
Q. What do I do after the training if I have a problem or question?
It is often overwhelming when you are starting out. It is important for you to have support throughout the whole process and not just through the training. We will always make ourselves available to answer questions or support you after you have attended a birth.
This list of questions is by no means conclusive. If there is a question that has not been answered please don't hesitate to ask!
