World Doula Week
In honor of World Doula Week (March 22-28), we will be talking with our favorite Doula, Dawn, of Compassionate Care Doula.
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Can anyone become a Doula?
The short answer is yes! Much like any other professional career. You can become anything that you work hard enough for and desire.
Becoming a doula takes dedication. My training organization is a 3-day workshop. The first day is getting to know one another and answer questions. The next two days are long days. 8 am to 6 pm. That is almost 30 hours of instructional learning. Most college courses are 3 hours a week for 12 weeks.
Once you have successfully completed a workshop, we require you to:
1) Attend 3 births complete a written log of 3 births to be submitted
2) Read 5 books from the required book list. Write 5 book reports. You must include, a quote that you liked and explain why with the page number. Find a quote that you disagree with or found controversial, and be able to critically analyze it. What information did you get from this book and how can you use it as a doula.
3) Make a resource list of Obstetrician, Midwives, chiropractor, Breastfeeding Consultants, Birth pool rentals, Childbirth Educators, Placenta Encapsulation specialist, Herbalist, Massage Therapist, Postpartum Doulas, Postpartum depression resources, Yoga instructors, Nutritionists, Photographers, Acupuncturist, Therapist, a Physical therapist for pelvic floor repair in your area.
4) Visit a hospital, take a tour. Record the date and tour that you took.
5) Sit in on a childbirth education class, include the name of the class, date, location, teachers name
6) Join our facebook group
Once all the requirements are submitted the committee will look it over and contact you if the information is correct and you can receive your certification.
Being a doula means long nights and days. Birth is unpredictable. Some labors can last for a few hours to a few days. Although those of us who do this work absolutely love it, we give up a lot to support our clients. You must make sure that you are mentally and physically able to be this kind of support for families. You will need your families support if you have small children. Our families must understand that when are supporting a mom in labor we may miss birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays and other important events.
So can anyone be a doula, yes. Its hard work but, we do it because we love our jobs.
For more information on Dawn and her services, please contact her on her website or follow her on Facebook.
Book us together as part of your birth team, receive a discount on both our services!
