Doulas- any experiences with them?

[synergy]

I am going to be taking a Doula certification course in about 2 weeks.
I'm very interested in providing labor support to women, and would love to train to become a midwife, but I'm not at a place right now where I would be willing to move for the education.

I am not planning on doing this as a full time gig, but rather, something occasional, mostly for friends, family, friends of friends- and also, as an education experience for me, as I plan to have a child in the next few years.

Anyone here have any experience with Doula's?

[Alicia Avocado]

I had a friend (who I am no longer friends with) who became a doulah.

Things started off well, but then she got wayyyy too bossy with the advice and suddenly her calls stopped.

But, I've seen the industry growing and a lot of people are fans of it from what I have heard...I think you'd be great - go for it!

[Her Jazz]

I have a friend who is a doula....she's amazing. I've thought of trying for certification also. It's a great idea.

Good luck!

[NotYet]

We've had several family friends who were Doulas. Great, great people. But be carfull, it usually starts part time but rarely stays that way! I speak as the 'official doula/midwife babysitter' for lots of 'em. Rarely went more than a month without a gaggle of kids dropped off at my house at midnight!

[danakscully64]

My sister is a Doula. *AHIMSA* is a doula as well, but she hasn't been on in a while My sister loves doing it, she just has a hard time getting consistent business. If you have any questions for her, I can pass them to her, she would love to answer them. She has 3 kids herself and 1 on the way.

[Kenickie]

synergy, are you doing it with DONA International?

I am a registered doula for the exact same reasons that you are thinking of becoming one! I became one for my bestest girlfriend and helped her deliver little Silas.

[synergy]

My sister is a Doula. *AHIMSA* is a doula as well, but she hasn't been on in a while My sister loves doing it, she just has a hard time getting consistent business. If you have any questions for her, I can pass them to her, she would love to answer them. She has 3 kids herself and 1 on the way.

I don't have any questions yet, but I may after taking the course. Thank you!

synergy, are you doing it with DONA International?

I am a registered doula for the exact same reasons that you are thinking of becoming one! I became one for my bestest girlfriend and helped her deliver little Silas.

I am taking a DONA approved course. To get actual DONA certification, I'll have to attend 3 births, have the mothers evaluate me and do a write up of some kind. I do plan to get certified

[danakscully64]

Anytime, you know how to reach me!

[rockindancer86]

Just wanted to drop in and say that's awesome! I'm looking into becoming a midwife (and working with immigrant women if possible).

[zoebird]

there are a lot of distance courses that you can take in midwifery, and then do your apprenticeship with a local and it will fulfill the requirements.

my cousin is a doula. it is part time for her--she only has one client per month, if that.

i'm considering getting it, but in post partum work particularly because i'd rather support after the birth rather than during. i feel like i would be too frustrated with doctors and midwives during--i feel like they often inhibit the birth process. having been at births as a "friend support" i really have seen this and it is sad. i found myself so angery, that i don't do that anymore. i just go and support people after now.

i cook, clean, hang with the mom, wetnurse if wanted, and just offer whatever support i can. so if i do become a doula, it will be a post partum doula.