If you care about women and babies, and want to be able to provide support during pregnancy and birth in a caring supportive way, then you might want to explore being a doula.
A doula supports a woman during the birth process, serving as a partner, advocate, and coach. She does not provide medical treatment, but is there to support the woman and her birth experience. Doulas are not licensed or certified by state agencies, but there are formal training programs you can participate in to learn how to be a doula.
Step 1: Decide If It's Right for You
- Doulas provide emotional support, education, and encouragement to woman during labor and birth. Some doulas also work with women and their families during the postpartum period, helping manage the changes a new baby brings. Reading books and journal articles and speaking with experienced doulas can help you decide if this is a profession you would like to pursue.
Step 2: Attend Training
(Creative Commons photo by moppett65535)There are three organizations that train doulas worldwide. DONA (Doulas of North America), Canada's CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Association) and ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators). Each program offers certification at the end of training and apprenticeship. The classroom training is generally only a few days long, and can be accomplished in a long weekend. Doulas are also required to attend a workshop on breastfeeding and lactation support.
Most organizations offer continuing education and seminars so that training can continue throughout your career.
Step 3: Apprenticeship
- Before becoming certified, DONA requires that aspiring doulas attend at least three births from the beginning of labor through the immediate postpartum period, and that their performance be evaluated by three clients, three primary care providers, and three nurses or midwives.
Conclusion
While extensive education is not required to begin work as a doula, you do need to attend training and assist with at least three births under supervision before applying for certification. Continuing education and practice will help your skills to evolve, and give you the satisfaction of assisting women and their families at a very important time in their lives.
