Becoming a Doula? Step 2

Dearest Reader,

This post is a continuation of our ongoing topic, Becoming a Doula.

Now that you have decided to continue your journey towards Doula-hood (congratulations!) it’s time to check out a few resources. I highly recommend researching the various doula certifying organizations. While there are not currently any requirements one has to follow to begin doula work, there are many benefits towards aligning yourself with a certifying organization. Here are a few, listed in no particular order:

• toLabor(formerly ALACE)
• Birth Arts International
• ProDoula
• Childbirth International
• Birthing from Within
• CAPPA
• DONA International
• Hypnobirthing

I suggest taking the time to review the vast array of certification processes each organization requires, in addition to reaching out to local doulas in your community and finding out which (if any) they chose and why.

Note: The rest of this post is written on the assumption that you are choosing to seek certification with an organization (which is not for everyone). If this does not interest you, I encourage you to instead check out my other posts here.

The cost for certification varies among the organizations, ranging anywhere from the $400’s to the $1,200 plus mark. Before you let the cost discourage you, consider that many of the programs offer scholarships! Also, keep in mind that this investment is for more than just a one time class or workshop, it marks the beginning of your new career.

There are one or two organizations that I am familiar with which offer Distance-Learning friendly models, namely Birth Arts International and Childbirth International, the rest require you to attend workshops and or class series. Most of these organizations have no set exam for you to take, and instead rely on your ongoing participation, and fulfillment of prerequisites such as required reading and the aforementioned workshop or class attendance. The amount of required reading also fluctuates greatly between organizations, however chances are you will become very familiar with certain prominent authors in the birth world, such as Penny Simkin, Sheila Kitzinger, Paulina Perez, and the iconic Ina May Gaskin.

You may be asked to first become a member of the organization, after which you can purchase a certification packet. The packet will outline the specific requirements necessary to become certified, which can consist of a combination of tasks such as completing a workbook, writing essays, attending classes, finishing your reading list, and attending births. Once you have your requirements fulfilled, send in your packet, wait for confirmation, and voila! You are well on your way.

To Summarize

1. Decide if being a Doula is the right fit for you.
   • Why do you want to be a Doula?
   • Can your current lifestyle change to allow the flexibility and commitment to your clients that is necessary?
   • Will you receive spousal/partner support in this endeavor?
   • Can you find childcare support, and back-up childcare support for emergencies?
   • Can you function on little to no sleep for long periods at a time?
   • If so, what kind of Doula work interests you? What are your passions in regards to birth, and how can you focus that passion to better serve your clients?
2. Decide if Certification is the route you want to take.
   • While there are currently no guidelines mandating that Doulas receive certification prior to serving clients, in my personal opinion working with a certifying organization has amazing benefits. By becoming a member of an organization that aligns with your values, you become part of an awesome community of men and women who have made that same decision. During your workshop and classes you get the opportunity to meet people in your area who are at the same point in their path to doula-hood as you, giving you the opportunity to form friendships and even potential business connections. You will learn about childbirth and labor from a historical, physiological, and emotional perspective. Depending on the organization you can also have the opportunity to learn more about the more practical and business-minded aspect of running your own doula business. I personally felt enlightened and empowered throughout my training, learned valuable information, and forged great friendships.
   • If Certification is not in your immediate plans, be sure to reach out to local doulas in your community for guidance. I also strongly recommend reading birth materials such as
     • The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions –Penny Simkin
     • The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth -Marshall H. Klaus
     • The New Pregnancy & Childbirth -Sheila Kitzinge
3.  Assuming you choose to seek certification…Find an organization that speaks to you.
   • Compare each organizations mission or pillars, get advice from doulas you know and respect, scroll through doula forums or Facebook groups…then finally form your own opinion. Do their values line up with yours? Do they offer learning models that cater to your learning style? Are their trainings available online or in your area? Is there a timeline in which you are required to complete your training? It’s best to consider these points and more before making your investment.
4. Begin your certification process!
   • This is the really exciting part! Register for a workshop (if applicable), and get started on your reading material. *Dearest Doula Tip*-Before spending some serious cash on all those books, check if any doulas in your area have copies they are willing to lend! You will find us to be a warm and friendly bunch, unless you perchance happen to catch us right after a marathon birth. If there are no doulas in your area, check for used books at a local used bookstore or online.
   • Start attending THE BIRTHS. Oh sweet goodness, the births!
     • If you are unsure of how to get started, (like I was) try reaching out to your local doula community for opportunities. In the beginning you may feel more comfortable shadowing established doulas with their clients, which is a great way to see what you’ve learned be put into practice, and also gives you the chance to get familiar with a variety of birth settings  and birth professionals (different hospitals, birth centers, doctors, midwives, etc.). This option is also helpful because it gives you a taste of what doula life is really like before making that final plunge.
     • If you are down like Charlie Brown, I still suggest checking with your local doula community for tips and advice on how to get started. Depending on your community there may also be doula agencies to consider joining, or non-profit doula service organizations you can volunteer with. Either way, this time is the most exciting for a new doula, have a blast!
5. When all requirements are met, submit your packet for certification.
   • Make sure you have everything in order before sending off your packet to avoid any delays in receiving your certification. If you have any questions or concerns, try calling the organization themselves as they can be helpful, or reach out to me. I’m pretty friendly 🙂
6. Once you have received your Certification-CELEBRATE!!!

You did it! Congratulations and welcome 🙂 Certification can be a long and frustrating process. Kudos to you for having the heart and spunk to reach the goal line! Now you can focus on your business and consider expanding your services to include things like bellybinding, placenta encapsulation, prenatal massage and more. I hope to have posts on these topics out for you soon!

Lastly my dears, I would love to hear from Doulas-to-be and Doulas about your journey! Feel free to share your questions, concerns, and moments of triumph. What led you to becoming a Doula? How is your training going, and if already complete, how did you feel about it? I look forward to hearing from you 🙂

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula