How to Become a Birth Doula

A birth doula is a labor support person trained in supporting the mother during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and during the postpartum period. Doula's can expect to earn between $300-$1200 per birth. You will be expected to work on call and be away from your family for long hours. You will not perform physical exams or anything of that nature. A doula provides support physically and emotionally during labor and birth but does not perform medical procedures as a general rule. You will learn comfort techniques and coping skills to teach your expectant mother's for dealing with labor pain. You may also provide prental classes to the expecting mother and her partner as well as postpartum services such as breastfeeding support and new baby advice.

If you are sure you would like to train as a birth doula the first step is starting to read and learn everything you can about birth. From classic textbook's to birth stories. All will come in handy to you and the knowledge in invaluable.

Next you will want to decide if you want to become certified. Certifications has benefits but is not necessary in becoming doula. In deciding if you want to become certified it is best to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. In some areas of the country it is beneficial to be certified as competition is fierce and there are an overabundance of doulas. In other areas it won't matter if you are certified or not. You also need to consider what the organization you choose to certify has to offer you. Some provide a network for doulas and a standard of ethics that all practicing doulas abide by. Other's offer in depth continuing education and hold conferences and monthly meetings.

Training

Your training as a doula will require both theory and practical training. To begin with you will be given a book list to read. Next you will likely attend a series of childbirth education classes prior to your actual doula training. These consist of watching videos, discussing the female anatomy, what to expect during labor and of course interaction with pregnant mother's. Your doula training usually will last from 4 full days to 2 weeks or longer, depending on what organization you certify with or who trains you. Your training will be in depth and about all things birth related. You will learn comfort measures to use with your laboring mother's and how to advocate for them if you must deal with hospital staff. You will also learn how to market your services to the public and likely create your very first network with your classmates.

Attending Births

Before certifying with any organization you will need to attend a certain amount of births. This is the most exciting part and you will be an actual doula at this point! These certifying births are generally evaluated by your peers and the certifying organization you choose will review these evaluations. You might also be expected to write an essay for each certifying birth.

Certification

Your certification is complete when you have attended your training, classes and certifying births. You will generally pay a fee and receive your certificate at this point. Most organizations also charge a yearly membership fee as well.

How to Get Clients

Once you are certified it should be fairly easy to get work attending births. You will create a natural network with each birth you attend. Midwives, doctor's, nurses and other doula's might recommend your services. You can also join local and national doula groups for networking support. Or market your services yourself through fliers, word of mouth or advertisements. You could contact your local prenatal massage therapists, acupuncturist's and herbalists and trade referrals.