Doula certifications: DONA, ALACE?

[Serenity]

I'm looking into hiring a doula and have noticed that there seem to be different certifications and training programs for them. can anyone tell me what the difference is between certificiations? Should I be looking more seriously at one kind than another?

[happyday8598]

From my understanding while they are different organizations, the only real difference is that ALACE allows their Doulas to do internal exams if they would like, and have had the training for...

I train with ALACE, but not for that reason.

While getting info, DONA didn't ever reply or follow up with me in anyway, while ALACE was prompt, efficient, and friendly.

After the workshop weekend, and my trainer, I am EXTREMELY pleased with my choice... My trainer was PHENOMENAL!

Love,
Emily

[copslass]

Hey, Happy,
I just received another postcard for an Alace weekend workshop in my area.
Would you like to share opinion on this type of workshop?
Exactly what kind of certificate does the workshop entitle one to, if any, or how much more is involved?
TIA,
Tracy

[serenetabbie]

i do not know the difference between training programmes, but i did have a doula with my second birth. What a difference it made! I was her last "training" birth for alace. they were very promt in sending out forms for me to fill out about her "prefomance". I did look into the other one, but as i did not have a computer at the time, got no response. perhaps i sent my letter to the wrong people! good luck to you!

[happyday8598]

Tracy, I LOVED the workshop. Mine was a 3-day workshop from, like 9-6pm or something... One night we all went out to eat together and had a working lunch, the rest we were on our own.

I received a completion of the workshop certificate, but I also now have to read a bunch of books, attend 6 births and have the laborers right up a report on my work. I also will have to take a test. I beleive after that I will be certified.

Are you looking into going to this workshop? Does it say who the leader is???

Good luck on your journey!

The hard part is finding the clients!! STILL WAITING TO ATTEND MY FIRST BIRTH!!

Love,
Emily

[copslass]

Serene,
I am happy to hear that your doula brought joy to your birth!

Emily,
Yep, I am actually considering attending this workshop. It is in Ontario, Canada, the closest so far (I am by the OH- MI border).
With four kids, I balk at spending $ on myself, but I am getting over that. I am a person with dreams, too!
I work full-time, and am taking a few classes at a time to become a RN, after which my goal is to earn my CNM.
Sometimes it seems impossible, how to provide for my brood and my goals simultaneously?
Wishing you the best at attending your required births. Have you considered attending LLL meetings or speaking with a group of midwives in your area?
A local DEM-turned-CNM is a friend of mine for years, I am planning to approach her on the subject when the time comes.
Oh, I looked up the instructor's name for this workshop. It is Sarah Watson. Do you know her?

Thanks to both of you for the encouragement!

Tracy

[Jyotsna]

Emily

Emily,

Was your trainers name Terese?

[Jecca]

alce?

Does Alace have a web site???

[melissaworld]

http://www.alace.org/

[Jyotsna]

ALACE Labor Assistant Certification Workshop...

Hi everyone,

If you are in the south or south east and interested in attending an ALACE labor assistant certificate workshop, I will be (YIPPEE!) hosting a workshop in MEMPHIS, TN sometime in July 2002. We are still working on the date, but it will more than likely be in July.

Watch here for more information, or on ALACE's website schedule.