DONA v.s. ALACE???

[red moon]

Hi there,
I am trying to decide which route to take and am hoping for some input. It would be infinitely more convienent for me to get certified as a doula through DONA because they are offering a workshop in Alaska, which is where I live. In fact I have already pre-registered for the workshop which is to be held in August. But now I have just looked into ALACE and the vibe is very different~perhaps more up my alley....but does it really matter much? What are the big differences that you (any of you) know of? I just want to make the best choice here, and consider the fact that I am VERY low-income, so a training in my state would be much cheaper. Input?
Thanks!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I sponsored an ALACE workshop so I got to take it for free. That might be an option - you'd have to call them to check. I *definitely* preferred the ALACE workshop. Their philosophies are more inline with mine, and there was something intangible about it that I can't really explain that was just really awesome. DONA was good, but ALACE was really great.

[courtenay_e]

I second the suggestion of looking into whether you could sponsor an ALACE workshop. If you can work with nursing schools and alternative health practitioners, etc and get enough interest in your area (or maybe even in a more populated area, if you're not in one!), they're usually happy to come to you. AND you can't beat free! If you're more in tune with their philosophy, you might be mroe motivated and interested, etc. while learning and while at the workshop.

[red moon]

what do you think of me going ahead with DONA to get certified and then just taking an ALACE training later, for my own delight...? Any other benefits to going through ALACE over DONA on a practical level?

[wumanh]

you could also sponsor a Birth Arts International training and attend for free.

[courtenay_e]

Well, if the training has an effect on the way you run your business (and it may very well do so), it could make a big difference on where you get your initial training. HOWEVER, really, if you're up on being a doula and this is the only feasible way to do it, then go with DONA. My thought was just that, if you have a better philosophical match with ALACE, then you should do what you can to do the ALACE training. If that isn't realistic then go for DONA. Really, being practical is the only thing that works sometimes!

However, if you CAN swing the time involved in setting up an ALACE training, and then get it for free, in the meanwhile you can be doing the reading (and there's plenty of that!), three of the certifying births, and some of the work in the binder, as well. That's what I'd choose for ANY organization with whose philosophy I better matched, be it alace or not. but...that's just me!

[Om Girl]

Originally Posted by red moon

what do you think of me going ahead with DONA to get certified and then just taking an ALACE training later, for my own delight...? Any other benefits to going through ALACE over DONA on a practical level?

My co-worker and I both certified at the same time, she through DONA and me through ALACE and we "compared notes". Through my training with ALACE, I'm all set up to teach with lesson plans, etc. DONA didn't set that up through their lessons. Through ALACE, you can have another ALACE trained CBE come and critique your classes, through DONA, you video and send it in.

[Acacia]

Originally Posted by mamalotusyoga

My co-worker and I both certified at the same time, she through DONA and me through ALACE and we "compared notes". Through my training with ALACE, I'm all set up to teach with lesson plans, etc. DONA didn't set that up through their lessons. Through ALACE, you can have another ALACE trained CBE come and critique your classes, through DONA, you video and send it in.

DONA doesn't offer CBE education. It is just for doula certification so that's why they don't share lesson plans. ALACE I believe offers certification as a labor assistant and also CBE.

[1stimestar]

Coolness! Are you training with Peggy Halsey? She's a great trainer. Where are you? I am in Fairbanks and will be your DONA International State Representative. I will say that the medical staff here in Fairbanks, both at FMH and at Bassett (military hospital) are familiar with DONA and they are both very doula friendly. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Georganne

[DoomaYula]

I like ALACE's philosophy more, but I think more people have heard of DONA, and you're more likely to get referrals from their site. I don't think I've gotten a single referral from the ALACE site. However, I really loved my ALACE workshop and the trainer and the people who work there in Boston. I'm glad I'm with ALACE, I just wish it had the name-recognition of DONA.

[red moon]

Originally Posted by 1stimestar

Coolness! Are you training with Peggy Halsey? She's a great trainer. Where are you? I am in Fairbanks and will be your DONA International State Representative. I will say that the medical staff here in Fairbanks, both at FMH and at Bassett (military hospital) are familiar with DONA and they are both very doula friendly. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.
Georganne

Hi! Nice to meet you!
I live in Palmer. Do you have any idea how the Mat-Su Regional Hospital is in this regard? Thank you for introducing yourself!
~Stella

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by red moon

Hi! Nice to meet you!
I live in Palmer. Do you have any idea how the Mat-Su Regional Hospital is in this regard? Thank you for introducing yourself!
~Stella

I haven't heard, so that may be a good thing lol. You are welcome to join our Alaskan Doula email list and ask on there. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AlaskanDoulas/

Good luck!

[SarahEiley]

I first trained through DONAS and teh n took an ALACE workshop and teheAlace training was far more advanced and offered more hands-on training. The philosphy was also more holistic and I learned so much. My DONA trainign was good, just not quite as inspiring. I still certified with DONA because of it's major recognizability, though. Go to all the trainings you can, and tehn worry about where to certify. You can't learn too much!!