Doula Question ~ Clientele

[momma2be]

Ok, I've just started looking into becoming certified as a birth doula / postpartum doula.
Is there any way for me to find out whether the mamas in my area would actually like to have a doula?

When pregnant, I tried to find someone in my area, doula, midwife, etc, but couldn't find anyone. None of the doctors in the area could recommend anyone, and I mainly got raised eyebrows and weird looks for answers! Does that mean there just isn't much demand here for that type of support?

How would I go about promoting the use of a doula / educating mamas about the benefits of having a doula?

Have any of you been the only support available in an area? We are very rural, the nearest hospital that is equipped for birthing is 1.5 hours away.

How do mamas find you / your services?

Hopefully some portion of that makes sense! Any help, advice, suggestions you can give are appreciated!

[Stephanie L.]

hmmn. Sounds like you'll probably have a lot of pavement pounding to do. If mamas are giving birth then they can definitely benefit from your support, so there IS a need. But they might not know about doulas or that there is one available to them. You'll be busy self-promoting!

I live in Portland Oregon, a fairly progressive city in this area. We have a few birth centers, lots of midwives, doulas, and even a Midwifery College. I meet a lot of people who are familiar with the role of a doula, but many are not. It's a job in itself to inform the community!

Best wishes!

[mamabutterfly]

Are there any midwives in your general vicinity- or your state, lol? I'd probably ask them where they find clients, whether anyone looks for doulas, etc. Also maybe check for childbirth teachers? Offering to come speak to a class for free (about a topic, not your services directly) once you have been trained would be a great place to start. Even hospital childbirth classes.
For me, the reality of traveling SO much to everyone get to anyone would be daunting. I live in a progressive part of a city and can nearly walk to many clients houses and don't take anyone more than a half hour away, in part because of being able to get to them in labor. But the considerations are probably different when your whole life is rural/things far apart.

Just my thoughts.

mb