doula certification..

[snugglebug14]

Debating about becoming a certified doula or doing a training not associated with any organization. 2 questions
-Uncertified doulas...do you think it hinders your ability to attract client? Or do you have a busy enouh practice? How many births per month do you do?
-I am also an herbalist and will be a lacatation counselor soon. If I am certified is my scope of practice limited? Can my doula client see me separately if she wants an herbal consultation? As a DONA, ALACE or CAPPA doula can I recommend herbs and homeopathics?
Thanks

[Rockies5]

You can recommend herbs as a herbalist; but not as a doula. Their training won't qualify you to do this. Make sense?

like, as long as you are clear that it's because you are a herbalist and those credentials that you already have.

[teachinmaof3]

Uncertified doulas...do you think it hinders your ability to attract client? Or do you have a busy enouh practice? How many births per month do you do?

It hasn't so far IMO. But I don't want to be crazy-busy with clients right now. Since last October I've had 10 clients. Many of those were homebirth clients where I was in a doula role but also midwife assistant/apprentice.

[Midwife Kris]

Originally Posted by Rockies5

You can recommend herbs as a herbalist; but not as a doula. Their training won't qualify you to do this. Make sense?

like, as long as you are clear that it's because you are a herbalist and those credentials that you already have.

Over the years it is clear that "hat wearing" is a DONA thing. Meaning if you are a DONA doula and an herbalist you must take off the doula "hat" and put on your herbalist hat and speak as an herbalist, not a DONA doula providing herbal service. CAPPA from what I recall (don't hear much about them anymore) was not as stringent on delineating practices. ALACE, however, encourages Labor Assistants to obtain proper education desired for a particular area of service and integrate it into practice. Here is their Scope of Practice Statement.

[loudmama]

I am not certified & don't feel is has affected my business. Very few people seem to ask even. Though admittedly, I don't want to be very busy.

L

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I never certified and still had to turn women away sometimes. It never seemed to affect anything.

I liked the DONA training, but I *loved* the ALACE training.