Interested in becoming a doula- advice?

[Chic_Mama]

Okay, I currently do consultations with mamas to be and new mamas about taking care of their families naturally- writing their birth plan, how to cloth diaper, removing toxins from your home, and so on. However, lately I have been wanting to get some sort of certification I think that becoming a doula would be the most appropriate route to go. I would like to complete the education to become both a birth and postpartum doula, although I think for now I would only be able to practice as a postpartum doula. What advice can you give me? Where should I start? Give me everything you've got!

[courtenay_e]

Find an organization with whom to certify. Take a look at all of them, figure out with whom you most align philosophy-wise, and pay the fee. Read the books. Get your name out there in the natural birthing community, if it isn't already (seems like it might be!). That's basically it. Most orgs take about six months to a year to cert, for each "kind" of doula.

Have fun!

alace.org (though it appears that their site may be down while under reconstruction?)

dona.com

findadoula.com

birthworks.org

there are some good places to start...

[tlcdoula]

www.alace.org
dona.org
cappa.net
www.childbirthinternational.com
icea.org

I know there are other certifying bodies as well Good luck