Doulas... how did you get started?

[Black Orchid]

And by started I don't mean by researching and going to the DONA website I mean, how did you make connections, what training did you get, etc that prepared you to be certified by DONA?

I have two little girls, DD1 is 4 and DD2 is 1.5, so I think my journey will be slow... especially considering the cost of attending the training to do all the stuff... I don't think I'll be ready to do births for a year because DD2 is still nursing a lot. Would it make sense to do something like become a CBE or an LC first? I have passion for both... DD1 had major nursing issues and I learned alot... she nursed for 3.5 years and I also tandem-ed... I also would love to be a CBE, but how do you make connections to get clients? I'm also interested in learning massage therapy or acupuncture... Ultimately when the girls are older (like in 10 years) I'd like to become a CNM and start a natural women's health center where I live...

So help! Inspire me. Please share your thoughts, ideas and experiences!

[christyc]

:

[Black Orchid]

Originally Posted by christyc

:

I got soooo excited when I saw someone replied

we're waiting...

[teachinmaof3]

I'll bite....

I've known for a long time that I wanted to be a doula but the timing wasn't right (still having babies, nursing an itty bitty, etc). Once my ds was getting old enough to be left without the boobs for longer periods of time, I decided it was time to start pursuing doula work.

I decided to go with CAPPA because I wanted to keep all my certifications with one organization (although I decided not to certify as LD right now and if I can in the next couple of years, I want to go through CBIs course). Some online friends and I took the labor doula/cbe training last July.

The midwife I used for my last two pregnancies offered to let me come to births (with the Mama's "ok" of course) and take me under her wing. I also just started telling people what I was doing. My first client was a friend at church. I talked to her some about hospital vs homebirth VBAC and helped her with resources in the area. Eventually I offered my services to her and she accepted. Another client was a lady I met online, we met IRL and hit it off. She decided before she was pregnant again that she wanted me as her doula. Her sister became pregnant at the same time and hired me. I have a new client that I met through a nursing mom's meet-up group several months ago and she hired me in October. So far I've only had one client hire me through my website.

Last fall I started midwifery school. The majority of my clients now are through my apprenticeship so I'm doing a bit more than just straight doula work.

As far as the CBE work goes, again I just started telling people that I was teaching. Several of my students have been referrals from my preceptor and I've had one from a doula friend of hers. I also was able to put a little announcement in our church bulletin one month and have had two students from that.

I don't really advertise too much. Partly because I don't have the money but more because I don't want to be super busy.

HTH some!

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I think starting off as a CB is a great idea. Much easier to plan around a nursling. It does require a lot of marketing.

My first doula clients came through our local birth network, or were my students (I was a CBE first). It is, IME, super easy to find clients if you're attending births at a reduced cost, and if you're a CBE you have a natural client base as well.

[Noelia430]

Originally Posted by Black Orchid

And by started I don't mean by researching and going to the DONA website I mean, how did you make connections, what training did you get, etc that prepared you to be certified by DONA?

I have two little girls, DD1 is 4 and DD2 is 1.5, so I think my journey will be slow... especially considering the cost of attending the training to do all the stuff... I don't think I'll be ready to do births for a year because DD2 is still nursing a lot. Would it make sense to do something like become a CBE or an LC first? I have passion for both... DD1 had major nursing issues and I learned alot... she nursed for 3.5 years and I also tandem-ed... I also would love to be a CBE, but how do you make connections to get clients? I'm also interested in learning massage therapy or acupuncture... Ultimately when the girls are older (like in 10 years) I'd like to become a CNM and start a natural women's health center where I live...

So help! Inspire me. Please share your thoughts, ideas and experiences!

Hey! Call me and we'll talk. I'd love to hear from you.

[wildthing]

I took the DONA training, but I chose not to become certified. I have gotten clients mostly from the office I work at (holistic health care, many different modalities). A few were from friends who know me, and know what I do. I have been involved with our natural parenting community for a very long time, so when I started working as a doula/midwifery apprentice, people just heard it through the grapevine. Friends tell friends of theirs and give out my number.

I think finding out about local groups focusing on natural parenting/living, as well as your own birth community is important. Go to area meetings, introduce yourself to other CBEs in the area. Get to know people and network. Go and talk to people, hold a Q&A session at a library. I have done day care for over 17 years, and I have not advertised in the last 15 years. I learned that networking and being a visible presence is a very effective way to increase your business.