Looking for Advice about Doula training programs

[Mamato2and2]

Hi everyone,

I am considering doing a doula training program next year--would like to sooner but it's not reasonable since I am expecting a little one myself soon!

So here's my question: What do you all think of local doula training courses that are NOT the big organizations such as ALACE, DONA, CBI, etc.? Here are my concerns....the local one offers much more support after training but it doesn't seem to be recognized--they are fairly new--, the local one seems a bit more pricey but offers much more "training" whereas the larger ones seem to just train you and then set you free--not that I don't want to be free but I would like to know someone is here in case I need/want advice etc. Do clients ask where you were trained and does it make a difference if it is a large, well recognized organization or a small one??

I have lots more questions/concerns but they are not coming to me right now! Anyone have any insight for me???

[tlcdoula]

Honestly I have never had a client ask me who I certified or trained through. I have had some families find me on the websites of the bigger orgs, but they never ask much about training or certification.

I really think it depends on the area that you live in on whether people care who you certified and/or trained through, and what is the norm in your area. If this local group is the norm then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Honestly I have gotten more questions about things such as "who takes care of your kids when you are at a birth" then about my training/certification.

[mamallama]

It's never mattered to any of my clients where or with whom I received training.

If the local program appeals to you, I say go for it! If you want, you can certainly make use of the sideline stuff the national organizations offer (conferences, conference tapes, booklets, continuing ed...) without getting your primary training through them. The big thing you'd be missing is the referrals. I'm a DONA doula (lapsed & retired,) and while DONA is probably the best for referrals, I didn't get many calls from my listing. Most of my referrals have been word of mouth.

[SaffronDoula]

Originally Posted by mika3

the local one offers much more support after training but it doesn't seem to be recognized--they are fairly new--, the local one seems a bit more pricey but offers much more "training" whereas the larger ones seem to just train you and then set you free--not that I don't want to be free but I would like to know someone is here in case I need/want advice etc. Do clients ask where you were trained and does it make a difference if it is a large, well recognized organization or a small one??

I would go with the one you think you will learn more with. My clients have asked me about my training and certification, but training seems to be more important to parents, in my experience, than actual certification. I think that in a community where a doula training is offered, it would be invaluable to take this training and enter the community through this avenue, regardless of other avenues you might also take.

You can always certify with a larger organization later. If you are planning on moving in the near future, however, it may be better to certify with an organization that would be recpognized in your new home. If you really will learn more from the local training, I would say go with that one. If anyone asks why you chose it, tell them honestly that you feel you received better training and are therefore a better doula.

[mommaren]

In my case, the local organization did not go as well. This was a new program - I believe I was the third to sign up. We met a few times to "talk" about what we would be training to do and how to involve the community, etc. That was seven months ago and still no training has been provided. I am now going through DONA, even though I wish it would have worked out locally. It would be a great networking opportunity for you to stay local if you feel you would get the education you want.