doula with no transportation

[erines]

So I am about to finish my doula training classes and start attending births on a volunteer basis (to become certified eventually, maybe). Ideally I'd like to attend my first birth with an already certified doula (any certified doulas in Seattle looking for an apprentice?)The problem is I don't have a vehicle of my own. I'm in Seattle now and use public transportation.This is another reason I want to work under a certified doula a first, because I don't have reliable transportation to be the woman's number one support person. Comments? Experiences anyone? Thanks, Erin

[Persephone]

I use public transportation. I also have dh to rely on if public transportation is unavailable. (Like, in the middle of the night) The birth center I work at is literally 5 mins away, and I won't take clients who birth anywhere else. (I made an exception once to a couple who offered to pick me up, once I made clear to them that I didn't drive, but they ended up not needing to get me.)

It's really not an ideal situation, and hopefully temporary. But it's worked for me so far.

[1stimestar]

Put back some cab fare for the birth from your fee.

[Jilian]

If you're working with a certified doula (that doesn't mind picking you up) then it shouldn't be too much of a problem. And as long as you are volunteering your services then the couple shouldn't mind, just let them know up front that you do not have your own vehicle.

It might get tricky once you start charging. Just make sure you have a backup plan so you aren't at risk for missing a birth. One of the most important thing to most couples is reliability in a doula. I'm sure that as long as you assure them you will be able to attend their birth no matter what then they will feel comfortable hiring you.

[MamaTaraX]

Neither my husband nor I drive. I've never missed a birth :) My mom lives with us, my in-laws live on the same land. 9 times out of 10, one of those people takes me to births. I have attended home and hospital births. Occasionally I've had to take a cab. A nurse from the hospital brought me home once, at 2 in the morning :) My service area is limited, but that's about it. We save some money in case I have to take a cab. I only do volunteer births. We're not rich, we're pretty poor in fact. This is my calling though and I feel that thingswork out the way they are supposed to and they always have. My family is very supportive of what I do and they love to help. I could not do this without them.

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (7), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)