[LoveLife]

Hi everyone,<br><br>
Well, I've found my passion and I desperately want to be a midwife, but the DH and I have decided that I will becoma a doula 1st because we are looking at starting our family soon <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/loveeyes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Loveeyes">: . SOOO, I've been reading every book I can get my hands on and have been looking into all the doula certification programs I can find. I need to do distance learning, although I can probably work out a workshop thing if there's a need.<br><br>
Now finally to the point...<br>
I really like Birth Arts and ALACE, there are definite advantages that I see to both. For those of you who have taken these programs, what did you think? What were the benifits of it, the negatives??? Agh, there's so much to know!<br><br>
Oh, and has anyone done or heard anything about the Birthing From Within Doula training?<br><br>
Ok, that's it, sorry for the long post! And thanks for your help!

 

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I loved the ALACE workshop but I don't think they have a distance training for doulas. I sponsored the workshop in Atlanta, so I got to take it for free (but it was a lot of work). It was AWESOME. I've trained both with DONA and ALACE and I thought ALACE was definitely more advanced and their philosophies are more in line with my own.<br><br>
Have you thought about being a doula w/ little kids? I don't attend births anymore in part because of the MAJOR stress of childcare. Who takes the kids at 3 am, when you have to go to a birth and your husband has to leave for work at 7 am? What if you're with a mom in labor for 36 hours straight? It can certainly be done, but I found the stress made it too hard for me. Look into certification requirements-time limits, how to stay certified, etc., so you don't realize you need to take a break for motherhood and lose all the hard work you did (I know ALACE has no time limit for certification, not sure about renewal requirements if there are any, I can't remember).

 

[LoveLife]

Yeah, I definitely know that when we get into our family I'll be taking some breaks. They definitely come 1st. Fourtuntately we have friends who would probably watch our kids when I'm at a birth and hubby is at work. I also know a great child care program in our area if I HAD to use them. I'll have to look into the requirements of keeping my certification.<br><br>
Basically I will be doula-ing when and how often I feel comfortable when it comes to the family...<br><br>
Its so amazing to have finally found your place, or nitch or calling or whatever.

 

[nimblemama]

I am going through the ALACE childbirth educator program. I have looked into all the educator/doula trainings that ALACE and Birth Arts offer. I really like them both since they have distance training. True, one drawback with ALACE doula program is that you need to attend a workshop in your area. I think prices for both programs are comparable. I also like that ALACE has a referral list on their site.

 

[SublimeBirthGirl]

The nice thing about being a doula is that you can be independent, and only do as much work as works for your family <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[Rockies5]

I'm an ALACE educotor as well and thought the etire program was great. I can't really compare it to others because I have only done one program....but it was complete enough that I don't plan to do any others.<br><br>
I will be attending the ALACE doula program in May and am anxiously awaiting my manual!!<br><br>
One drawback to any distance program is that you don't have face to face discussions with your mentor. My Mentor I felt was very critical of my work, and I had to constanly email her to explain my answers better. Once we spoke on the phone and it was much easier. But that one thing was worth the self-paced learning and ability to take my exam while breastfeeding a 3-week old at home. At that time in my life I could never have attended a conference, or week end workshop. I also think the 1on1 training is more beneficial then a big lecture, it also gives you time to absorb everything (I study best by skimming, absorbing, and then going back to review---this learning style I think wouldn't work well at a conference)<br><br>
The doula training is close to my home, so it's a mini-vacation but I can go home anytime.<br><br>
I think it's a benefit to do ALACE because where I am they aren't as well known, so people want to know what it is and are always impresed with the woman-centered appraoch and conception of the whole thing.<br><br>
I've also noticed that ALACE isn't as rigid in class format. I don't know how this compares to Birth Works or any of the newer ones.

 

[DoomaYula]

I'm ALACE-trained. I totally loved the workshop, it was like the highlight of 2005 for me (okay after having baby #3 in early 2005)!<br><br>
I've found that the ALACE staff are incredibly willing to return phone calls, emails, faxes, etc. I just talked to Susan Cassel (CNM in charge of education) yesterday for 2 HOURS about a recent birth I attended.<br><br>
I don't have experience with any other programs. I once looked into Birthing From Within but it look like it would take forever.

 

[KaraMaia]

I teach the Birth Arts Doula Program and of course, highly recommend it!<br><br>
ALACE is also a great organization, I completed their childbirth educator training in 2001, however they do not offer a distance learning doula training. So, if you are interested in distance learning to become a birth doula, then you are welcome at Birth Arts!<br><br>
You can do all distance learning to complete your certification as a birth doula. We also have great birth doula workshops which are optional and now being offered all around the US. In 2008, we will also be having trainings in Europe.<br><br>
You are welcome to email me with any specific questions.