Doulas in training...

dharmama · Jun 28, 2003

I posted a thread in TTC (where I spend most of my MDC time these days) about my upcoming doula training <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> - I'm VERY excited!!! 
Anyway...there were quite a few of us that are in the process of training, planning to train, dreaming about someday training etc. so I thought I'd start a thread for a new crop of doulas in training! 
Soooo... 
A little about me: 
I'm 29. TTC #1 since January of this year. I am a certified yoga teacher and I have been teaching prenatal yoga for almost a year now. I attended my first birth in December. My SIL was SO awesome and let me observe her son's birth. I pretty much knew when I was there that I wanted to become a doula but I kept thinking I would do the training "someday." 
I've worried about whether or not people would want me as a doula because I have not yet been pregnant (though it's certainly not for lack of tryin' <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/winky.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">). But a few weeks ago a couple of my prenatal yoga students stayed after class and we got talking about doulas. They both REALLY encouraged me to get certified as a doula because they want to hire me. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> 
So...here I go!!! 
I'm doing a DONA-approved training in early August. Right now I'm just starting my required reading books and soaking up everything birth related I can get my hands on. 
Anyone else? 
~Erin <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

Ligmom · Jun 28, 2003

Hi Erin, 
I am just starting on my certification process also. I am 28 years old, and am a SAHM to 3 amazing little boys... 
1. Nathan (C-section) 
2. Gus(VBAC in hospital with epidural) 
3. Gordon (homebirth w/midwife) 
As you can see, I have had a pretty wide variety of personal birth experience, and after my last birth, I just knew I needed to support other women to have positive birth experiences. I am certifying through BOCES (Birthing Options Childbirth Eduction Services), a Christian organization, and so far it has been wonderful. I have begun my required reading and attended the 3-day workshop, but I haven't attended any births since begining my training (my baby is only 4.5 months old). I am so excited to be doing this--are you planning to pursue training as a monitrice also? Good luck to you...I hope we are joined on this thread by other new doulas<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> 
Oh and lots of baby dust coming your way!!! 
Leigh-ann

dharmama · Jun 28, 2003

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wave.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wave"> Hi Ligmom! 
Wow! Congratulations! You HAVE had some varied birth experiences. Have you posted any of your birth stories? I'd love to read them. 
I have never heard of a monitrice <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/shrug.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="shrug"> so I just did a quick google search...sounds interesting. What do you think that training offers that is different than doula training? 
Nice to "meet" you! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> 
~Erin <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

xiola · Jun 29, 2003

I am Heather 27 and starting out on the doula path. I did my training in April, I still need to do my CBE classes. I have one client lined up (not until Feb) she is my friend. Other than that I have been reading. I am certifying thru DONA. 
Hey mama-wanna-be A friend of mine that I went thru training with has never been pregnant, has no children already has 8 clients lined up. She is a massage therapist and a wonderful person. I am sure you will do wonderfully!

Ligmom · Jun 29, 2003

Nice to meet you Heather! It's so good to "see" other women with similar interests. 
Erin...I haven't posted my birth stories yet, maybe one of these days I will get the time. I would like to go on to get my monitrice certification eventually. Monitrice certification includes clinical skills such as fetal heart tones, blood pressure, vaginal exams to check for presentation of the baby and dilation. Most women who hire monitrices do so in the hopes of staying home until time to push (or pretty close). This is VERY needed in my area of the country where interventions are almost completely guaranteed...we have a C-section rate of @60% in my county. UNREAL!!! Better to just stay home as long as it's possible! Right now, though, I am going to focus on learning to offer comfort and support during labor, birth, and postpartum. Once I get some more experience we'll see where I'm led. Are you planning to attend your friends' births? You don't have to be certified to attend and be helpful<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1">

Mom2baldie · Jun 30, 2003

Hi! My name is Lynsey, 25, and am going through birth doula certification with DONA. 
I went to the 3 day training in March and have 1, maybe 2 clients lined up for Sept. and Dec. They will both be VBACs. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love"> 
I have 2 children, my 1st was born by cesarean and the 2nd was a completely unmedicated VBAC with a doula, so VBACs definately have a special place in my heart. 
Ideally I would be working mainly with VBAC moms or teen moms, although thats not very realistic. I live out in the country and our local hospital does not even "allow" VBACs anymore, so most people just choose ERC. 
I am getting information together right now to send to the crisis teen pregnancy outreach centers. Does anyone have any suggestions of what to put in my packet or how to do that at all? 
I also just heard about The Birthing Project - it is a volunteer only org. helping teen moms from the beginning of their pregnancy until their child is 1 year old. The main goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate, which is highest among teens, through support and education. Hopefully I will be able to work with that org. even though the volunteers dont always get to attend the births. I think it would still be very satisfying. 
I am chapter leader of ICAN of North Texas, and am just basically obsessed with anything having to do with VBACs, cesareans, and birth in general.

PaMomx3 · Jun 30, 2003

Hello, doula-momma's! My name is Jill, I am also certifying through DONA. The only thing I have left to do is attend three births. I have two lined up for Sept and Oct. I can't wait! I think being a montrice sounds great, does anyone know what organizations certify? Mom2baldie, I was also interested in working with teen moms. I am interested to hear how it works out for you! What a great thread!

sugarmoon · Jun 30, 2003

Hi, I'm Elsa, doula wanna-be. I keep putting off the training though b/c we always seem to need the money for something else<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/greensad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="greensad"> 
I am hoping to certify through ALACE. I also feel very strongly about doing prenatal and postpartrum doula care. I'm almost more drawn to that type of work than the actual birth work. Almost <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngtongue.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Stick Out Tongue">

ChildoftheMoon · Jun 30, 2003

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wave.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wave"> Hi ladies! Hi Erin! 
I plan to train through DONA as soon as an instructor comes near me, one had planned to in March, but only three of us were signed up so she cancelled the class. So just waiting. In the mean time I have been reading every birth book or story I can get my hands on and have been keeping a journal about everything I learn, my thoughts on birth, care wise and politically. I am going to attend my first birth this August. I have two young dd. I am certifiably addicted to pregnant ladies and birth <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> It is my calling and my passion and I plan to become a midwife when my children are older. I have so many plans but I am content to let them unfold naturally over time, as I am so busy being mommy, my favorite "job". The classes are pricey and could not afford one now anyway, I can still practice as a doula without one. I had one hospital birth and one water homebirth. Nice to meet you all. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

bec · Jul 1, 2003

I've been thinking that I really want to train as a doula! I am pregnant with my second baby right now and am due in December. My first turned two in March! She was a c-section. I'm planning an HBAC for this one! While I won't realistically be able to even think about starting training for at least another year, I'm feeling more and more like this is a true calling. I have a passion for helping women in childbirth. I feel like I might not have ended up with a section with my first if I'd been supported by someone who had more experience than the people I had. My mom and DH were great, but didn't really know what to do when things started going south. I would love to be able to support women in having the healthy births they desire. 
What are the differences between DONA and ALACE training? 
Bec

dharmama · Jul 1, 2003

Woo-hoo! There are so many of us!! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/bouncy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="bouncy"> 
Bec ~ Check out this thread. There was some discussion about the difference between DONA and ALACE. <a href="http://mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?threadid=47258" target="_blank">http://mothering.com/discussions/sho...threadid=47258</a> 
So..... 
What books are you reading?? 
I'm reading Sheila Kitzinger's guide to birth. It's a bit more medical than I expected, but that's good for me because I haven't read a lot of medical birth books. I gravitate more towards Spiritual Midwifery etc. 
~Erin <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

amanecer · Jul 1, 2003

hi there! 
im really looking into becoming either an educator or a doula but leaning more towards educating women prior to birth as opposed to assisting them during birth, at the same time i havent researched enough to completely say no to being a doula. 
I noticed some of you said something about the DONA and ALACE program. Could anybody tell me the differences between the two? And also how this all works, if its all done from your own home, whats required and such? 
I am a homeschooling mother of three healthy children, very spriritual and for as long as i can remember extremely provoked by the spirituality and magic of pregnancy and birth. Everytime i see a pregnant mama I wish for her to feel the same magic i felt when i was in her shoes. 
I have no idea where to start..I need direction. 
paz, 
amanecer

Ligmom · Jul 1, 2003

I just wanted to add that there are more organizations to certify through than just ALACE and DONA (not that there's anything wrong with either of these<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/wink1.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="wink1"> ). Also, you may want to check out CAPPA, ICEA, Birthworks, Titus2, and Birthing Options. Just a quick Google search for doula certification will show you there are MANY options. 
I am choosing to certify through Birthing Options. My midwife is the founder, and it is a Christian organization which I like. It is also the only organization I've found so far that offers monitrice certification-- although I had heard that ALACE offered certification as a "Professional Labor Assistant" which was basically the same. However, at their website, I found no info. on that certification process. 
Right now I am reading Dr. Sears' The Birth Book. I am also reading The Birth Partner. mama-wanna-be, are you reading Birth Your Way by Sheila Kitzenger? I read that when I was preparing for our homebirth, and I found it had a lot of good information for those who are just beginning to "trust" in natural birth. By that I mean-- it covers all the usual interventions and why they aren't really necessary. 
Good thread! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

ChildoftheMoon · Jul 1, 2003

Thank you for starting this thread Erin! So nice to meet you all! Right now I am reading Ina May's new book on childbirth and Heart and Hands, a midwife's guide. I am eagerly awaiting The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

sugarmoon · Jul 1, 2003

To get an overview of all the organizations that certify doulas, try this link<a href="http://www.mother-care.ca/CDchart.html" target="_blank">http://www.mother-care.ca/CDchart.html</a> . It has a nice comparison chart as well as links to most organizations. 
I like ALACE because I like that it teaches the labor sitting -- how to check heart tones, fetal postition, cervical dilation etc. I have also thought about doing CAPPA, mostly b/c they have a video series you can buy and certify at home instead of going to a workshop. But, I like workshops and group stuff, and I really prefer the ALACE philosopy. There website is kind of weird but I think to see the part about what they teach you go to labor assistants - becoming a certified labor assistant- what will I learn. 
Does anyone else out there have a baby? My ds will be 11 months in a few weeks. I am still not sure how I could go to a labor and leave him for an indef. amout of time. I may just do pp work until he's older. But, I'd be interested in hearing about how others plan to handle childcare.

dharmama · Jul 2, 2003

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<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" width="99%"><tr><td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset;">are you reading Birth Your Way by Sheila Kitzenger?</td>
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No...haven't read that one yet. Another one to add to my ever-growing list! :LOL 
Right now I'm reading The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Kitzinger. It an option for the required DONA reading. 
I just got a slip from my library saying the Doula Book is waiting for me! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/orngbiggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="orange big grin"> 
Brandi ~ I read Ina May's new book too! LOVED it! 
Ahhh...so many great birth books out there! 
~Erin <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/love.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="love">

halah · Jul 3, 2003

Just wanted to count myself in...I took my certification training in February, and I was planning on going to The Farm for a week in March to do their Midwife Assistant course...but at the end of February I found out I was pregnant with our second child, and right after I got sicker than you could believe. So the Farm was out (pregnancy nausea/vomiting was at its height at the time I was due to go to TN) and my doula work is basically on hold. 
I did attend my first birth about 6 weeks ago, though, I had it lined up before I went to my training. It was a very good hospital birth with the mother doing walking between intermittent monitoring, using the adjacent jacuzzi, and using the birth ball and toilet sitting to open up. There was only one intervention I wasn't too sure about, the doctor was very keen to rupture her water bag, but she held him off for hours and by the time she decided to let him do it, the baby was born 45 minutes later, no tearing or episiotomy. So all in all, a good experience and I was happy to do it. I wished I could have spent more face-to-face time with her prenatally but I was very sick all spring and had a hard time doing the drive to the next town where she lived. We spent a lot of time communicating via email and phone, though, and I saw her 2ce at her house and once at her doctor's office, so I tried. 
Anyway I'm counting this birth (2nd home birth for me) as part of my experiential training. I have a new midwife and my same old beloved doula helping me out. I am paying attention to this pregnancy and birth from both sides of the coin, as a client and as a future care provider. But I'm really looking forward to getting on with helping other women out, whenever that will be. 
Anyway, nice to meet everyone!

tilly2321 · Jul 4, 2003

Hi there! 
I am a lso a doula in training (DONA), but am to Virginia in July and my friend who lives in Lansdale (philly area) is expecting sometime in October. She is looking for a doula who will support her during her birth for a nominal or low fee since she can't afford one. I suggested finding a doula in training since many of us are looking for births. If any of you are interested, PM me and I can get you in touch with her. I will be out of town for the 4th of July, but will be back around the 12th. I really hope there is someone out there who needs/wants a birth and who can help me friend. She is hoping to go med free and her provider is a midwife who seems so wonderful. Her plan is to birth in a hospital. Thanks! 
Elaine

dnr3301 · Jul 4, 2003

I did DONA training in January. I did my first birth in May, a friend I've had since jr high had a baby. My SIL is expecting in Aug and I'll attend her birth too. And for the third towards certification, I have yet another friend due in Nov. In addition to all this, I have a 2yo dd, who keeps me on my toes. I wanted to get all the certification stuff done quickly because dh and I are ttc #2 and I don't want to have to either do a birth super pregnant or have to leave a newborn for any length of time. 
I loved the first birth. I have been at other births before; my mom used to be a lay midwife before going to nursing school and now she's a labor and delivery nurse. She used to take me to births with her when I was little. 
My mom had all four of us at home, I was with her when my youngest sister was born, what a memory! I had my dd at home, in a water tub. I am definately doing that again. I'm looking forward to meeting others. 
Rebecca

Mom2baldie · Jul 6, 2003

Rebecca, 
Wow, that must have been so interesting to have a midwife for a mother. Thats great that you were exposed to the normalcy of birth at such a young age! All I was taught was that birth was an excruciatingly painful, miserable experience! 
What made her switch to nursing from midwifery?

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