Being a doula is VERY rewarding and I love it. The road can be a little difficult without the support of other doulas or doulas in training.
Your first step to becoming a doula to conduct a self-evaluation on why you want to become a doula and if this kind of work will fit into your family life. You will be called out at all hours of the day and/or night and you will need a good support system in place as well as daycare and babysitters who can provide car at a moments notice. We as doulas are not rich and are certainly not millionaires. We make as much money as we spend it seems and often times, we do births for free. You are in this business to help others, not to make money. Money is definately nice, but this business will not make you wealthy.
Most doulas are certified, however, you DO NOT have to be certified to practice as a doula. It's a good idea to get certified only because so many people are looking for those initials after your name. After talking with your family and evaluating if this is the right work for you, your next step is to pick a certifying organization. There are many, but the main 4 are www.CAPPA.net, www.DONA.org, www.ICEA.org, www.ALACE.org. Each organization will have different requirements and different fees, but with most, you will need to become a member, order a packet, read books, attend a seminar(s), observe births and childbirth education classes, and then pass a test.
I encourage you to sign up for my mentorship program as soon as possible. Space is certainly limited as I am the only mentor in the program at this time. I would also recommend you join a local doula network, such as Colorado Birth Resources or the Colorado Doulas Association. Both have Yahoo groups for networking with other doulas. You will receive the many benefits of discussing your journey through certification with others, as well as learning how to be a doula and finding clients to use for your certification births.
I am always taking on new doulas who would like to shadow. I am here to answer questions and help you get started. I would be more then willing to help you in your journey as best I can.
I also create websites, so if/when you are ready, I can create a website for you for $210. All you do is pick a name and I will put one together for you with no monthly fee (unless you want to advertise) and only $55/year. $210 includes the first year fee. There is no limitation on the amount of pages or updates either. For a list of websites I have designed, please contact me.
If you would like local contacts for the certifying organization of your choice, please let me know and I will put you in touch with that trainer.
Let me know if you have any more questions. Good luck! I am here for you if you have questions. Please don't hesitate to contact me at all. Email is preferred. Thanks!!
