How to Become a Doula - Step 1.

Women naturally want to support one another in pregnancy, birth and during the postpartum phase.  Still, with our Western, disconnected, non-communal mindset, we have a hard time figuring out how to get involved without being too involved or helping enough without appearing obnoxious.  haha

I get asked all the time, "Where do I start?"

Well, get some training.  that is step 1.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of women out there who put the badge on their chest of "I am a DOULA" but they really don't understand or know how to serve.  What they want to be is an advisor, a consultant.  And that is very needed!  It's OK!!  It really is!  

However, moms need nonjudgemental, unconditional love first, practical service helps next, and our gentle, guiding knowledge (read: advice) last.  So if you've got a lot of wisdom to share, good!  It's needed!!!  Still, navigating the emotions and perceptions of a tender, vulnerable mother is something that MOST of us need a little guidance on, ourselves.  

Where can you find the best doula training?  Simple.  There are a lot of organizations out there providing trainings.  You'll want to make sure the training you receive is of the top-tier quality though.  It's integral to the success of your business and the impact (positive or negative) that you will have on the mothers you come into contact with.  Imagine what the family would say about you, when you're gone, if you've unintentionally made the mother feel badly about something, or you gave advice and it backfired.  What if you gave advice and the baby or mothers'  health suffered for it...?  It happens.  

You'll earn a bad reputation and you will have spent money to get trained, and have wasted it.

You don't want that to happen to you!  Get trained AND finish your certification!  Parents are getting wise to ask if you're just "trained" or attended a workshop, or if you're actually CERTIFIED.  They know the difference and it matters.

The next thing you want to know about your training organization is if they will help you create and grow your business.  Will they help you become successful?  We will discuss building and growing a doula business next week.  :)

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If you're interested in knowing about my experience with training under several different organizations over the years, give me a call.  I will be happy to tell you what I found to be pros and cons of each organization, as well as the organization I found a home with.  :)

Have a great week!

Anne Croudace, CLD, CPD, CLDT, CPDT, CLSE

952-457-6506