Somewhere to start

[justyours]

So I can't afford to buy my course yet, but I've been doing research and such online. I was wondering what topics I could research independantly that would be really benificial to my learning.

I hope that makes sense......

[happyhome]

I would just recommend reading every pregnancy/birth book you can get your hands on. All certification programs have a required reading list, and you will be required to read for your certification - might as well get a head start now. Libraries are a great place to get some and help you figure out which ones you like and want to buy later. Lots of people are selling used pregnancy/birth books also - you can often find them in "lots" on ebay.

Also, if you are in an area with lots of doulas, begin to network with them. In my area we have a "doula" e-mail list where an aspiring doula would be welcome and could learn a lot. We also have quarterly support meetings where we have both topics and open support time, so you could learn a lot at those as well.

Something else to consider, there is no "law" that says you need to be certified to be a doula. There are many wonderful doulas that have chosen not to be certified. If you are able to attend births now (have time, etc...) there is no reason why you can't try and find some clients now. Little by little you may be able to build a client base and get going. Maybe even earn enough to pay for that course.

[justyours]

I know that you dont have to be certified......but there are very little almost no doulas in my city.....

actually, honestly, im scared to even attempt to talk to another doula so close to home or a client because i feel so ignorant right now. I know alot about the birth process but not "physiology" or anythig like that...i dont know what im trying to say

I guess im just scared that someone is going to ask me something and im going to have no clue what im talking about and there gonna be like "and this chick wants to be a doula???"

[Supermomma]

Hey, no worries, we all learn more as we go along. Getting in touch with another doula would be a great place to start, just so you can even ask what her routes were. She may be able to mentor you even, and remember we've all been where you're at! This site also has a terminology list that is great to go over. That way you can look trough it, and anything you are unfamiliar with you can learn more on. If you have thrift stores, get books there. I have gotten a huge collection from second hand books stores, just because you can find books there for $2. If you go on the CAPPA website, go into childbirth education pre reqs and they have a little online quiz that you can print out. It goes over anatomy and such. It's great as a brain refreasher. I'll find you the link later when I have a bit more time.