i'm new here..and need some advice!

[beth7919]

i'm very interested in becoming a postpartum doula and a breastfeeding counselor. i have been emailing many people regarding this..and some have emailed back giving me great info..and even found out about this board
i've been comparing different distance learning courses..and i think i am going to go with the childbirth international one...has anyone used this?
i would love to be a birth doula too..but being a mom of two young kids..i just don't have the time to be on call all the time...so for right now ..these two courses are my passion...i was actually looking into becoming a lactation consultant..but after realizing how impossible it can be if you're not an RN ..i stopped researching it..but then someone mentioned a doula to me..and it's what i want to do! i'm SO excitied about this new journey in my life

[sacredma]

I have to disagree with you applevalley. I am both a pp doula and a birth doula. I personally love being a pp doula more. There may be many resources out there for bf, but try to get someone to come to your house and sit there with you and help you. As a pp doula, I mostly see breastfeeding issues, so I would highly reccommend doing a bf training of some sort.
My doula partner has recently become a trainer for maternity wise, and it's a very quick way to get certified as a postpartum doula.

[beth7919]

thanks ladies
i feel the same about breastfeeding...not many woman out there to support you at home...after you leave the hospital..you're on your own..
my lactation consultants at the hospital were awesome..and they inspired me to do something in this field! actually one of them has been giving me tons of info on breastfeeding and becoming a LC..

i'm just too excitied about becoming something i'm sure eventually i'll do the birth doula..and childbirth educator!

[FLLucinda]

As a birth doula and CLC, I'm always available for bfing help after my clients come home. They are free to call me anytime for help..and do. There is one mama whose baby is 9 mos old and I still talk with about bfing issues.
I just had a birth the evening of the 13th...they just got home tonight. Baby is refusing to latch (sleepy baby) and I just got off the phone with a worried mom at 11:30pm... I don't think a hossy LC would be available right now...especially not to a mom who is no longer in house.
Yes there is tons of information out there but when there is a problem..hands on is needed. I do not charge for bfing information as it's tied in with my being a doula at this time.. and to me the most important issue is....baby must eat.

[IslandDoula]

I will add in my two cents!

I am in training with Childbirth International and am very pleased I chose to certify through them. I am an almost certified birth doula and childbirth educator.
But, I will shortly begin the postpartum doula course because of life happening I have decided after becoming certified to shelve being a labor doula for a few years, until my little ones are older (I have a 2 year old, a 3 year old, and an 8 year old).

I am glad I will be a certified birth doula, but unfortunately I am unable to do that at this present time. Postpartum work though, I'm very excited to begin that training.

Best of luck with your decision!