Must be a certified doula to participate in Babies R Us Events?

Bex · 07-23-2007, 02:33 PM

Hmmmm.....I just contaced a rep at babies r us about an upcoming Smart beginnings baby fair, and all seemed ago until she mentioned copy of certification--which of course i dont have yet. I mentioned other doulas participating that I didn't think were certified, and she said alot of things had changed over the summer.

She's supposed to call me back tomorrow after double checking with a district manager or something like that. Any of you had this happen?

fearlessbirth · 07-23-2007, 04:26 PM

Egads! No, haven't heard of it...BUT if it were me, I'd just take a copy of my TRAINING certificate and assume it would pass. The people at BRU probably don't know enough (now, I may be being snotty here, lol) to know the difference between "training" and "certification". They are probably just looking for some 'proof' that you are who you say you are and are educated in this field. I highly doubt they have ties to DONA or CAPPA, etc. and expect actual 'certification'. But, if so, then POO ON THEM!!!

SarahMcKay · 07-23-2007, 04:35 PM

Yup - they also want 2 copies of any flier, brochure, or card that you plan to hand out! I did one of these in April, and really enjoyed it. The rep contacted me about doing another one in August and asked for all this junk. She told me about all the stuff that had changed over the summer. I guess it's a nationwide change. Let us know if they will use your training paperwork - I'm wishing you luck! Also, be ready with all that other stuff, so you can be a step ahead of her.

I've never gotten any clients from the event, but it is a great opportunity to answer, "What's a Doula?" Repeatedly.:wink

missilla · 07-23-2007, 05:21 PM

i was told the same thing.

amymaew · 07-23-2007, 05:27 PM

So who at BRU do you talk to? How do you know when stuff like that baby fair is scheduled?

fearlessbirth · 07-23-2007, 05:28 PM

Amy, I posted a thread in the Baby Expos/Fairs forum with the 2 events listed that was on the main BRU website. I've also edited my original post to include that one must be certified to participate!! (Sorry I got anyone's hopes up and didn't know this information before I posted)

beautifulbirth · 07-23-2007, 05:45 PM

WOW...It isn't happening down here yet, thank goodness. No one has ever asked for any training/cert. I guess we'll find out on Aug. 11...the next baby fair.

UtahDoula · 07-23-2007, 05:58 PM

Better than what they told me the last time I talked to them - that I had to provide proof of a MILLION DOLLAR liability policy before I could do anything there. Phooey.

Bex · 07-23-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDoula

Better than what they told me the last time I talked to them - that I had to provide proof of a MILLION DOLLAR liability policy before I could do anything there. Phooey.

Oh for heaven's sake!

Well, crap on a stick. I was really hoping to do this, but I guess it will have to wait a few more months until I'm certified.

Thanks ladies for all of your replies.

motherstouchdoula · 07-23-2007, 06:19 PM

So are they wanting all this from the CB or any one else with a booth?? Or is it just Doulas?!?!?

fearlessbirth · 07-23-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motherstouchdoula

So are they wanting all this from the CB or any one else with a booth?? Or is it just Doulas?!?!?

Bexter...call the same BRU store and pretend to be a CBE and see what they say!

SarahMcKay · 07-24-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDoula

Better than what they told me the last time I talked to them - that I had to provide proof of a MILLION DOLLAR liability policy before I could do anything there. Phooey.

They didn't ask me for this, but she did mention that some folks had to have it. I'm not sure who has to and who doesn't.

Bex · 07-24-2007, 07:30 PM

Well, the lady called me back today, and yes, I do need to be certified to participate. Poop.

ctowndoula · 07-26-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UtahDoula

Better than what they told me the last time I talked to them - that I had to provide proof of a MILLION DOLLAR liability policy before I could do anything there. Phooey.

They seem to be changing policies lately so I would check back with them. I teach at BRU and orginally they had wanted proof of insurance. I told them I don't carry insurance b/c I shouldn't be doing anything outside my scope of practice and shouldn't need insurance. They were told that by every other instructor they have tried to get in town.

Gotta luv your sisters!

So now, they ask for a copy of your certification and to see any handouts you plan to use. They sent me a very offical looking form that I filled out and sent in with my copy of cert. That was that.
I don't know about the Baby Fairs though...that is new to me.

teachinmamaof4 · 07-27-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

So now, they ask for a copy of your certification and to see any handouts you plan to use.

I have to bring the same stuff to my meeting next week. I told her I wasn't a certified doula but I was a certified childbirth educator. She told me to bring a copy of my CCCE certificate and a copy of my doula training certificate. Even though I'm not a certified doula, I am still being allowed to display information about my doula services.