Jessica, I'm also doing the PFB Lamaze program, and it was while 'attending' my first births that I realized that I also *needed* to become a doula.  For my first birth observation, I did just that, sat back, made comments every now and then, and otherwise let the doula and family do their thing while I observed. At the next 4 births I was more hands on for my observations. You can 'observe' however you and the mother are comfortable with. I had orignially offered in a letter that most of them got, to do anything they wanted- sit quietly in a corner, take pictures, write their birth story, and/or provide labor support.
For Lamaze, you do have to verify that you've been to births before. I did most of mine before I attended my seminar. I don't think the order of event matters, unlike for DONA, where you have to attend your birth after the workshop.
HTH! And voila! That was my first post- goodbye little message telling me to do so everytime I log in! 
Nicole |
