Providing Childcare for Trainings

emmabella · 11-15-2007, 02:09 PM

Do you think this would make trainings more "mom friendly"? If I provided an onsite babysitter during workshop hours (not in classroom, just somewhere in the same building) do you think this would boost registration? Whatcha think?

DoulaKaren · 11-15-2007, 02:23 PM

Since I took my 3mo to my training and didn't get as much out of it as I might have, and I had to jump through hoops to get coverage for my 2yo, YES, I would have appreciated on-site child care!!!

ctowndoula · 11-15-2007, 03:55 PM

I think it is a great idea and would boost your attendance...IF you are willing to deal with the liability of "providing" the childcare; background checks, safe facilities, liability if a kid gets hurt,food allergies, hygenie with diaper changes, etc. Perhaps you could let ladies know that there is an extra space in the same building if they bring their own sitter and all the toys and stuff. That might limit your liability?

Bex · 11-15-2007, 05:50 PM

I think it's a GREAT idea, and a fabulous incentive, too. I do think, though, that you would have to look into liability, like tamara said. If you only had one person doing the childcare though, you could probably run a background check fairly cheaply. also, maybe just not provide snacks or have the parents bring them, provide gloves for the sitter to change the diapers...i think with the parents just down the hall, you wouldn't have to worry too much.

Great idea, let us know what you decide.

MothertheMother · 11-15-2007, 06:45 PM

I hate to sound so negative but maybe this isn't the best idea. I do think you'd improve attendance but if a mom can't find childcare to go to a workshop then is she even ready to be a doula? I know the workshops run longer than most births but there is plenty of time to plan ahead and they are almost always on weekends. If you can't accomodate that how are you going to be able to run out of the door at a moments notice to go to a birth for an undetermined amount of time?
FWIW I personally wouldn't bring my children to hand them over to a stranger anyway. It just isn't something I'd be comfortable with. Providing a space for someone to bring their own sitter is a workable idea, though.