How can I find a trainer/mentor in my area?

[Ati_13]

Looking to get some more experience under my belt I'm happy to back up or tag along. I just don't know where to start.

Anyone have any ideas on how to get started here?

[NurturedBellyDoula]

i think maybe start going to circle meetings, doula gatherings, networking will help you start relationships with your doula community and then you can ask them if you can shadow them.

[Ati_13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NurturedBellyDoula i think maybe start going to circle meetings, doula gatherings, networking will help you start relationships with your doula community and then you can ask them if you can shadow them.

There arent any meetups in the area, no circles... I've managed to hook up with one other doula, and she just had a baby and will be out of the game until I have mine lol. It's frustrating.

[1stimestar]

Have you tried our doula trainers and mentoring board?

[Ati_13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar Have you tried our doula trainers and mentoring board?

I can't find a post from anyone in my area, which is why I asked lol.

[Alessandra]

I´d say, make all the contacts you can with other health and wellness professionals: midwives, yoga teachers, childbirth educators, lactation educators. Take the opportunity to get to know your local resources, make a list, make contacts: visit your local hospitals, birthcenters, homebirth midwives, WIC, NGOs etc. You will eventually need to know these places so that you can refer your clients. Somewhere in there you will find like-minded people and even client refferals.
Keep us posted!

[meg@innerstrengthdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ati_13 Looking to get some more experience under my belt I'm happy to back up or tag along. I just don't know where to start. Anyone have any ideas on how to get started here?

The way that I started was to look up trainers in the area and then asked her a ton of questions! I loved my trainer and she also let me sit in on her Bradley class. Are you looking to set up a company? That info is available all over the internet. And how about a website? Yahoo small business makes it really easy :-) as for the fun part, the doula-ing! I registered with DONA ansd got listed on their website. I visited OB and midwives in the area, to let them know that I was here! I also went into maternity and parenting stores in the area.
You can print cheap business cards and brochures on Vistaprint. Hope that helps!
I'd let you tag along with me, but the commute to Illinois may be a bit too long!
~Meg Smith