Working and being a doula

[MotheringtheMama]

Hey all!
I dont have kids, but I figure you ladies have had to get quite creative in the past, so here is my deal:
I work at a hotel 4 days a week for steady much needed income. My boss is great, she gives me the exact schedule I want every week. The only thing is that I am not allowed to leave before my 8 hour shift is over, and calling out is not an option. I am starting to get a steady stream of clients coming my way, but nobody in town wants to be my perma backup since it requires a lot of work. much more than the usual backup position atleast! Has anyone else found a way to work this out?
Help!
Jordan

[DoulaCBE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotheringtheMama Hey all! I dont have kids, but I figure you ladies have had to get quite creative in the past, so here is my deal: I work at a hotel 4 days a week for steady much needed income. My boss is great, she gives me the exact schedule I want every week. The only thing is that I am not allowed to leave before my 8 hour shift is over, and calling out is not an option. I am starting to get a steady stream of clients coming my way, but nobody in town wants to be my perma backup since it requires a lot of work. much more than the usual backup position atleast! Has anyone else found a way to work this out? Help! Jordan

instead of a backup arrangement, why not consider a partnership with a doula who shares your philosophy about birth?

I work in a partnership with two doulas and sometimes it's just a formality backup, and other times the other doula has been hired but has big blocks of time where she is unavailable.

In the second case we split the deposit, and whoever does the birth gets the 2nd half the fee. We're both compensated something for our prenatal visits and our oncall time and understandably the doula who does the birth gets a larger share of the fee.

[mirthfulmotherhood]

I think Angie's idea is a good one. I am trying to establish something similar since I'm working p/t & have 2 kiddos. My new position requires that I not leave early or call out for doulaing (although they know what it is & are understanding of it, so that is great.) It's hard juggling it all, but it's worth it.

[Marymom2boys]

I am struggling with this also. In my previous job, which was part time, I had a full time aide in my classroom. This meant that I could leave at a drop of a hat if I needed to. I am starting a new position in a cooperative preschool & the only assistance I will have are the current parents & the director. I have no clue how I am going to handle it when my clients decide to go into labor.

On the other hand, most of my clients call me the minute they "think" they are in labor so that allows me to get my little ducks in order for when they decide they actually need me. My job is only 3 hours a day, so hopefully it won't be a problem.

We'll see since I have one client a month until December

[MIA-D]

Its hard to juggle a job and doula work. I work from home, technically "self-employed" but my "boss" hands out the work and is totally understanding about me needing time off for a birth. I tell her when I go on call so she knows and I double my efforts to get my doula work done and my regular paying job as well so that she knows that I am not slacking off. Unfortunately my clients are few and far between but at least they are out there.

[doula Michele]

I think working and doulaing is very hard. I could not do it, and I had to choose. ( but my overall energy level is not what it used to be either)

Its not just a matter of leaving during your shift, its also the fact that you may not be there for work the next morning either.... sooner of later you will get one of 36 hour births that we talked about in another thread.