Networking & Shadowing

Luv2bemommy · 01-09-2006, 10:51 PM

I was wondering how many of you talked with other doula's in your area before you were certified? Were you able to shadow any of them at a birth? Did you meet up? I had just found out there is 2 in my city (I am SHOCKED btw) and I want to email them but I don't want to come off as trying to take their clients or anything like that.

Thanks!

DL · 01-09-2006, 11:08 PM

Hi Candice,

If I had known of other doulas before I certified, I would have contacted them! When I started, I didn't know of any other doulas in my area (it felt lonely), and so I didn't shadow anyone. Since then, I have found an organization within an hour from me that I have joined (I live in a rural area, but the networking is worth the drive for me!). I cannot tell you how much I have learned by being around the other doulas periodically! In your case, they might allow you to shadow them if you ask. If not, when you get to know them, you will at least be in a great position to receive referrals from them in the future whenever they have to turn clients down for whatever reasons. It could also help you to find a backup whenever needed, and you may be able to help them out in the same way.

I have found the doula business to be quite different than other businesses. I think we generally feel less "competition" than in other businesses and have a sense of "sisterhood"

. Good doulas want whatever is best for the momma....even if that means that the momma feels more comfortable with a different doula. I would go ahead and contact them; they may be very happy to hear that there is another doula around!

I know that I would be!

teachinmamaof4 · 01-09-2006, 11:32 PM

I'm going to start attending the bi-monthly doula meetings. My midwife told me about them a while back during my pregnancy. She's going to start going again too. A friend of hers is a doula and my mw has already told her that I'm interested and might call her...so I might be able to hook up with her some. Oh...and my mw has already told me I am welcome (of course if the clients are ok with it) at any births she does.

DL · 01-09-2006, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teachinmamaof4

Oh...and my mw has already told me I am welcome (of course if the clients are ok with it) at any births she does.

That is VERY cool!!!!!

Good for you; that's an awesome start!

1stimestar · 01-10-2006, 12:07 AM

Of course I do. They are a great bunch of gals! When I moved here they had just had the first training ever here so there was a few new doulas floating around. As soon as I got here I started calling around finding out who was who in the birth and breastfeeding world (I'm also a Breastfeeding Educator). I found one who I fit with personally who asked if I would be her mentor. She did a couple of births with me and now acts as my back up and I her. Now one of the small doula groups have started holding a doula tea every other month inviting doulas and public as a get to know you type of thing. Doulas get there early to chat in private. I've only been able to attend one so far and had a great time. We are all different types of women and doulas but we all respect the need for different types of women and doulas and get along great. In my previous state I was a member of a doula orginization and it was also great. We each had our own personal businesses but we got together once a month for continuing education, fund raisers, guest speakers etc. Any doula who has very much experience will know that the more doulas in an area the better. Shared public education and advertising you know. Call them to introduce yourself and just say hi!

Luv2bemommy · 01-10-2006, 12:36 AM

Thanks everyone!!!!

Heather that is GREAT!! You should have no problem getting a good start!

wendoula · 01-10-2006, 09:13 AM

My midwife and I put on the first doula training in our area, she knew of a couple of other women that wanted the training. Since then we have started a support group for doulas and we have grown from 7 doulas to 20 doula. You can check out our website at www.lafayettedoulas.com We are meeting this month to plan our 3rd Dona training this spring.

fearlessbirth · 01-11-2006, 12:32 PM

I was worried about the same thing. I didn't want to contact the ladies here for fear that they'd think I was being sneaky or something. But just the opposite! They've all been eager to chat with me, invited me to their monthly meetings. The only downside is they all live in Jacksonville which is an hour away. Not a HUGE deal, but with work and school and doula stuff...well, you get the picture. Lol

susan1 · 01-11-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv2bemommy

I was wondering how many of you talked with other doula's in your area before you were certified? Were you able to shadow any of them at a birth? Did you meet up? I had just found out there is 2 in my city (I am SHOCKED btw) and I want to email them but I don't want to come off as trying to take their clients or anything like that.

Thanks!

I would go head and talk to them. It did not work for me but it meant work for you. When I first started I had email all the doulas in my area and I never got one replyed. I since had a doula call me saying she did not know of me.

However I remember emailing her.

Anyhow I hope you have better luck.

Susan

Luv2bemommy · 01-11-2006, 02:46 PM

I recieved an email this morning from her!

I'm so glad she emailed me back! She was really happy that I emailed her and went on to tell me about what she does and how long she has been apart of DONA and all.. I gave her my phone number so hopefully we will talk again soon!

DL · 01-11-2006, 03:48 PM

That's wonderful, Candice!!! I'm so happy to hear it!