What is my problem?!?

[ms_quoted]

I got my DONA packet 18 months ago, did my training in June of 08. I have all of my certification births done, the paperwork all done (still need to finish two essays), my Essay on the Value and Purpose of Labor support finished, my breastfeeding and childbirth education class hours done, read all required reading, finished my list of area references, etc. BUT can't seem to get in gear to get everything put together and sent in

Within the last 18 months I've attended 17 births (including 1 homebirth, 1 c-section and 3 VBACs), had a fellow doula shadow me, and taken a 4-month "maternity leave" of my own.

I no longer consider myself a "doula-in-training" and, while I'm still constantly learning and growing in my field, am confident in my ability to support the laboring woman.

I really don't understand what the hurdle is for me to get this stuff in and to becoming certified. So ladies... Please help I'm trying to light a fire under my behind so please help keep me accountable!

((hugs))

[FLLucinda]

Jessica! You are at the last hurdle! You can do this! It will only take a very short time to put the package together. (make copies of everything) and get it sent in! Congratulations on all your hard work!

[Comfy]

I sort of understand where you are. I did the same thing. I think my reluctance to actually get my but in gear, and send it off....... was somewhat fear based. Was it good enough? Was I good enough? What if I was turned down?

Your project this week is to get those last 2 essays done. You sound like great doula material to me. Not just a doula in training. You are already getting a fair amount of experience under your belt. Now take it the mext step. I'm so glad I did.

[momof ten]

Just force yourself....put it in the mail and reward yourself with something!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

[novadoula]

just think about how happy you will be to get the letter back in the mail that you are certified! you can do this. 2 essays? no problem you can do it!

[Apple Blossom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLLucinda Jessica! You are at the last hurdle! You can do this!

Spoken like a true doula!

[JessicaE]

I had to ask my husband to take the kids out for an entire day so that I could finish up those last pieces of my certification packet. Might this be a possibility for you? Or maybe you could slip away with a laptop to the library, a coffee shop, etc. so that you could have the space you need to specifically finish this task.

I know if it just stays on my "to do" list it's less likely to get done than if I schedule it in, and know I have XX timeframe to get it done.

Good luck with pulling it all together, it will be such a great feeling when you get there!

[DoulaMegz]

haha, this was my problem too! I sent my packet in 1 day before it expired because I procrastinated on sending it so long!!! that was a month ago... so excited to hear!

[ms_quoted]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies

Quote:

Originally Posted by JessicaE I had to ask my husband to take the kids out for an entire day so that I could finish up those last pieces of my certification packet. Might this be a possibility for you? Or maybe you could slip away with a laptop to the library, a coffee shop, etc. so that you could have the space you need to specifically finish this task. I know if it just stays on my "to do" list it's less likely to get done than if I schedule it in, and know I have XX timeframe to get it done. Good luck with pulling it all together, it will be such a great feeling when you get there!

This is a great idea and I am actually doing this Wednesday night after a prenatal appointment with one of my clients, so I'm hoping to have it sent off by the end of the week

I'll make sure to keep you posted so you can get on my case if it doesn't happen

[goldfish]

I did not go through DONA but CBI, I have most of the paperwork done, but no births and my essay paper is not done...And started in June of 08 too!!
You are doing awesome!! You can do it!!