New term for lay Doula

[peacefulbabydoula]

I've put a few posts on site here lately,and have heard from quite a few of you that you feel "lay doula" demeans those who don't have certification.So..I've decided to start calling myself an Apprentice Trained Doula.Anyone on board with me? It seems a bit more professional sounding than lay doula,I have to admit.Let me know your thoughts!

[TO Doula]

I just call myself a doula. Why do you need a qualifier?

[sunshine]

i just call myself doula too.....but if you wanted to be more specific for some particular reason, i like the descriptiveness of "apprentice-trained doula". i know exactly what you mean when you say that, that's helpful. lay is kinda vague, although it isn't necessarily derogatory.

[Apple Blossom]

I would also just go with 'doula' , however your description of 'apprentice trained doula' does accurately describe your path.

[AngelsMum]

I like just doula, but each to their own. I also know people who call themselves "birth workers" or "birth keepers". I still prefer doula.

[DoulaCBE]

Between my workshop and certification I called myself a doula in training.

[raeben]

its not copyrighted or anything. i think as long as i am operating within the generally accepted sop then it's not even something that needs outright clarification. i do call myself a birth doula and if people ask (which is rare) i tell them i remain uncertified by choice.

[loveslabor]

I am not certified, but I have the same training that certified doulas have....I just didn't get the signatures and paperwork from the hospital staff. Plain old doula works just fine for me.

[mrsott]

As a doula working towards my DONA certification, I refer to myself as a doula... and when it comes to the nitty gritty questions, I explain that I am working on my DONA certification... I don't think calling myself a "doula", without my certification paper in hand, is deceitful... I'm still performing the same role, certified or not...