How long have you been a doula?

Tiffany · 02-02-2006, 11:11 AM

Just interested to see how long the bulk of the alldoulas membership has been a doula for. We've gotten a lot of new members lately!

teachinmamaof4 · 02-02-2006, 11:27 AM

Just barely starting out. The only thing I'm doing now is the reading and hopefully some networking.

Tiffany · 02-02-2006, 11:30 AM

I forgot to mention myself! I can't believe it will be 4 years coming up this May!

Time really does fly!

DL · 02-02-2006, 12:22 PM

It was 3 years ago this month when I started my required reading. It was 3 years ago in June when I attended my doula training (when I count actually becoming a doula...because I felt like one for the first time then!!!), Three years ago this coming September is when I attended my first birth after my doula training. Time flies when you're having fun!!!

tlcdoula · 02-02-2006, 12:36 PM

I have been "officially" a doula for 3 yrs, but attended my first birth 18 yrs ago, so I am going by the "official" date since I didn't know that we had a name back then LOL

Lyndsey · 02-02-2006, 02:06 PM

Just starting out! I'm reading books off the book list right now and hoping to order my certification packet with part of our tax refund

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Matrescence · 02-02-2006, 05:27 PM

I started just after Aidan was born on my training and have been actively doulaing for 3 years. It's weird, I ran into my first client at Pizza Hut around Christmas and couldn't believe it

02-02-2006, 08:46 PM

I feel weird even answering because I feel like I am even in the step before "Just starting out"

I have read 2 books and am starting to make plans for my training. I just told DH this evening that if we will be living here in May/June, I am going to Nashville for training.

moncton doula · 02-02-2006, 08:53 PM

My first "test birth" was July '03 training while pregnant in the fall that year, and last March I jumped back in when Cole weaned and I started getting busy in November.

scarborogal · 02-03-2006, 08:00 AM

I feel like "Starting Out" is almost later then I'd call myself. I'm reading, and my training is in May. I may have my first birth in August. Though I'd like to be at one observing before that. But either way, I'm just a nervous newbie at this point.

K.

nocomparta · 02-03-2006, 09:45 AM

I started doula-ing about 11 years ago. I attended my doula training in 1998 though. But I count Feb 1995 as my first "doula birth that I knew I was a doula" birth. Her name is LaShauntis and she will be 11 this month. :O

Luv2bemommy · 02-03-2006, 11:06 AM

Another one just starting out.. Doing reading and cb class now, then Feb 18-19 I will do my workshop then I'll move to my births!

Jackie7183 · 02-03-2006, 12:14 PM

I have finished all of my required reading, plus lots of other books, and I took my doula training in Oct. So technically I am just starting, I am still in school for Sign Language Interpreting, so I cant take clients until I am out of school in May, YEAH!! I cant wait, I am so excited to start!!

MothertheMother · 02-03-2006, 12:45 PM

I am not sure what motivated you to attend sign language training but what a wonderful niche you will create for yourself as a doula. Being able to translate (not sure if this is the right word) for hearing impaired mom's is a wonderful thing to be able to offer. That is just great!!!

Need2read · 02-05-2006, 11:32 AM

I started my reading around Spring of 05', attended my training in December of 05' and my first client is actually "past due" so baby could come any day and I am nervous as heck to Doula for the first time. It will also be the first birth I experience in person(no children of my own).