Aspiring Doula

I'm just starting out on this road to becoming a doula. I'm fascinated with birth. I'm 23 (soon to be 24), Married, no kids of my own (working on it )

I'm a little nervous because I don't want to be told that because I have none of my own I will make a crap doula. Dr Sears already says that a doula must already be a mother, but I won't let one man's opinion get me too down.

I've been at one birth, but I couldn't stay for the whole thing. She ended up with a c-section and I had to leave for work. (years ago) I've been offered spots at more than one birth (friends), but for various reasons (mostly out of state) I wasn't able to attend.

I'm trying to get in to a few births before training (DONA), but it is slow going so far.

I'm loving this site already!!

any tips for a newbie are TOTALLY welcome.

Thanks
Emily

[MothertheMother]

The best thing I have heard someone say about a doula with no children is something about there has never been a male OB give birth but women still trust them to attend their births every day!!

I don't know that I could have been a very good doula before I had children because I don't think I would have been as comfortable in a nurturing roll. Now that I have spent so much time in that roll as a mother it is second nature. I just wasn't as comfortable with myself before kids. That in no way means I think this is the same for other women. If this is your passion and your calling than you are going to be great at this. Some women will prefer a doula with children but to some it won't be a deciding factor. A lot of us are very new here as well but I think most will agree that your personality wins mothers-to-be over more than your experience.

I could go on and on but welcome to the board and welcome to doula-hood. It is a wonderful place! Good luck!

[teachinmamaof4]

Welcome Emily!!

I'm also an aspiring doula. Waiting until my youngest is a little older before I officially start.

There is another lady here who isn't yet a Mama...gemasita. She's had several clients and does a wonderful job!

[Need2read]

This will probably give you doubts until you have a few births under your belt, but I feel, bottom line, you will be far more knowledgable then a lot of moms, have been to more births than most of your moms, and have training specifically for this.

Some women will require their doula to have kids, but as of right now it makes my life easier and I am also able to stay with my doula friend's children while she is at births because I do not have my own children. Although I would love to have some, I am just too young (17).

Having said that I have had 1 client and they didn't ask my age until after having met me and decided I was a good match. Later they asked my age and were surprised at my passion, ability, and my knowledge. I presented myself in a professional way, and was honest the entire time. They also weren't bothered in the least that I had not given birth or had my own children. *I was able to attend their lovely homebirth* I also have another client due this month and am on the board of directors for a Local doula certifying organization.

Needless to say, age and having children can mean something for some but not all. They are not the determining factor though. Just be yourself and definitely prepare yourself. Your heart is the determining factor, your continuous presense and support, your caring touch, the soothing words you speak...THAT is what matters.

Goodluck! Get out there and go with your heart, Doula work is soul work, and that is what will guide you through this...

[DL]

Emily!

I'm Lori, a Certified Labor Doula through CAPPA; I live in Ohio with my dh and two teenaged sons (as well as with three dogs and two cats!).

I'm right there with the others on thinking that you can be a great doula without first having children of your own. I have worked very closely with a wonderful CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife). Her clients just rave about her (as do I), and after 6 years of being that wonderful midwife....she's going to soon be having her first baby! If she can be a great midwife without having first given birth, then so can you be a great doula! My advice is to listen to your heart, follow your passion, and become a doula if that is your calling. Someone once told me that if you don't pursue your calling, then it will always be there to bug you until you do! (I've been waiting for an excuse to use that smilie poking with a stick! )

Welcome to Alldoulas! This really is a wonderful site because it was created by a wonderful administrator (Tiffany) and has wonderful doula-sister members! I warn you, though....this place is addicting! Really...I can't think of a better place for a new doula (or aspiring doula) to hang out. We support each other, learn from each other, and entertain each other. I'm so glad that you have joined us!

[Tashina Marker]

[quote=Doula Lori]: (I've been waiting for an excuse to use that smilie poking with a stick! )

Lori you would have to beat me in using it. It would fit you too!

Thank you ALL for the wonderfully warm welcome and positive words.

anyone who knows me knows my passion for birth. I tend to annoy people with it if they stick around too long :

I can't wait to get started on the "real" stuff. *I'm just reading right now, hoping to be useful in a birth or two soon*
I've already learned so much from the ladies here (taking notes!)

Heather I've been reading your group on the other site off and on since its conception. I was SHOCKED to realize Jamie/Gemisita didn't have kids!! *inspiring*
because of you ladies, I found alldoulas...blame yourselves

I'm hoping soon I'll be able to contribute in a useful way to this site. until then...read, read, read, read, read.

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneDayMama I'm hoping soon I'll be able to contribute in a useful way to this site. until then...read, read, read, read, read.

Don't forget to ask questions and make comments (your opinions and ideas are important)! No matter what level you consider yourself, there's always someone here that you can help! We have quite a few ladies here who haven't been able to take their trainings yet. We're all in this journey together...whether you've just started looking at the map or have already walked many miles!

[scarborogal]

Welcome, Welcome.

I'm just starting out too. My CAPPA training is in May. I do have kids, three to be specific, though some days it feels like there are 20 of them here.

I look forward to getting to know you.

K.

[teachinmamaof4]

Busy week and my brain isn't 100% today...lol...do you have the same username over there??? You should post sometime!!!

[Luv2bemommy]

Welcome!!!

My name is Candice and I'm a DONA trained doula in hopes of becoming certified SOON!

Do you post a ovusoft? I guess that's where you seen our other group? LOL Please feel free to join our lil group over there too!!

I don't personally think you have to be a mom in order to be a doula. I mean if you have the love for childbirth and babies anyone could be a doula (even a man,IMO)..

Hope to get to know you soon!!!

no, I don't have the same username on o/s. :p I'm sick of it, so I use a different one (new) for new boards.

I am not a good "buddy" so I won't join your group, but I do lurk daily. :p

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. I'm already enjoying my journey to being a doula and I've barely begun!

[teachinmamaof4]

So what's your username there then?

ProudUSMCwife810

it is so boring.

[MothertheMother]

so your husband is a marine? My husband is Army but soon to retire. you should volunteer for Operation Special Delivery after you do your training. If you want more info about it PM me! It would be a great way for you to get your certifying births. In case you haven't heard of it, you would volunteer to attend a mom who's husband is deployed when she gives birth. As I said, PM me if you want more info.