Un-certified PPDoula

fearlessbirth · 05-08-2006, 12:13 PM

Hey girls!

So I've been chatting with a local midwife and she asked me if I'd considered being a PPDoula. I told her I certainly had but went on about how I don't have the $ right now and there were LOTS of certs I wanted but didn't want to go broke doing it all ASAP. She then said that you don't have to be cert to be a PPDoula. I know there are lots of 'uncertified' doulas out there with tons of experience. She said my money would be better spent to become a lactation counselor (b/c THAT cert will transfer to the midwifery school I want to attend later on, PPD will not). My question, I suppose, is if I'm NOT certified as PPDoula how would I market myself or what should I do? Should I just read the book list, the position paper? Any suggestions on if this is a good idea or not?

I have A LOT more experience with newborns and new moms than I do with laboring moms, so it sort of makes sense that I would incorporate that into my doula practice as well but I tend to get caught up in being 'certified'.

Thoughts? Are any of you practicing post-partum doulas without certification?

moncton doula · 05-08-2006, 03:44 PM

I just took the DONA pp training this weekend and loved it but I'm not ready to jump into it yet.

fearlessbirth · 05-08-2006, 03:48 PM

Why not?

capandcradle · 05-08-2006, 07:50 PM

There are a couple of local doulas who do pp work. One is a LLL leader, but neither are certified. IME certification or the lack thereof hasn't mattered as much as experience and reputation in the community. If you have a mw willing to send you people there is a chunk of your marketing, right there.

moncton doula · 05-08-2006, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearlessbirth

Why not?

Well, I have 2 young children at home...I schedule my birth doula clients' prenatal appts in the evening when my hubby is home, and arrange childcare for the times I am away on a birth. For pp work, unless they request evenings only I am just not ready to leave my kids with someone to go work with another family.
We'll see, I won't promote myself (pp) but if the right situation comes along I may change my mind.

nocomparta · 05-08-2006, 09:56 PM

I think that would be a great idea. You might want to go ahead and take an infant CPR course, it's one requirement of PP certification that could be useful.

PostDoula · 05-09-2006, 04:09 PM

I feel certification is definitely optional, but helpful. Do you think you could afford to do the training though? CAPPA offers training videos for $280 or you can go to a training for $300-$350. I did all the reading, but the training overall was invaluable in tying it all together and learning how to navigate very specific issues that come up in Postpartum Doula work.
If the video/training isn't an option for you, then do you know another Postpartum Doula you could talk with? A "mentor" could go a long way towards filling in the gaps of not doing the training.
As for myself, I worked for a year and half or so while I completed my certification, but I was affiliated with an agency. Since I began working independently, it has been a nice asset to offer...But, not absolutely necessary. Some people ask and are reassured to know I have it--others don't really even know about it.
If there are any other questions, or you'd like to talk about it, I'd be happy to.
you can e-mail me: postdoula@wmconnect.com
*It is truly meaningful, rewarding work! And, you can dictate your availability according to your family's needs.
Good Luck!

PostDoula · 05-09-2006, 04:12 PM

One more thing--CAPPA offers scholarships quarterly. You have to be a member ($40) to apply, but if you get it, they cover all costs (including training videos) except for books and a set of newborn/BFing videos for $35.

capandcradle · 05-09-2006, 05:57 PM

Dear Beth, Would you mind sharing a little bit about the training? What did you learn there? Postpartum is such a neglected time in our culture, don't you think?

PostDoula · 05-10-2006, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capandcradle

Dear Beth, Would you mind sharing a little bit about the training? What did you learn there? Postpartum is such a neglected time in our culture, don't you think?

My training consisted of clarifying the Role and Philosophy of the Postpartum Doula, as well as a global & historical backgrounds of it. In terms of actual Postpartum Care, it dealt with Comfort Measures, Normal Recovery for c-sect. and vag. births, and Warning Signs.

Postpartum Adjustment: Normal Ranges thru Blues, Depression, Exhaustion, PP Anxiety Disorder, PP OCD & Psychosis, as well as Risk Factors for each. Also, Counseling Grieving families.

Extensive Breastfeeding Support Info. (Latch, Feeding Patterns, Diaper patterns, easing engorgement, supply issues, thrush, etc.) Also formula basics.

Normal Newborn Characteristics & warning signs. Newborn Care & Soothing. Multiples.

Role of the Doula. (Do's & Don'ts--Like, don't drive clients or give meds, etc.) Creating Local Resource materials.

Marketing & Running your business (fees, contracts, etc.)

Aside from being a mom myself, I've worked with babies and families for over a decade, and my degree is in Social Science....But, I really found the training extremely valuable and I felt prepared to handle a variety of situations. Especially since most people don't have a clear concept of a "Postpartum Doula," it's really important that the Doula does! (lines are easily blurred) It's definitely helpful to be able to refer to another experienced Postpartum Doula, too. This is a relatively recent and unique field--and often requires delicate and diplomatic handling. Working so intimately with Postpartum Families requires a great deal of sensitivity and consideration.

And, yes, POSTPARTUM IS VERY NEGLECTED AND MISUNDERSTOOD!! I'm encouraged that Postpartum Depression has come to the forefront publicly, but I feel like we're missing the bigger picture here...There are cultures and places in the world where it is extremely rare or even nonexistent. Yet, it is pretty prevalent in ours. Research has shown that much of this has to do with a lack of support and real help. But, the main public debate seems to be about medication--and not why so many new moms are so overwhelmed and isolated that they don't feel they can cope. And, most importantly, what practical steps we can take as a community and society to improve life for new & growing families.

Sorry so long! I'll hop off the soapbox now!!

heathenmamaof5 · 05-10-2006, 06:02 PM

Wow! Great thread Ladies!

I don't have any of my certifications yet. I'm charging reduced rates for Profesional Doula Services - $400 for bith package and $25 an hour for PP work. All the doula's I've asked have said to charge no less than that.

BTW, I'm certifyng with Cappa for my CLE (LLL Leader for 8 years) and Dona for birth and pp certs. Let's be clear I'm notcertified in anything! I am up front with them from the start that I am working on my certifications. I also let them know that I have 6 years experience and that during that time I studied a LOT. I also state which trainings I have gone through. I'm up front and meet them as I am, not playing a role, and it has worked well for me,

Next year I plan on applying to Midwives College of Utah so my certs will be helpful when the time comes to apply. I also figured it would be an added bonus on my college applications.

And the best part is I still get to work with clients. That's where my heart lies

capandcradle · 05-10-2006, 08:00 PM

While I believe wholeheartedly that workshops and certifications are good -- they verify core competencies and offer the helper a standard of practice and a support system -- I've never been asked by a client or potential client if I'm certified. Not once.

everydaymiracles · 05-10-2006, 09:18 PM

Just wanted to add a little about the certified/not certified question. I attended 12 births before I had three births that fit within the parameters outlined by DONA. Another Doula, was able to certify after her first three births. Now we are both certified but but I have perhaps had a wider spectrum of experiences than the other doula - does this make me a better doula? Not really (maybe but maybe not) - it makes our path to certification different. Now if a client was wanting to hire a certified doula - they may hired this other doula based on her certification status or they might have realised that experience was as important as the letters. That all being said - I know some doulas who have CHOSEN not to certify (for whatever reason) and they are quite busy with clients. As for me - I am working on my CAPPA CCCE and CPD right now - is it for prospective clients or for me (wanting to have letters after my name!!!!) R

raspberrymoondoula · 05-10-2006, 11:21 PM

just like being a labor doula training is optional. you can probably charge more with certification, and it may give you a degree of security, but really being kind, a good listener, and knowing what new moms go through will be the most important things.

fearlessbirth · 05-11-2006, 11:38 AM

After the things that Beth listed I think I would really benefit from the training but wouldn't necessarily have to pursue certification. Although, after spending all that money on the training, I'd probably want to be certified 'just for the heck of it'. Lol Thank you all for your feedback.

I think one of my biggest problems is lacking self confidence. I feel like (even though I am good at what I do, I am reliable, a quick learner, etc) that I have to sell myself...put on a show and flash these credentials in order to be worthy of being hired. Which is not at ALL what I'm about. I know I need to work on that first and then everything else will fall into place.