Is anyone working as a PP Doula w/out certification?

Matrescence · 08-15-2005, 03:42 PM

I've been wanting to take the training and work toward certification but the training is way up there as far as cost goes. I'm still hoping to go for it in the future but for now was wondering if I could offer PP care without certification. I mean I know I *can* but is it easy to do? Do you find that it's harder to get clients? What kind of things did you do to prepare? Classes, books?

Babies_Bellies_Boobies · 08-16-2005, 07:21 PM

only for dealing with breastfeeding issues

nothing else until i get my act together after my kids get a little older

tlcdoula · 08-18-2005, 01:58 PM

I do postpartum work, but I am certified.

AussieDoula · 05-19-2006, 05:05 AM

I know this is an old thread, but...
I offer postpartum services, and am not certified (and will likely not choose to ever become certified).
I market myself the same way certified Doulas do (business cards, fliers, etc). To make sure I am current with postpartum topics and breastfeeding issues, I attend a conference or class regularly and read a LOT of books and articles.
In my experience, not a single client has ever asked if I was certified. I just don't think that certification is indicative of a loving heart and a caring disposition. I am a capable and supportive Postpartum Doula.
Something I do is attend local hospital-run breastfeeding classes (usually low-cost/free) so that I am aware of what my clients are being told, to keep myself current with breastfeeding information, and to make myself known to the LC's in the area.
I read a lot of books about postpartum care, write articles and fliers for my clients about what to expect during the postpartum period, and took a workshop in infant massage.
The best thing you can do to earn a good reputation as a Postpartum Doula is to make sure you educate and inform yourself, and remain current with relevant information. You don't need to be certified to be a good Doula! In the end, it's merely a personal choice.
Good luck on your journey!

fearlessbirth · 05-22-2006, 01:19 PM

LeAnne...I asked this same question a while back. I am going to apply for one of CAPPA's scholarships for the distance PPD cert. I was hesitant but feel I personally could really benefit from the training. I want to feel confident and know exactly what's in my scope of practice and what's not. And to know what's expected of me as a PPD. I may not go through with the actual certification but the training will be fun and informative, I think.

~*~*~ Best of luck to you~*~*~*~

AussieDoula · 06-13-2006, 11:24 PM

I agree that, while certification may not be that important when it comes down to it, training most certainly is!

You should read as much as you can, keep up-to-date with relevant information, and frequently attend classes and workshops etc (as stated in my previous, longer post hehe).
Let us know where you're at with the decision process!

susan1 · 06-14-2006, 12:52 AM

I am wondering the same thing..I don't have the money to attend a workshop. So I like to know if it's hard to find clients without being cerified...I would not think not.

Matrescence · 06-15-2006, 06:33 PM

With the influx of moms calling for pp doulas we were able to bring a training here in May so I did finally get trained

I'm working toward my cert now with my first pp client, I'll finally get to go work for her next week, her dh just went back to work. I'm so excited and nervous all at the same time, at least I know this couple I was their birth doula, I'll probably be even more nervous with a client I don't know.

fearlessbirth · 06-15-2006, 06:37 PM

LeAnne...that is awesome!! What a cool transition, too. You were there for the birth and now will help mama in this next phase as well. I know you'll do just fine. Let us know how it goes! How long will you be working with her (each day/for how many days?)

Matrescence · 06-15-2006, 06:46 PM

We talked about having me come for a few hours on Wednesday and Thursday of next week to help with the middle of the week slump, then I think she wants to see how she does and take it from there. It's funny that she's my first pp client, it's almost been 2 weeks and every time I talk to her she sounds amazing, she's got a really good sense of things. She amazed me in labor and I have to say she surprised me postpartum. Her husband is one of these super men too, he's made her snacks, breakfasts and lunches for the days he's at work and made sure that she has people to call and check on her. He's just phenomenal. I don't really feel like she 'needs' me at all but she said she'd be happy to have me come help out if it'll help me toward certification. I figure I can do some laundry or maybe clean up some for them while I'm there.

fearlessbirth · 06-15-2006, 06:50 PM

I'm sure any help with be appreciated!! Especially once dh goes back to work. I have a friend at work and he and his wife had twins 3 months ago. I was very impressed with the awesome system they had in place. Her parents came for 2 weeks after the birth and his actually moved back here to their condo to be nearby and his mom slept over for the next 2-3 wks.Dad now takes 3 days off a week. One to himself (fishing, etc.) one to give mom a complete break and one for family day. They are just awesome! It's such a shame that most women have like a week of being waited on hand and foot and then suddenly guests and dh/so is gone and they are left alone.

Matrescence · 06-15-2006, 07:06 PM

Very true... I like the idea of being there periodically through the middle of the week helping transition into it instead of being left to it all at once. She's got a really good support system but many of our area families don't. This area is pretty much filled with moms that go back to work before they should (even after a cesarean) and further up the mountain in Asheville moms who stay home but dads who have to get back to work asap and family who live far away.

sacredma · 06-20-2006, 04:30 PM

i am not certified and dont plan on it. i have been doing this for over 15 years. my doula partner did do the dona pp training, she is certified for labor support from them as well. i think if it gives you more confidence go for it.
thanks,
mavis

Amydoula · 07-30-2006, 09:33 PM

I am certified now but did work as a ppdoula before I was certified as well. I feel much more prepared now that I have gone through the training process than I did for that first client. I think it can definitely be done uncertified but that the doula should still go through an extensive personal training so that she feels prepared to take on the challenges of ppdoula work.

ctowndoula · 07-31-2006, 08:13 AM

I'm not certified as ppdoula but I do have the training to be a pre/postnatal exercise instructor and that was more information about a pp woman's body than any ppdoula book I have read or CEUs I have taken.

There is such a need for ppdoulas in this town that I don't have any issues (I've had three kids too) and can actually charge enough to make it worth my while.

My favorite pp clients to take are the ones where I attended their births. As my calendar fills so quickly I am thinking of only offering ppdoula work for birth clients, not to get more births, but b/c I honestly enjoy it more when we have that bond.