Do you think I've already messed up??

BlessedBottomz · 11-07-2006, 02:14 PM

I bought my training materials for the ppd, but I'm thinking I might have wasted $280, please tell me that I didn't. I'm just looking at so many people that aren't certified in ppd and wondering if I should have applied the funds towards labor certification. I do have 2 kids of my own and have worked in and run a home daycare for over a year now so I know how to take care of children. Plus I had a labor doula with my last baby and my husband and I did a lot of reading and educated ourselves in the very active process of mothering. Did I do the right thing? Should I call them and cancel my order and tell them to apply it towards ldc?

fearlessbirth · 11-07-2006, 02:34 PM

I'm not sure. I know this can be a tough decision to make...which do have more of a calling for? Labor doula or pp doula? Remember there is a difference between TRAINED and CERTIFIED. Likely, these uncertified ppdoulas you are talking about were trained...

I am a trained labor doula and am still debating on whether or not to become certified. After talking to several ppdoulas I have decided that even though I feel like I know enough to do pp work without the training that I really could benefit from formal training. Since I'm not 'trained' yet, I do only offer pp services to birth clients.

It just totally depends on where you heart is. And even no matter how many certs or trainings you obtain or attend, you can always benefit from learning something more or from a different angle so I don't think this is a waste for you.

I know I rambled and didn't make much sense. Lol

ctowndoula · 11-07-2006, 02:58 PM

I am not trained as a ppdoula, b/c I really only offer it on a very limited basis. We need more ppdoulas here, so I can get away with not being trained.
That being said, I have CEUs on b/f and ppcare out the wazooo!

I was also trained as a pre/postnatal exercise instructor. The training on physiology that I got for that alone should be more than enough.
If you have a calling for it and seriously want it to be more than a hobby...at least get the training is my

.

BlessedBottomz · 11-07-2006, 03:30 PM

I agree 100% with the training. I just want to do something all the way. If I'm buying the training through CAPPA, then I really want to go ahead getting certified. I eventually want to be certified in labor and lactation education as well one day, but it was a really hard decision as to which one I should do first. I think that the only reason I went with pp is because there is a higher demand and I was going to take my earnings from that to support my certification of the other 2. I am still hoping to volunteer and shadow births at my local clinics and birthing centers, even though the births won't count towards my ldc until I've completed my training. I know my local teen mom outreach can use the extra support. Especially since a majority of them feel like they are all alone and aren't married.

fearlessbirth · 11-07-2006, 03:38 PM

Also, CAPPA has scholarships so maybe you'll qualify for one of those down the road!

syncreo · 11-07-2006, 05:18 PM

Hi,
Sounds to me like you made a wise decision - if that is what the market in your area supports start with ppd and then use the funds for your ldc etc. I think certification is a good thing if we want to be taken as professionals - jmo.

asafepassage · 11-07-2006, 06:49 PM

I agree that unless you have lots of c/e in specific areas related to pp such as BF, Newborn Care, PPDepression, etc...taking a course is great if you can afford to. I think getting a good overview of the main themes of PP and then you can get a better sense of what areas you may need to learn more about.

I know it seems that there is so much training out there to be had and limited funds to do it...I hear ya...

Okay I have been "turk"ed by how do I get the icon on?

Cheers!

PostDoula · 11-07-2006, 07:14 PM

I don't know the specifics of your family dynamic, but as a mom of 2 young ones, I find Postpartum work easier to schedule than labor doula work would be. (I don't do labor) With Postpartum work, it's a lot easier to set clear parameters of availability in advance....Whereas, with labor, you are just at its mercy.
Just my opinion! When my kids are older, I might pursue labor doula work, but right now it's just not practical.
Best of luck to you!

Amydoula · 11-07-2006, 07:40 PM

I am of the belief that training is a must and that certification is very important too. It makes us look like the professionals that we are. I wouldn't get nearly as many jobs if I weren't certified, it is important to the parents in my area.

heathenmamaof5 · 11-07-2006, 10:01 PM

I'm working on my Labor and PP Doula Certs through Dona and my CLE through Cappa. I've spread out the trainings and am working on all three things at the same time. It's good preperation for midwiferey school is my thinking and I can multi-task really well!

gemasita · 11-28-2006, 10:07 AM

I think it's very important to become trained and/or certified as a postpartum doula - just as important as being trained as a labor doula. I have been trained and am becoming certified and I know some doulas who are trained as birth doula and start working on postpartum while knowing nothing about it. I think it can effect the view of pp doulas if there are women working as them but know nothing about the scope of practice and the skills.