Returned from my PPD training in Seattle

laramichelle · 11-18-2006, 02:41 PM

Returned earlier this week from my training in Seattle and I have to say it was great. I felt they really went above and beyond in giving us all the information we would need to do the work of a PPD. The trainer is a therapist as well a postpartum and birth doula (as am I, co perhaps I am a bit biased) and so really focused on active listening skills. They brought in a tax lawyer to teach us the basics in setting up a small business, a lactation consultant for an afternoon of breastfeeding info.
In the end I was a bit jealous of all the resources Seattle has. I live in a very small city and it just doesn't compare. I was also jealous of the wages PPDs get there. $30 an hour to start and their local organization has families lined up waiting for PPDs as well a several new programs to provide services to low-income families while still paying the doulas!
My task now will be to inform people that I exist and that having a ppd is a benefit that they need/can use. There hasn't really ever been a practicing ppd here, although we have a handful of labor doulas who get a bit of work. When I began thinking of doing this, I was hoping to work enough to make $300 - $500 a month. I still hope to, but am going to have to work my butt off getting my information out there.
I hope to do informational trainings whenever possible on whatever topic I feel competent enough in just to get my face out there. I am also talking with Postpartum Support Internation about becoming an area coordinator. Hopefully I will get some clients through these contacts. If anyone has any advice on how to get a community enthused about birth and postpartum support it would be greatly appreciated!

Lara

Amydoula · 11-18-2006, 08:15 PM

I dont have any advice on the birth doula aspect as I don't do birth but I live in small town USA as well and had to do TON of education/marketing to get the word out. i would say it took about 6 months. I did seminars etc. at the hospital and at the health department. I set up a doula group to get to know the local birth doulas so we could support each other and refer clients to each other. I went to all the ob/midwife offices, talked with them and put up brochures. I put up brochures and cards everywhere a new mom could go, in all the towns around mine (I never get work right where I live and travel up to an hour each way). Getting certified helps a lot too as I get many referrals off the DONA website. Glad you liked your training! Let me know if you have any questions.
Amy

laramichelle · 11-19-2006, 11:39 AM

Thank you Amy! I just got my website up and am working on brochures and then I will hit the town in earnest. I have one birth/postpartum client due next month. Two more and I can apply for certification!
It is nice to be doing something that, even though it hasn't yet paid a dime, inspires me and I feel passionate about (aside from raising my son!)

Sandythedoula · 11-20-2006, 02:30 PM

Sounds awesome! Your training seems like it was chock full of great info. How long was it? Who did your training cappa dona etc.
I just did mine with cappa and can't wait to get my name out there too.
Good luck to you and many many blessings!

sunlit_mists · 11-20-2006, 04:31 PM

You met Margaret! isn't she awesome, and isn't SMS great... i took my doula training there... still smiling.

laramichelle · 11-21-2006, 03:50 PM

I did my training at the Seattle Midwifery School and it was with Margaret and she is awesome

! It is a 30 hour DONA training spread over a four day period and was packed with all sorts of great information. I would love to have an opportunity to do some of the other classes they offer there, but I had better make some money first or my DH will have a heartattack. He has been so supportive of all of the training I have had to do (as well as all of the money I have had to spend!) but I fear he will lose patience soon!

Lara

Jadethedoula · 11-23-2006, 02:54 AM

I did my labor support training at SMS with Dana Blue and Shellie Moore. I lived in Southern California at the time, but I knew the training was going to be worth it. It was great, and I also did a postpartum mood disorders training with Dana, and she is excellent.