As a new doula, I would love to have the opportunity to shadow with a more experienced doula. I would not expect to be paid. It would be a valuable learning experience for me, and I would welcome it.

As a soon to be certifiying birth doula.. I would love the opportunity to shadow another doula for the same reasons:) The opportunity would be great. I have never gotten to witness anyone else's birth only my own with my children!

I wholeheartedly agree with this.

To shadow an experienced doula would be her doing something for me; if anything I would probably give her a thank you gift along with a grateful note.

I like Georgeann's approach. If the "apprenticing" doula is doing work for this client, than I'd be happy to pay her something for her time, as she'd be a help to me and to my client. If she was "just at the birth" watching and doing nothing, than no I'd not pay her for that.

Exactly. I do allow shadows, but I am working 'double' - both 'training on the field' and doulaing for my client. If anything, it is more work for me and, when she enters 'the force' on her own, she gets to be able to say she has more births under her belt than most start-ups.

I wouldn't have allowed an apprentice who just wants to stand in the corner and watch. Birth is not a spectator sport. I do require them to take a training class first. I only want apprentices who are really dedicated to being a doula and not someone who just has a thought it might be a "fun" job. So they have already made a pretty good investment.

But it COULD be Georganne! Sometimes I 'feel' like it is when the nurses and everyone are standing around "watching' mom push baby out. Sorry, didn't mean to hijack thread.

Georganne, can I come work for you? That sounds awesome!

Come on up. You can sleep on my couch. I'd also give you a sled dog ride and a handful of henna lol.

Sweet! I'm booking my flight

I've never gone NORTH to visit the states before - lol! (I live in Ontario)

That IS funny. We may be one of "them" but we are so different.

"one of them" LOL! I married "one of them".

I just shadowed my first birth, and I helped alot! However, I don't think I'd allow my senior doula to pay me.
for the record.
;-)

I pay for those doulas who shadow me...although I will tell you they've earned it! The reason I do so is that usually I throw my doulas-in-training into the fire...nothing like let's "sink or swim!" It was the way I was trained back in 1996. Horrible, I know, but the more experience that can be built about different situations and getting a real "feel" for the doula-in-training by watching her in action let's me discover if she'd be a doula I'd recommend to potential clients. It gives me a clear picture of what she can handle, what she can't as of yet, how confident she is and how well she meshes with medical staff. Usually I get shadowed for a month, or about 8-10 births. It's a very overwhleming pace for some and that's why I think they deserve something in return.

But that's just me...

Loree Siermacheksy, CD (DONA)
Special Dleiveries Doula Services
Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada

I thought i'd bring this thread back.

I have a very established doula allowing me to shadow her birth for Febuary, and I certainly do NOT expect to get paid.

Shes giving me experience, risking her reputation, and I get the benifits of her hard earned reputation