I have my first interview tomorrow, I have my contract...very basic from DONA. Anything else you could suggest, payment policy?? or anything that you find you must be sure you have in your contract?

Thanks ladies

I'm probably too late for your interview, but I just wanted to tell you to just relax and be yourself. I have found that the interviews tend to be more about having face time and seeing how your personalities work than anything else. Yes, they will ask you questions about your birth philosophy and pricing, etc., but be yourself. And do more listening than talking

Thank you! It's nice coming from an east coaster, that's usually my mentality. We just moved to Denver from NH. She actually met with someone yesterday that she clicked with, we never ended up meeting. She said I could still attend her birth if I wanted. I just offered to be a backup if the other doula needed one. It just wasn't meant to be, oh well.

Bummer! It will come. I firmly believe we get the women that we are supposed to work with. I've been a doula for 2 1/2 years, and I'm preparing for my sixth birth any day now. However, I've interviewed probably fifteen times. I remember well how nervous I got those first few times, and it is only natural. I really learned to relax and just let it be! Hang in there...it will come. It took quite a while for me to get some contacts. As a matter of fact, I've done more interviewing and births in the last nine months than I do for the whole 1 1/2 before that.

What part of New Hampshire were you from? I'm from the Lewiston/Auburn area. A highly independent French Catholic community. Doulas are definitely not mainstream, and I am pretty much the only one in my area. Now, further South in Portland? Much more opportunity. It is only a 30 minute drive, and I'm certainly willing to travel, but I'd really like to build my business here in my own community. Fortunately, I've got a great relationship with the CBE at one of the two hospitals (who I new prior) and she's been a wonderful asset.

Hopefully Denver is more educated about the benefits of a doula and it won't be long. Connect with local doulas. Network, network, network. That is THE single best thing you can do. Cold advertising can only do so much, but a warm referral goes a long way. I'd be happy to email with you anytime you'd like. Message me for my email address if you want it.