Ok, this probably seems like a really dumb question. Buuut, I will ask anyway. I am very interested in becoming a PP doula and a Lactation Counselor. But I feel a passion for this - I've been interested in birth and babies way before I even wanted to have children of my own. I am passionate about BFing also, and BFd my own children... So I *think* I could be good at this, and would really love it. Right now I work in a totally unrelated corporate field, and it is super scary to leave that, and fork over the $$ and the time for something I'm not sure I will even be good at. Sooo, I was wondering... Is it possible/strange/dumb to see if I could find a couple "clients" before I even get training? I would work for free (or cheap?) just to see if it was a good fit for me. Did anyone else do this - get experience before training, or try it on for size before even getting any training? Or, on the flip side, how and when did you "know" that this was the career for you? Thanks for any help!!

How would you know what to or not do or say or not say without a training?

Hmmm, you're right of course, I wouldn't necessarily... I mean I'm fairly well read on birth/breastfeeding, etc (not that I feel this makes me 100% qualified, but I'm not 100% green either). I guess another way to ask, would be is there a way to get some experience will I'm still working my current job? Could I shadow someone? I wish I could just "know" that this was it for me, and I could afford to just up and quit my job (which I hate, but it pays the bills, which I obviously need), but without even trying it or never experiencing it, how do I know?

hWHat you are passionate about doesn't always pay the bills - I think many people in all sorts of jobs will attest to this.

You may be really interested in working with new families but do you want to to a leap and make this a profession for yourself? While you admit to not loving your corporate job can you see yourself (probably) making less money and pretty much having a lifestyle change (babies don't arrive 9-5)? Do you want the change in career or are you interested in helping friends/family?

It is good that you are asking real questions ahead of an outlay of funds and time.

I'm not sure there are many in this profession who would allow you to shadow them without training. Although they are mentoring and teaching you they would also expect a level of understanding and assistance that may only be gained through an initial training.

Is there a doula group in your area that you could contact about shadowing?

You should definitely start training before you work with families. Check out Childbirth International. It is an online training program and they have a payment plan. Then, once you have read over the manuals you can look for families willing to use a doula-in-training. I would also see if a friend or family member with a new baby will let you hang out with them and the baby so that you get some experience being around newborns.

Hi Yvonne, thank you for your answer! Yes, I am ok with the hours (I hate working 9-5), and also ok with making less money. And, I strongly want both the career change AND interested in helping families.

Yes! And in fact, I have done that! I have been a member of a local online "birth circle/group" for many years. I posted in that group that I was interested in learning more and I got a couple offers to chat with a couple of local doulas! I am so excited!

Thanks, this is a great idea! I am definitely going to go with CBI! It's the agency that I initially felt drawn to - I looked at many others, DONA, CAPPA, BAI, but I kept finding myself drawn back to CBI. I've also heard great things about them here, other places online and also from my local doula group that I referenced above.

Thanks for your answers everyone, you have really helped!!!

Good luck and have fun!

I run a doula practice and I won't even consider allowing someone to shadow unless they've taken our doula training workshop. I need to know they're invested in this, not just a voyeur before I put our reputation on the line by allowing a stranger into the birth space.

good luck!