How to Become a Doula
Doulas are the unsung heroes of childbirth. They are present for mothers during pregnancy and labor, providing emotional support, physical comfort, and education. While many clinics or hospitals will have doulas on staff, a growing number of independent doulas also work with women one-on-one to help them through giving birth. How to become a doula? It is actually pretty simple, enroll and get started. Here’s everything you need to know about how to become a doula.
What does a doula do?
Doulas are birth professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to clients during labor, birth, and postpartum.
Doulas provide comfort and compassionate care to their clients in all birth settings. A doula’s role is not just limited to supporting pregnant clients. Doulas also help with: educational support, resources, comfort measures, affirmations, and information on procedures and processes of labor.
What does a doula make?
Doulas are paid for their professional services by the birthing family. Most doulas charge between $1500-$5000 for their services. This will include prenatal support and education. Doulas communicate and connect with clients. They offer informational support and education. Some teach childbirth education classes to clients or provide nutritional education and support, attendance at the birth, infant feeding support, and a postpartum visit. When you break it all down, doulas are worth their weight in gold.
How to become a doula?
Becoming a doula is a process. It’s not something you can do overnight. Still, with the right education and certification program, you can become a doula in no time! Most doulas take about 4 months to complete their education.
First, enroll in a doula certification program like Birth Arts International. You will complete an exciting education program online, attend births and submit assignments to become a certified doula.
Second, start completing your assignments and readings in the classroom and work on connecting with future clients.
Third, start attending births, then you are on your way!
Doula certification programs
The first step to becoming a doula is finding a certification program that fits your interests and needs. Many types of doula certification programs are available, so it’s essential to research each one carefully before picking which suits you. Don’t get tempted by someone offering instant certification or easy workarounds. That can lead to challenges down the road, and families are starting to become aware of programs that cut corners. Look for a program you can connect with, has a support team beyond initial sales, and offers its students a way to connect.
Some organizations offer online courses that can be completed from home at your own pace. The cost of these programs varies widely depending on location, time spent studying, and whether additional fees are involved. Some training organizations charge membership, grading, and certification fees. Birth Arts International has no additional fees.
Some schools even offer financial aid options if money is tight! Birth Arts International has had a vigorous scholarship program since day one.
Doulas are a growing field, and it’s easy to get started.
You can be a doula by working with clients in various settings, including hospitals and birth centers. There are also many ways to start your career, but education is the first step.
If you’re interested in becoming a doula, getting started is easy. All you need is training and certification. There are many different types of training programs available, so whether you want to be part of an organization or go at it alone–there’s something out there for everyone!