What does it take to become a Doula?

It takes a lot of patience & self motivation. You can simply become a Doula or you can get certified as a Doula which carries a little more weight & you can charge more per client. You are required to do self reading of about 5 books, then take an approved Doula training course which is usually 3 days long 8-9 hours a day. Then you have to take a breast-feeding support class, attend three live births only one of which can be a c-section (there are also rules as to how long the births have to last, how long you were present, etc), you have to get evaluations from at least 3 clients, their doctors & their nurses (so 9 total), you have to present everything documented on forms from the certifying association & you have to purchase a membership to that certifying association The most widely accepted association is D.O.N.A. (Doulas of North America) I encourage you to check out their website for more information on becomming a Doula. After they certify you, you may use the initials C.D. after your name (like a doctor uses M.D.). You also become listed on their national website so clients can find you.

Other than the classes, reading & paperwork, it takes a lot of time, dedication & patience. You have to be a nurturing person who doesn't mind getting down in the muck of things & is willing to put out a lot of physical labor for a long period of time. Unlike a nurse a Doula does not get to leave at the end of a "shift" you are there for the duration & a few hours afterwards....my first birth that I attended I was present, awake & alert with the mother & her partner for 27 hours straight with no food breaks & only 3 bathroom breaks.....so this is not something for the light-hearted nor is it for someone who easily gets bored. (If you would like to check out my personal Doula information page for more information it is: www.myspace.com/APeaInThePodDoulaServices best of luck to you & I hope my answer was helpful)

First answer by PradsPrincess. Last edit by PradsPrincess. Contributor trust: 34 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question]