Hi:

I am interested in becoming a Doula. What kind of training do I need? Do I need a certification? What additional training do you recommend? What kind of salary can I expect? How popular is the use of Doulas? Are they covered by medical insurance? I live in the suburbs of Seattle and have been interested in this field for a couple of years. I would appreciate any input you can give me. Thanks.

-- Nora Walker (nonicha@aol.com), January 23, 1999

Answers

Since you live in Seattle you should definitely give DONA (Doulas of North America)a call. They are on the web at www.dona.com. That is where I got my original training. They are one of the major certification organizations. ALACE (Assoc. of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators) also does wonderful trainings and they certify also. I sponsored one of their trainings this summer and wholly recommend them. You can get them at 1-888-22ALACE. ICEA also certifies but I don't know much about the workshop. Hunt for those organizations on the web and you are sure to get more information.

Doulas certainly are getting more and more popular, even here in AK. I suspect in your area they are quite well known. Some insurance companies cover doula services but many don't- we just need to keep showing our worth and they certainly will in the future.

As far as money is concerned, it all depends on getting your business started. There is a wide range as to what doulas charge- anywhere from $200-$700 (with some higher). Different doulas have different services as well as skill levels so the range is great. You also need to figure out how much time you have and how much energy. How many births can you do and still have energy left for living? My max seems to be about 4 before I need a break.

Kirsten

-- Kirsten Gerrish (kirsten@doula.net), January 26, 1999.

Hi : I have been interested in becoming a Doula for a little while now and am ready to go for it. I have applied for the membeship to DONA, I have started the certification process: have read 2 books, required. I have received registration material for my first Doula training. What next? Is there anything I should be doing, meanwhile? Is there anything you can recommend for me to do, while I am working on my certification process? This makes it a little difficult, because I am depending on income, at least a little anyway, I am a go-getter so I am not real worried, but where do I start? Where do I look? Please looking for advice.

debbie fleming

-- debbie fleming (greenln@erols.com), February 28, 1999.

Hello there, as to becoming a doula, if you are in the Seattle area, you can also contact PALS. The Pacific Ass. for Labor Support. Their web site is www.pals-doulas.com The Seattle Midwifery School is absolutley wonderful. Good luck, In the doula spirit, Nancy

-- Nancy Duccini (duccini3@whidbey.com), March 18, 1999.

Hi Nora,

You've gotten great advice so far. The main thing is to keep going and don't allow anyone to discourage you. Keep asking for help and you'll get what you need. Becoming a Doula is essential and worthwhile endeavor, the need is great and the rewards many. Have you had that FIRST birth yet? Once you've been at a birth, nothing will stop your progress.

Susan Tapley

-- Susan Tapley (sat@gateway.net), April 29, 1999.

i would like to know what i have to due to become a doula can you please send me this information thanks mary

-- mary miller (ericmary@hbci.com), February 18, 2000.