Ok, I have a few questions....First of all I am SOOOO excited about becoming a doula, I haven't started certification just yet, but I have begun reading various books and am still "shopping" around trying to decide who I'd like to certify with. So here are my questions...in no particular order:

1. Is anyone familiar with or certified through either ALACE or Childbirth International? If so can you please give me some feedback as to what you like about them...I am leaning toward Childbirth International because they are a distance learning program and they also do Doula/Childbirth Educator certification in one package. Both of which I am interested in. I also like what I see of ALACE so far as far as them teaching how to palpate a mother's abdomen, use a fetoscope, etc......any feedback would be GREAT!

2. I have 2 small children, ages two and a half and 6 months. I have no idea yet how I am going to arrange childcare when I am on call. I have read of teaming up with other doulas in the area and taking turns watching kids.....does this mean that she would come to my home with her kids if I get called out and vice versa? Or do we drop our kids off at the other's house? Just wondering what the "norm" is. My husband works late hours some nights ( I'm talking past midnight) so I don't know if anyone would be willing to stay with my kids that late, especially if she has her own with her....I am really worried about this......Anyone have any advice?

3. I live in IL, about 50 miles from Chicago. Does anyone else live near Chicago, if so do you have any recomendations as far as organizations or hospitals that hire doulas?

4. I am only 22, are there any other "young" doulas out there who have had a hard time getting clients? I am worried that due to my age potential clients may not take me seriously or feel that I am capable of being their doula......

Thank you so much for ANY answers to ANY of my questions!!!

-- Bethany R. (metalgurl27@aol.com), August 06, 2003

Answers

I am also interested in becoming a Doula.

I am responding to your question about age, i spoke with a woman this morning who had twins and a Doula, she told me that she didn’t care at all about the age of the Doula only that she was experienced and incredibly kind.

I am 24, so my age is a concern to me as well however, there are so many moms that are 25 and younger that will want to be able to relate to there Doula. Some one who is the around the same age would be perfect. I believe that is where we come in to play.

Hope that helps

Scarlett

-- Scarlett Damen (scarlett_damen@hotmail.com), September 16, 2003.

Answers to concerns #1 and #4.

1)I am going through certification with ALACE. Having hands on training is very important to me. Also meeting face to face with other "trainees" is very benificial.

4)As for age, I am only 23. Most of the women I have worked with have been in their 20's or younger. I find that this is not a hinderance but rather an advantage. I have that spring in step of youth, extra energy and stamina, and most importantly to most of my clients, I'm a night owl. *laugh* They are never afraid to call in the middle of the night, because chances are I'm still up. Also, I've been told by a previous mother that it is comforting to have someone closer in age but still knowledgeable and comforting. This is not to say that it will be very simple. However, you can overcome this by demonstrating knowledge, calmness, and by being a good doula. You might consider talking to local clinics and Planned Parenthood, etc. about working with teenage mothers. There, your age could very well be advantageous.

Hope this Helps!

-- Megan F. (pre-raphaelite@earthlink.net), December 03, 2003.

CAPPA trains and certifies Labor Doulas, Antepartum Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Lactation Educators. We also offer specialized training in Adoptions Services, Teen Childbirth Education and Teen Lactation Education. Website: www.cappa.net Phone: 888-my-cappa

CAPPA LA State Rep: Michelle Schnaars, CCCE

-- Michelle Schnaars (michelleschnaars.1@juno.com), May 26, 2004.