I’m interested in becoming a doula where do I start?
1. Textbook Stuff – What you need to know
Read up on everything that a doula is, what they do, and most importantly what they don’t do.
Here’s our go-to list of resources for websites, books, and podcasts to check out:
Website: evidencebasedbirth.com
Book: The Birth Partner. A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin
Podcast: Birth Kweens Podcast
2. Tap In with the Birth Community – Find an experienced doula to talk to.
Do an online search for doulas in your area, DoulaMatch.com is a search engine tool where you can find doulas who currently practice in your area.
It’s important to meet with local doulas to understand the lay of the land, what’s the culture surrounding birth in your area, and who’s doing what?
Most doulas are very busy attending to their clients and own families so don’t expect to spend a lot of time or extensive email communication with them. Pro Tip: Already have prepared no more than three specific questions that you’d like to discuss with the doula, offer to meet for coffee, or treat them to lunch to honor their time and expertise.
Major Key Alert!
Here are a few examples of questions you might want to know:
What’s a typical day in the life of a doula?
Do you find that there’s a good balance between work and home life in this field of work?
3. Seeing Things – Observations
Observing a childbirth education class is a great way to go more in-depth with your learning about the birth community in your area. Check with your local hospitals and birth centers to see if they offer a course, if they do send an email to the registrar and tell them you are becoming a doula would like to observe. A lot of the time they’ll let you observe for free, and we like free. Pro Tip: Remember that doula we took out for lunch, reach back out to see if they have any upcoming births that you could attend and observe. Offer to compensate them for the opportunity or barter a relevant skill or service you have.
4. The Choice is Yours – Training Programs
You’ll want to attend a doula workshop with a reputable training program as well as decide if you want to pursue certification. While certification is optional, it’s highly recommended.
Most searched doula training programs: DONA International, Childbirth International, ICEA, ProDoula
5. The Business
One of the first decisions you’ll make in forming your business is its structure. Research, research, research, do you want to function as a Sole Proprietor or Limited Liability Company there are a lot more options in addition to those as well select the one that makes the most sense for your goals.
6. Can I take your order?
Decide on what you’ll include on your menu of services? Will you offer labor support, postpartum, infant massage, belly casting?
7. Name your price. – Make a living wage
Is this a full-time job or a side hustle? When pricing your services consider what you need in order to sustain yourself and your household.
8. Computer Love
Set up and design a website. Consider Logo Design
9. Bag Lady
Purchase a doula bag and supplies. Plug: Download our free Birth Bag Essentials List our Top 10 must-have items for new doulas.
10. Marco Polo
Find clients.