A question for all you lovely Doulas'

[sillysow]

Firstly hello

Could you give me an idea of the qualifications and experience that you hold in order to be a Doula. I am considering this as a future prospect and would appreciate any feedback that you may have.

Thank you very much

Thank you TheButterflyEffect, and then I guess it is a case of registration and insurance

There is some great info on the Doula UK about the 'journey' to becoming a Doula.
www.doula.org.uk/content/duk/become/How_to_become_a_Doula.asp
Doulaing is a 'lay' [profession, many women have a deep feeling that they should be supporting birthing women or have already done so for friends and family.
Whilst there are training courses, there is no 'requirement' to be trained, registered or insured.
Doulas that are members of Doula UK need to undertake one of their list of possible courses.
You are then mentored as a trainee doula by an experienced doula until you are recognised (usually for four births but it may be more). You also sign up to their code of practice etc
But different doulas styill work in very different ways.
Selina x

Hi sillysow,

I recently did my training course as a doula at Nurturing Birth and am now working as a trainee doula in London. It's a really nice course, it costs 350£, and I think it' worth every penny. There's a lot of mentoring / support both before & after, not least through the Nurturing Birth online forum for members. I found it a very good experience all in all. I don't know much about the process of insurance as I'm just now learning & figuring it all out myself (as I said I'm a beginner) :) But I'm sure there are other doulas around on MN who can give you further advice.

Are there any specific questions you feel you want to ask? I (and I'm sure many others) may be able to help.