are you a doula?

[OnlyWantsOne]

... I think, know, feel... I want to be one

And need some advice

Hello! I'm a doula, what advice do you need?

best job in the world. :)

I'd like to know more about training, where best to do it / cost involved etc, how to find work?

I have two friends heavily PG atm, same as me (37+3) but I spend all my time advising them, helping them, advocating on their behalf.

For instance, currently friend in hosp after failed induction at 37 weeks, been told she cant go home (bearing in mind she has had no sleep since Wednesday) even though they arent going to give her a C section til Monday.

Makes me really sad to think these women un supported etc and have wanted to do this for years but we are now moving closer to London possible in the summer, and think it would be a good thing to do once I graduate from my current Hons degree

Have just sent you a message, but wanted to say - if your friend's waters haven't been broken, all hers and baby's obs are fine, would she consider discharging herself? Obviously there may be a good reason to keep her in, but if it's just routine it isn't nice to start off life with a new baby after nearly a week of no sleep. And hey, you never know, she might go in to labour if she relaxes at home...

She wont discharge herself, I spoke to her on phone earlier, the consultant came and scared her.

I shall check my essages :)

The nct have recently started a pilot scheme offering birth support - might be worth a look if they help with doula type training? Also look at the website doula uk for more info on training.

I wanted to be one, but now my babies are older and the hormones have calmed down, I'm not so interested!