A question about doulas.

[Bauble99]

Is there a recognised course that has to be completed before a doula can practice? I know that there are a few different courses available.

Or could a person study alone and then begin to practice?

I've often wondered and notice that doulaUK is often given as a link. IIRC a doula needs to have completed a course recognised by doulaUK before they can advertise on the site but I wondered if there are doulas who have done their own study before practising.

anyone can be a doula, all a doula is , is a woman usually one who has had children, who offers one to one emotional support to other women during pregnancy, labour, birth and just after the birth.

There are several courses recognised by Doula UK, who is the non profit organisation and peer support network a lot of doulas belong to. Also, a lot of parents find their doula through the DUK site, and there is no charge for this.

as doulas are not there in a clinical role, you would not have to neccesarily have studied or passed any sort of qualification to be one, i personally did the nurturing birth course as i wanted the back up of a mentor and to belong to DUK, to show i was committed and serious about my role.

I also undertake an awful lot of extra reading and research and am on two committees at the local hospital so i can stay abreast of how things are going there, and to show i am working with, not against the medical staff there.

but in theory, anyone could do it, without any sort of training.