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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

lulu or Mars are you here??

37 replies

liahgen · 01/02/2008 19:26

Hi ladies,

Have got birth "interview" tomorrow, and was thinking of taking few bits with me to leave with parents. Do you think this good idea?

ie, Doula UK leaflet, (they found me off there)
my contract

Was thinking of drawing up a sheet with questions such as

due date
hosp/home of choice

what do you ladies think?

The joib is literally walking distance from my house, and will be my 4th birth!! Woohoo, so would really like to get it.

Thank you oh wise ones. lol

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

rachaelsara · 01/02/2008 21:54

I'm a trainee too, hello! I've attended two births, have one lined up for marchish, and had a client for whom I babysat while she had an emergency c.

I take and leave the birth story my first actual client wrote. She had a VBAC and it was amazing. I also leave my story of the same birth so the client can get both sides of the story.

I feel that the interviews are like all first meetings, you all decide within the first 30 seconds, it's chemical, not mental iyswim! Having said that, I haven't had an interview and not got the job, but there is no real competition in my area, so lucky me!

I'm not a womb wise woman, but very good luck for tomorrow

I think the fact that you're prepared to prepare shows your commitment to doing a good job and that will go a long way!

Original poster

liahgen · 01/02/2008 21:59

hiya Rachalsara,

where you based? i'm Kent. Did you train with nb?

Have had couple interviews, and not got it, 1st, other candidate knew hosp really well, the lady told me this was the only reason.
other couple just didn't call back so who knows.

I love this job.

OP posts:

Lulumama · 01/02/2008 22:00

I take a leaflet of mine, and a business card. I also take a note pad so i can jot down any notes that are relevant. i have not used a contract thus far, but i know a lot of doulas do use them. i would do if i was in an area with a lot of doulas, but there is pretty much only me, so i either get the job or not !! i keep things really informal for the first meeting , talk about why they want a doula, and how i can help them. if they do want any specific info, i will email it or bring to the next meeting. good luck !! both my current birth clients are going to not come to furition, so am watching my phone waiting for it to ring so i can get stuck in again....

Lulumama · 01/02/2008 22:01

*fruition !

Original poster

liahgen · 01/02/2008 22:08

thanks for that.

Have had few "meetings" but never sure which side of casual is too casual. lol

thanks, won't go armed with stuff but will make notes for next time, ()

OP posts:

Lulumama · 01/02/2008 22:12

go and be yourself ! let us know what happens

rachaelsara · 01/02/2008 22:15

I'm in North Devon, right by the sea, so my catchment is a half circle, so I'm not very busy!

I did train with NB, way back in March 06! I've not managed to get a mentor to certify me for Doula UK yet, but this area is so badly paid, I don't see a time when I can charge much more than £150 anyway!

I've found that the husbands feel funny about having a doula. They see it as an insult!

I love this job too, I just wish I could find more clients! I've managed to go on a parentcraft course locally, and tried really hard to keep quiet. Even though the maternity attitude and service here is excellent, people still seem to approach the birth with fear. That is what I want to help ladies with, the fear!

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 09:41

rachel i live by the sea too, so i have a similar issue ! not had a problem getting work, in fact have had to turn a lot down as i had too many due around the same time, and no other local doulas. have found a couple of others now but neither are DUK doulas.....but they have really sound philosophy....am going to do the CBI antenatal educators course this year, and hopefully that will be my main source of income, with doulaing on the side !

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 09:42

do you offer birth preparation sessions? without being their doula?

Original poster

liahgen · 02/02/2008 17:58

I do, I have just added this to my website. Have to start doing lots reading /talking now so am fully prepared.

Anyway, seen parents, they seem lovely. Spent hour and half, seemed to go really well so fingers crossed.

OP posts:

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 18:08

Here I am. sorry a day late.

Glad that it went well.

What's your website?

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 18:16

rachelsara... I always make sure to meet the mum and the dad together and repeat what I've said on the phone which is that I am there to support them both. I come around the father and the mother. By doing this I free the dad up from worrying about what he's supposed to do and he can concentrate on supporting his partner and child.

liahgen... I rarely take anything with me. By the time my clients have met me they've seen my website (they normally come via there and DUK). If they haven't seen it when making inital contact I recommend that they do. That way when I get to the interview I'm not a stranger. I make a point to address lots of my "commentary" to the dads. He needs to know that I have not come to take his place.

I get most jobs I go for but sometimes I don't. I've lost out to a couple of good doula friends before. I don't mind as I think that it would negate my purpose if the parents were to feel niggled by my presence. Besides... I'm reasonably sure that you are at the births you're meant to be at.

lulu... no contract huh? I always use a contract (to protect me and the client). Have had a couple try to stiff me before. Now I protect myself and my income.

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 18:18

you are right mars, and i thikn it is partially becasue i love what i do and feel so privileged i find it hard to approach in a more corporate fashion, as i get busier i will reconsider, no doubt .

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 18:22

Me too darling but it makes life easier and it helps me keep a record of the births. Each to their own. There are plenty of doulas who don't work with contracts. I just think that because it is my business I ought to.

Now... what do you mean 2 births that won't come to fruition? Explain... simple words please!

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 18:23

one VBAC , baby breech ... not shifting, mother frigthened and tense .

doulaing other birth could potentially ruin my reputation , long story !

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 18:25

So I have email and a telephone number! Want the story.

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 18:27

will email when i have made dinner ! am chairing MSLC on tuesday am nervous !

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 18:54

I want FULL details of it all.

Lulumama · 02/02/2008 18:56

okey dokey

it might not be that interesting after the big build up!

Original poster

liahgen · 02/02/2008 19:22

now I'M intrigued aswell.

I am so crap at being businesslike, and I hate asking for money so is vital that I have a contract or I could see myself giving away my services.

Mars, you've visited my website, and left me a lovely messag when I set it up.

It's here

www.freewebs.com/chrysalisbirths/

OP posts:

MarsLady · 02/02/2008 21:49

Ah yes... I remember your site. Lovely! Peaceful colour.

hertsnessex · 03/02/2008 00:08

I always use a contract, similar resaons to Mars.

Most people have seen my site before, and that answers alot of questions.

I take along the enquiry form they/i have filled out and a business card, plus make my own notes.

i leave them with 2 contracts, one to send back to me with deposit.

i then take along a personalised info pack at the frist antenatal tailored to their pregnancy/birth. we do birth plan at the second and keep in touch via phone.emails etc up until the birth.

i also do birth consultancy and private antenatal sessions.

there arent alot of doulas around but i often work in london and herts aswell as essex.

Original poster

liahgen · 03/02/2008 10:07

can i look at your website please hertsnessex?

I've seen yours Mars, i love it.

I am definately having a Doula for my next birth, (number 6)My birth experiences would have been very different I believe if I'd had one before.

OP posts:

MarsLady · 03/02/2008 14:45

herts has just gone off a holiday. Here's her website

As you can see we have very different websites. I think it's important to have one that reflects you. It's definitely worth put the effort into (or getting someone else to put the effort in to for you... Thank you morningpaper...I heart you!) I get a lot of business because of my site.

Lulumama · 03/02/2008 15:43

if anyone wants to look at my site.. feel free.. addy on my profile ! DH made it for me, it is due for big upgrade though !

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