Trainee Doula in the West Midlands

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I've recently completed my Doula training and need to do four births and four postnatals before I can become a fully fledged Doula.

Is there anyone in the West Midlands who would like a trainee Doula? As I'm a trainee my fees are capped and basically cover expenses, I'm open to discussion on how much you pay as my primary concern is getting my trainee births done.

I would love to help you but am not due till late May and would understand if you want to collect your 4 births quicker than that.

Also on a tight budget but happy to discuss as you say.

special chocolates at hotmail dot com

I'm not that much in a rush, it's the qualification over payment, rather than payment over time IYSWIM. That's the right sort of time for me, I shouldn't be doing more than one a month and that's probably the earliest I want to look to.

I'll send you an email.

Hi! I'm in Birmingham, due early may. Could you say a bit more about what it would entail?
I've heard a bit about Doulas, but would like to know more!

You can email me on [email protected]

This is from Doula UK

What does a Doula do?
The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Before Childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.

During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

As a trainee I will ask my first four births and postnatals to fill in an evaluation form to go towards my accreditation. I'll go and email you now.

I'm in talks with a photographer (also an MNer) about offering free photography to my trainee births. This would either be pregnancy/ bump; birth*; or new baby.

*Birth photography may have to be rolled over to new baby depending on her being able to make it, but I would still take pictures if it's what you wanted it.

Hi, I'm due in late june in Worcester if that's of any interest? I wouldnt like a photographer there, though.

You're just inside my area.

The photographer isn't just birth, you'd have the choice of having her do bump pictures or new baby pictures - and it's free. Of course you don't have to have her at all, that's up to you.

Drop me a line on doulabug at rocketmail dot com and we can have a chat.

email sent! thank you.

No problem! Email recieved.

I wish you had posted this message a couple of months ago! I have a 3 week old baby and would have loved to have a doula for my birth but just couldn't afford it. Good luck with your training

Thank you!

That's a shame, maybe if you have another one you'll be able to have a Doula. There is a hardship fund for parents who can't afford a Doula and trainees are usually willing to negotiate their fees. You could still have a postnatal Doula if you wanted - similar deal, 20 hours and a free session with the photographer.

I have a few friends who've all just had their baby, rather helpful of them!