Anyone done the Surestart doula course?

[GillL]

Wasn't sure where to post but thought this was a good a place as any. I've seen an advert for post birth doulas in my area and I was wondering if there was anyone who had done the course who could give me some info on it. I'd also like to know what is expected. I would only be able to do this at weekends and would have to take 4 days off work to do the course so just wanted to make sure it was right for me.

do you mean you'd only be able to doula at weekends?

are they doing this in all areas cause my sil would love this job?

Sorry - yes I'd only be able to doula at weekends. I would take time off work to do the course.

Not sure singyswife. The newsletter I've got only covers the Gravesend and Northfleet area in Kent. I'm sure SureStart have a web site if your sil wants to ask for her area.

I don't know anything about the surestart scheme I'm afraid and can't find anything on their website
while part of me thinks it would be lovely that you could be called upon at weekends, the rest of me thinks that part of the benefit is getting to know that person, and if the new mother needed support mid week but you were her doula, what would she do then?

That's a good point but they said you'd only be required once a week for up to 2 hours so you can't get to know them that well. Perhaps they set the parents up with a couple of doulas to make it more flexible. I'll see what they say wrt my availability.

If I was in a surestart area I would more than likely have received the benefits of something like this. As it was I had Daisymoo volunteer her services as my birth doula through the wonderful place that is Mumsnet

I just think from personal experience, that there is no way I would have been calling someone I barely knew if I felt I was struggling.

I think this may be another one of those bright ideas the men in suits have that doesn't relate to what is actually needed

Hello mums,

I am training as a doula/postnatal doula but im expecting my 2nd child in November. I will do the Nurturing Birth in July and i was wondering if i could volunteer my services for free to any new mums or mum to be out there who would like my help. Although i am a mum i have never supported anyone in a labour lol... you know how it is, i don't think anyone is aware of anything apart from their own self at that moment. I have experienced long labour,been induced, had an emergency C-section, tongue tie with baby, breastfeeding problems, managed to breastfeed for 6 months after all this... i consider myself to have acquired knowledge and experience in dealing with labour and motherhood in general. I am still in awe of what our bodies can do and what a miracle it is to see babies born. I still cry when i watch one born every min .So if you think i can be of any help, please let me know. I am currently covering central London and South of the river.

Please get in touch with an email or phone number and i will get back to you as soon as possible.

In the meantime Congratulations on your pregnancy. You will make a great mum!