Retraining as a Doula - would it be a good move?

[HexGirl]

I am looking to move out of my current career for a number of reasons the main one being that I loathe it and have done for quite some time! .

DS is due to start school in September and I'm looking at my various options. I've had a few thoughts about what I could possibly do but I guess the worry is that:

a) there is no real long term prospects in what I go for
b) I don't want to spend a fortune on re-training (have just paid off the last study loans!)
c) I want to be good at whatever i decide to do
d) It fits in with my family to an extent (the holy grail of juggling family and work!); and
e) I get real job satisfaction out of it!

The one thing I really want is a career where I feel that I am making a genuine difference to someone else so I have been looking the possibility of training to be a doula. I guess that the hours can be antisocial but at the same time you can choose how much work you take on as you're self-employed. Thing is, is there actually the demand for doulas or is it a faddy thing? I live in London so could be fairly flexible for most of London and the M4 corridor.

I drive and would be able to have childcare in place for night time call outs etc.

If I trained to be a doula I would be looking at doing one of the Doula UK accredited courses (although I am trying to work out how much weight these actually carry). None of the courses seem to require any specific academic qualifications but would it be worthwhile doing Biology A-Level or something similar alongside the doula training?

I would also look at gaining some additional qualifications in complementary therapies such as hypnobirthing, qualifications in breastfeeding support etc. so that I could properly support women throughout pregnancy and post-natally as well as ensuring that my CV looks as complete as possible IYSWIM?

I'm assuming that you would need to pay for insurance, CRB check and First Aid training as standard?

I don't want to get too absorbed in this too much and get all excited about it if it really is a non goer and it is a completely hair-brained idea about which I am being completely naive so any opinions (from current practicing doulas or otherwise!) - positive or negative would be really appreciated.

If there are any doulas out there who would be able to give me some advice it would be great!!!!

PS. thank you if you managed to get to the bottom of this!

A Doula UK approved course allows you to be a mentored, then recognised doula on their website, and to be listed within their 'find a doula' pages. It gives you access to a huge support network, and a doula mentor which is a vital part of your learning process. There is no need for a biology qualification, but a good understanding of the physiological process of birth and breastfeeding are required.

Mentored doulas can only charge 200 for the first 4 births, after which point they become 'recognised' doulas. After that you are free to charge whatever you feel is appropriate in line with what other doulas in your area charge (in London, this can be up to 800 for a birth doula)

You will need to pay for insurance, but a first aid certificate isn't necessary as you won't be providing medical care at any point to any of your clients.

There is a growing demand for doulas - especially in your area, so it is a viable option. However, you are never going to get rich being a doula - you have to be oncall for a 4 week period for every client you have, so can only take on so many at any one time (unless you have back up) for fear of births clashing.

Nurturing Birth and the Mindful Doula courses are both very good

xxx