Becoming a doula has always been a dream of mine

I would say that the most important thing is to do the research on the certifying organizations first. There are several great choices and finding the one that best suits your style of learning, philosophy, schedule and budget all come into play. Also, sit down and talk with several doulas. Find out what was good about the certifying organization they used and what might have been lacking. Ask about what their expectations were when they started vs the reality of the day to day life of a doula. Read and research. Come up with a personal timeline and plan that is flexible and make your dream come true.

–Allie Wright

HI Lindsey! Congratulations on working towards fulfilling your dreams. You are already taking the first steps down the path to becoming a doula by reaching out to other doulas for insight, information and networking. Some things to consider would be training and certification options from one of the professionally recognized doula certifying organizations like CAPPA or DONA. Another profitable and wise consideration an aspiring doula can make is meeting and networking with other birth professions (childbirth educators, doulas) in the community. Becoming aware and involved in nonprofit groups aimed at supporting mamas and babies such as ICAN and Le Leche League) often provides valuable insights into the current local “birth climate” and can help reveal the type and degree of support birthing families desire and need in the community. On a final note, some experienced doulas welcome the opportunity to mentor new, budding doulas. This mentor relationship could include sharing of knowledge, providing encouragement, and supporting you in the early development of your doula career; essentially doulaing a new doula. In addition, some mentoring doulas offer an apprenticeship, giving a new doula the opportunity to gain hands on experience and guidance.
Becoming doula, for me, was very rewarding and I am very thankful for all the wonderful woman who precede me in this honorable and fulfilling profession.

–Rebecca Quintana