Many people want to become a doula, but have no idea where to start! Here at Polo & Tweed, we’ve decided to put together a guide so that everyone can learn how to become a doula if they want to.
So, what is a doula, and how do you become one? A doula is a qualified and experienced woman who can offer emotional and practical support to a woman before, during and after childbirth. Doulas are there to support partners when needed too. Read on to find out how exactly you can become a doula.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Doula
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In order to become a qualified and recognised doula you must first reflect on why you want to do this role. After feeling that you are ready to begin this journey, you must then find and take a recognised preparation course.
Courses vary depending on which company you complete them with, but you must choose from a list of recognised ones. It is possible to go to the Doula UK website to see a list of available courses and where in the Country you can do them. Courses vary in price from £450 – £2000 and can range from being a 1 week intensive course with full time hours to a course spread out over 1 year.
Once you have attended the course itself, you must then ensure that you complete all post-course modules. You will need to find a mentor either through Doula UK or through the company that you completed the course with. You must allow your mentor to support you for a period of 6 months – 1 year, or until you have completed 3 – 4 pre or postnatal doula jobs.
After this, you are free to practice!
Personal Skills
This is a very important aspect of being a doula. Having the right personal skills are key to ensuring whether you will be hired or not by mums and dads to be. Personal skills are extremely important, simply because the whole process of being a doula is so personal.
Although the role requires you to have lots of physiological knowledge, personal skills are very important. Here are a few of the key skills that are vital if you want to become a doula:
- You have a passion for learning about pregnancy, birth and parenthood
- You have the ability to listen
- You are patient
- You are warm & caring
- You are empowering and considerate
Professional Experience
When you become a doula, professional experience really helps! If you were previously a Nanny, Maternity Nurse, Midwife, Paediatrician, Breastfeeding Counsellor, Neonatal Nurse, etc. it would suggest that you have lots of experience caring for mums and babies in a professional setting.
This will mean that you are already somewhat or wholly familiar with the settings. Parents may feel extra confident in hiring you as their doula.
Personal Experience
Personal experience is just as important as professional experience. If you have previously experienced pregnancy, birth or parenting, this will contribute massively to your skills.
Even if you have not experienced pregnancy, childbirth or parenting before, but simply have a strong desire to support women. That’s perfect too! There’s no reason why you can’t become a doula if you possess these qualities.
If you would like to know more about becoming or hiring a doula, then please get in touch with us at Polo and Tweed and we will do our best to help you with your query.