subject: Training to Become A Doula [print this page] Training to Become A Doula Training to Become A Doula
Becoming a midwife is no easy task if you are not trained to perform the critical job of guiding a woman and her partner through the process of childbirth. Originating from the Greek word, doula', and the term now is used for trained professionals who provide hands-on help during labor. They help during delivery as well to take care of the emotional and non medical needs of the new mother.
Check certified doula programs
To get doula training, you need to check into a certified doula program with CAPPA or the Doulas Association of North America, called the DONA. The job, in recent times was popularized in the US and also in parts of Europe like in Holland. It is not like regular white collar nine to five jobs, but involves greater amount of focus and passion as well. You will also have to offer practical support to the parents and mostly, to the mum, after childbirth.
For your efforts, you will be amply rewarded as making good money by the hour is not difficult at all. The best qualification for becoming a midwife is to be a mum on your own. Much of the doula training can be learnt beforehand if you have been through the childbirth process yourself. But there are also several courses available if you want to pursue a career as a doula.
Being birth doulas involves some training and you can opt for the certified courses like those available in the US and Britain. In the UK, the course can be used towards a City and Guilds qualification. You can run through the numerous websites to get a hang of the courses offered if you are seriously thinking of becoming a doula.
Leave all problems at your doorstep
According to experts in healthcare, a professional nurse midwife and birth doulas are expected to leave all their problems at the doorstep and inspire the mother about the joys and thrills of parenthood. For training locally in the US, you can approach several good centers before embarking on a career. You have to figure out on your own if you really possess the qualities to become a midwife and also pursue the tasks of postpartum doulas as well.
Many women have accidentally stumbled upon the career after their first child birth as they were equipped with hands-on knowledge. They even decided to become a midwife after the birth of their second child with the first one attending preschool. There is a lot of care that the new mothers need which are not so easily available through the services of the NHS.
As soon as the newborn arrives in the house, the postpartum doulas takes charge for the next few months till the mother is physically capable of assuming all responsibilities. Mums can undergo a great deal of physical and mental weariness after the ordeal of childbirth. And that is exactly the time when the doula can come in handy. After delivery, caring for other children, looking after laundry, cleaning house and breastfeeding can be a daunting task for mothers.
