Do I want to be a doula?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Do I want to be a doula?” Many women feel drawn towards this work long before they fully understand what a doula does. Sometimes it begins after a powerful birth experience of their own. Sometimes it’s a quiet feeling that supporting women and families matters deeply to them. This short introductory course has been created to help you explore whether becoming a doula feels like the right path for you. It offers a realistic and honest overview of doula work, the role of the doula and what the journey into becoming a professional birth or postnatal doula can look like. If you’ve been searching for answers to questions like “Do I want to be a doula?” or “Could I become a doula?” this course will help you gain clarity and a deeper understanding of the profession. Lesson One: What Is a Doula? In this lesson, we explore what it means to be a doula and the different ways doulas support women and families during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the emotional, practical and informational support doulas provide. Lesson Two: Understanding the Role of the Doula This lesson looks more deeply at the role of the doula, including the evidence behind doula support and some of the common myths and misunderstandings surrounding doula work. We’ll also explore what families are often looking for when they hire a doula. Lesson Three: Becoming a Doula In this lesson, we look at the practical side of becoming a doula, including what doula training involves, how doulas begin building their business and what the pathway towards becoming a professional doula can look like. You’ll leave with a clearer roadmap of how to move forward if you decide this work is right for you.