Doula Of The Month - December

Introducing Anne-Marie Jones, BirthBliss Doula Of The Month, December 2018.

​I live in St Helens, Merseyside and am a mum of four and a grandma too. I am a Mentored birth and postnatal doula. I did my course with Kicki in March 2017.

What inspired you to become a doula?
My first three births were all relatively quick and straight forward, I was expecting the same for my 4th. It was very long and difficult and I just felt that I was missing something. Then I found out about doulas and immediately knew that was it! I did an introductory course and loved it. I came away inspired and knew this was what I wanted to do.

What did you do for a living before becoming a doula and if so, how has this helped you when working as a doula?
I am a Project Manager working in Social Housing. I work flexibly, often from home, so this enables me to juggle doualing too. I think my organisational skills have helped me get started in terms of the business side of things.

What has been the highlight of your doula career so far?
My first birth, I just felt like I had found what I was meant to be doing, I loved it.

What have you found the most difficult?
Getting clients- it has taken me a while, doulas are not as well known up North and I had no connections to the birth world, didn't offer baby yoga or pregnancy related services, so it was difficult.

Can you share one lesson you have learnt through your work as a doula?
I would say to use your 'downtime' in between clients to do something. Whilst waiting for my first client, I networked with local doulas, yoga teachers and signed up for parenting events to run at stand. I also organised all my paperwork, business cards, website, social media, antenatal sessions, so that I had everything in place.

What is the one essential item you can't be without in your doula kit?
I'm still working on this, but essentials for me include a phone charger, rebozo and snacks and water.

And finally, what would be your one piece of advice to a woman who is considering training as a doula?
You are probably a doula already in what you do with women, but have not received the training, you will love it. Be prepared to put effort into the business side to get things moving along.

You can find all the dates and venues for the BirthBliss Aspiring Doula Foundation course listed on the website.