Thinking about career change, anyone in the doula field?

[oregonjen]

My current job as an assistant in a preschool is ending in May, which leaves me with an option for a career change. My children are old enough, that I feel more comfortable trying a different field and gaining skills that will help me down a new career path. At 41, I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do as an adult. x( Having children changes everything. :)

For years, I've been interested in becoming a doula. In Oregon, alternative births using doulas are not that unusual anymore.
So, if there is anyone in the field, could you tell me how you like it? How long before you became certified and actually having clientele? Thanks!
Jen

[madinmaryland]

1. doula? What is that? Or will it be a thread locker?

:shrug:

Is that related to a loofah?

[oregonjen]

2. Assisting a woman through labor and delivery

Handling the emotional aspects of it. Doulas have been around for thousands of years.

[madinmaryland]

3. Is that similar to a mid-wife?

I had never heard that term.

[oregonjen]

5. Yes, without the medical intervention

[LeftyMom]

8. Not really, more of a trained labor coach

The idea is that the doula is there to help keep the mother calm and comfortable, and to be a resource for her for any information she needs to make decisions on interventions, to suggest comfort measures, to help communicate with family and care providers, etc. The sort of things a mom or sister who had a lot of experience with birth could help with, or that good L&D nurses do when they get to stay with one patient.

[oregonjen]

10. Thanks, you explained that much better!

[LeftyMom]

4. fleabert is trained as a doula, but I haven't seen her around here in ages nt

[oregonjen]

6. Thanks. I'll try to pm her and see if she responds

:hi:

[GreenPartyVoter]

7. My mother thought that would be a cool thing to do. :^) Not sure if there is much

money in it though.

[oregonjen]

9. That's what I'm afraid of.

However, that is the only field that really interests me. I'm not much of an office person. I tried that years ago and I hated it. I love what I'm doing now, but the pay is not that great.