Michaela, How do you become a doula? This has to be the question I am asked THE MOST! I want to walk you through my journey, & I’ll give you actionable steps to help you become a doula too!!
Everyone’s path to their career is different, and I am so so thankful my path has lead me to where I am!! I went to Early College, and graduated with my Associates Degree, CNA, & then High school diploma! I worked as a Nursing Assistant while I was at Catawba College, where I received my Bachelors of Psychology!! I worked in the Nursing Home while I was in college, then switched gears to work Home Health Care for my clients . While I finished my Bachelors, I also became trained to work as a Birth and Postpartum doula! After years of working as an overnight Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, I became so passionate about helping other Doulas do what I do- so I became a Doula Coach/Mentor!
During my time at Catawba I did two, super amazing internships! I was a peer counselor, educator, and community outreach leader for our local Pregnancy Support Center. There I was able to give pregnancy tests, counsel women and their families, I created and taught Prenatal, Newborn, and Postpartum courses for our students. I was also able to go back & assist as the second hand in the ultrasound room. It was a super incredible experience for me, and I knew for my senior internship that I needed to be even more hands on!! I was able to intern at our local hospital in Labor and Delivery! There I helped monitor contractions, support laboring woman, assist nurses, go back for observation of caesarean section births, & I even, quite literally helped “catch babies”. I also shadowed behind the lactation consultant, & that’s when I knew I had to work in the Mother-Baby field. I continued to research, and I learned what a Doula was, and from that very moment, I knew I had to do everything in my power to work as a successful doula!!
When deciding if you want to be a Doula, I think it’s important that you learn what all being a Doula consists of. Like myself, and many others, most doulas don’t realize that when you become an active working doula, you’re also a business owner. Doulas work solo, or through agency’s, and they work as Independent Contractors. This means that you will need to do all of your own taxes, business liability and license, and much more. While there are pros and cons to being a Doula, I think the pros will always outweigh the cons!
When you decide that your heart is passionate about doula work, your next step is to find a certifying organization! There is no actual career regulation for being certified- so you don’t necessarily have to certify, but it will make your process easier, and you more confident to work as a doula. Personally, I trained & certified through Birth Arts International! There are other training organizations like CAPPA, PRO DOULA, Bebo Mia, DONA & many more! I highly suggest researching organizations and going with the one that has the similar values/morals around birth/postpartum as you!
After you become certified, you will begin the nexts steps to make sure you start off on the right foot to become a successful working doula!! When working as a Doula, it is extremely important that you get liability insurance. Most doulas gain liability insurance through CM&F. After you get liability insurance, you also need to look at your states specific requirements for running a business.
Once you’re confident enough and ready to support clients, I would suggest to do MAJOR networking. Connect with business and local families to get the word out that, YOU’RE A DOULA! We have to let the world know what Doulas are & how we can support families. I also highly suggest connecting with a great mentor/coach. If you’re looking for someone to guide you throughout your journey- you’re in the right spot. I am a Doula Coach, & mentor doulas throughout their careers. I would love to connect with you further!
Congrats on hopefully starting your career as a doula, & if you have any further questions- feel free to reach out!
Download our FREE Step by Step Guide to becoming a Doula!! https://www.canva.com/design/DAEosnUs094/V2gcu47zlgHhOqN04DPxZg/view?website#2:steps-to-become-a-doula
To become a Newborn Care Specialist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rGo7hJPn1HNMFbnnrD-YaUOVX93FDIGoDUjdfsJvYIg/edit?usp=sharing
michaelasnewborncarellc@gmail.com
Michaela Fink's Newborn Care, LLC 