Finding a backup doula

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Hi

I was just wondering how I would go about finding a backup doula? Especially for childcare support. I live in South King County, and I know that there aren't many birth doulas down here. What should I do?

-- Kristine Owens (doulacare@hotmail.com), May 30, 1999

Answers

Hi Kristine,

I would contact the certifying organizations and see what doulas are near you. DONA doesn't require that a doula be certified with them to be listed in the directory- you just need to be a member. The certifying organizations are listed in many of the other e-mails in this forum. Childbirth educators in your area might also know who is working as a doula in your area.

It would be wonderful if you could find a doula willing to trade childcare with you- it is an issue many doulas deal with. We work such strange hours it is difficult to find someone willing to help! Fortunately, most births do happen at night it seems so if you have a partner at home you might not need to use your back up doula for child care too often.

Kirsten

-- Kirsten Gerrish (kirsten@doula.net), June 04, 1999.


Hi, I suggest looking outside of your certifying group. What I mean is there are many organizations that certify. My back up is a certified Bradley teacher and doula. I am going to be certified through DONA. I do think it's important to match up with someone who's birth philosophy is similar to yours. Otherwise it can be awkward for your clients and hers.

In the doula spirit, Angela

-- Angela Studebaker (Studey@netzero.net), October 29, 1999.


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