Postpartum Doula Training

I feel so lucky because I actually know what my dream job is, and I get to do it. Before Lua was born, I was working at the Birth Center as a Postpartum Doula. I found my place in this world. So NOW I want to become certified by DONA and try and have my own Doula business. I'm not ready yet, as Emmylou and I are still so close to postpartum ourselves, but I have goals. The training only comes around once a year, sometimes not even that. A woman named Susan comes down from Canada to do the training. She is the ex- president of DONA, so really knows her stuff. She was amazing. I was able to bring Emmylou along for the 3 day training, as I sat with 8 other amazing women and talked about all of the things that I love. It was perfect. Getting certified to become a Doula is no easy task, and I'm on my way, one step at a time.

The hard part was that Adelaide and I both came down with THE FLU that week, so I was still not even on the mends yet when the training started. It was 10 hours a day, for 3 days straight (not to mention being up at night with the baby and keeping her with me all day everyday). It was not easy. Several mornings I almost called to cancel, but it was non refundable, and what would I have if I quit? Luckily the women nurtured me, tucked Lua and I into bed at lunch time (training was held in a beautiful house of another doula) and took good care of us. It was wonderful to be surrounded by other women that have the same love for new mamas and babies as I have!

There are several things I need to accomplish, the hardest part being working 8  hours for 3 different families and then writing about it. There are several essays involved, letters of reference, evaluations from families, medical staff, and lots of books to read. Luckily I am currently still certified in CPR, so my goal is to try for certification by Jan 1st of 2013, which is when the CPR expires.

It's so nice to know I am on my way to doing my dream job. I feel lucky that I got to bring Emmylou with me, and everything worked out for us. I will keep you all updated as to how things go as I plug along on my certification!