10 Easy Steps To Becoming A Doula!

Getting started can be a difficult first step in achieving your goal of working with expectant mothers.  But yes, it is just this easy and here are the easy how-to steps, from start to finish!!!

We at Perinatal Education Associates believe in not only serving as your trainers, but as your mentors too.  Know that after the Workshop, we are available in person (if you live in the greater Dayton Ohio area), by phone or by email to answer questions and assist you in every way!

1. Examine your support system.  If you are called to a birth, do you have someone who can care for the children? If you have a job outside of the home, will your employer understand?
2. If you have positive answers to #1, the second step is to go to the DONA International website and search for a Doula Training in your community.  If there is not a doula training in your community, contact a trainer and see if they can provide a training for your community.  Once you have a trainer, contact them and talk to them about their offerings.  If you are pleased, register for their training workshop.
3. While on DONA's website, click to the Doula Boutique and order the certification packet.  This helpful packet will walk you through the steps of certification, provide a reading list and the forms necessary to complete certification.  At this time also, you may want to join DONA International and begin getting member benefits! Also print off DONA's Recommended/Required Reading List.
4. Investigate your community to see if there are other doulas who meet regularly.  Group meetings are a great place to find mentoring, backups and obtain births!
5. Do your pre-workshop homework.  This may include some recommended reading and some trainers ask for additional work, such as a preworkshop study guide.
6. Attend the Doula Training Workshop.  Hopefully your trainer will be able to give you leads on women who are seeking the services of a doula.  You will need to attend 3 births where you are the primary doula for certification. 
7. Write up the necessary paperwork for the births.  This paperwork will be found in your Certification Packet.
8. Make copies of ALL of your certification materials prior to mailing them to DONA.  Should all of your hard work be lost in the mail, it is gone and will have to be repeated if you do not have a copy.
9. Await word from the DONA International Certification Committee about your certification status.  While waiting, send us information so we can add you to our referral listing!  Send the name of your business, those who you practice with (if applicable), what services you provide, where you are located, and the way to get in touch with you (email, phone, website, etc).
10. Celebrate!  You have received notification from DONA International that you are now certified!