[JadeOpel]

I was doing a little research on pre-delivery DOULA's. Can I get a little insight on this. My passion is working with and helping babies. I may get Doula certification just for the experience. My goal however is to work with babies with terminal illnesses or to work in the NICU.

[TheCommuter]

I think you're intending to say, "Doula."

[BabyRN2Be]

As TheCommuter pointed out, you are referring to a doula. For more information on what a doula is, check out www.dona.com. This will give more in depth information on what a doula is, what she does, the philosophy of doula work, anything you ever wanted to know about doulas but were afraid to ask.

I will say this, it sounds as if you wanted to work with babies who have special needs. As a birth doula, you would not experience this as doulas normally work with the "normal" of childbirth rather than complications requiring NICU care.

Although it would be slightly beneficial (learning what is "normal" to find out what "abnormal" is), it may not be essential to your long term goals.

I admire your long term goals. I've been a doula for the last 10 years and I currently have a newborn in NICU. We have a neonatal nurse practitioner working with her, and she's been the greatest advocate for our baby. Although it requires a Masters degree, it would be awesome work. She spends so much time with us, telling us exactly what is going on and what we can expect.

If you'd like more info on doulas, you can PM me if you'd like.

[JadeOpel]

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

I think you're intending to say, "Doula."

Yes, sorry I was in a hurry when typing this.

[PRESLA]

Not a big fan of doula's bad experiences c them.

Lisa

[queenjean]

We love the couple of doulas in our area. It is so nice to have another set of calm, supportive hands. They take a lot of work off of the nurses--the doula is typically the one who runs and gets stuff for the father, for example, or who keeps the mother company while the father naps.

We've had some doulas in the past who were annoying, pushing their own agenda--much like many family members, honestly. Doulas like that don't tend to stay in business, though, at least not around here. There are a couple well established, wonderful doulas in our area, and we are always happy to have them. They serve the entire spectrum--from moms who have home births with lay midwives to moms who have scheduled sections, and everything in between. They have so much experience, and are truly supportive of the mother. They aren't pushy or grumpy, and they work in compliment with the nursing staff.

If you are wanting to learn about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding, being a doula would be one means of acquiring that experience.

Good luck!

[doula]

If you actually like working with babies, it may be better for you to consider becoming a postpartum doula. Both CAPPA and DONA have certification programs for becoming a postpartum doula. Depending on where you live and the types of hours you would want to work, you can make between $25-$40 per hour.

Let me know if you have any questions about this.

~Darla
CD,CPD, CPD-T, CLE, CCCE

[JaneRNBSN]

Originally Posted by PRESLA

Not a big fan of doula's bad experiences c them.

Lisa

May I ask what turned you off about doulas, Lisa?