doula, childbirth educator?

[IHeartPeds87]

As an aspiring LDRP nurse, I am looking for things I can do to support my future career prior to the start of nursing school. I did not get in this cycle to nursing school, but am repeating two of the required prereq's to get a higher gpa and am confident that I will get in to the next cycle. I am determined not to waste time, and want to do things to help supplement my future career prior to the start of nursing school. I have questions and hope you can help!

1. how does one become a doula? How long does it take to become one? What are the job prospects for a doula?

2. What exactly is a childbirth educator? How does one become one? What are the job prospects for a childbirth educator? How long does it take to become one?

Would you reccomend either of these (or both) for me? and why?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[melmarie23, MSN, RN]

visit http://www.dona.org for information and resources on how to become a doula and a childbirth educator. another helpful site about becoming a childbirth educator is http://www.bradleybirth.com. Also, contact your local hospital's L&D unit to inquire about birthing classes and perhaps attend one and then talk with the instructor after.

[Amparo Pagan Titmus, MSN, RN]

In addition to the above, explore lamaze.org. There are different methods of childbirth preparation. A childbirth educator provides information and practice sessions to expectant couples, usually a series of 5-6 week sessions. The objective is to assist them in exploring various methods to increase coping, minimize fear and ultimately enhance the birth experience.

It's a lot of fun. I loved it :clpty:

[beckyv]

I am a labor doula, childbirth and breastfeeding educator... and will be starting nursing school soon :) Training for a doula and childbirth educator is typically a full weekend training, followed by criteria to complete like reading books, observing a class, becoming a member of the organization, etc. CAPPA is another organization you can look at - they do childbirth and breastfeeding educator trainings as well as doula training. You typically also have your own business, so it is up to you how busy or not busy you are... It is definitely helpful though for gaining knowledge on birth, and being more supportive as a nurse to the preferences of mothers wanting to go more naturally or avoid medications and interventions as much as possible. It can also be a great way to gain relationships with midwives and OB's in your area for when you complete your nursing degree and are looking for a job :)

[klone, MSN, RN]

In addition to CAPPA and DONA, which have been previously mentioned, ALACE is another organization from which you could become certified as a labor doula.