Question for Pregnant Mamas

[BeccaSueCongdon]

(Feel free to move this to a more appropriate forum, I'm was just guessing on where to start it!)

I just graduated from DONA doula training and am making decisions about what services to offer and continued education. I'm curious to know (for those who would look for a doula), what services are most important to you? The standard in my area is 1-2 prenatal visits to get to know eachother and plan for the birth, labor support and 1-2 postpartum follow ups.

I'm also considering adding a postpartum certification to provide support for mamas as part of a package. I'm also considering getting trained as a breastfeeding counselor. And I'm also interested in childbirth education.

Any input you ladies have would be much appreciated. Are there any if these specialties that would be more of a priority? Or others I don't have listed?

[newcdmommy29]

Breast feeding is VERY important to me. I have a feeling if I had a better start with my dd maybe we would have had success. I pumped and fed her for a little over a year but I really want a nursing relationship with this baby.

[twinpossible]

I second breastfeeding and I would add placenta encapsulation certification!

[Mom2Connor]

Originally Posted by twinpossible I second breastfeeding and I would add placenta encapsulation certification!

Totally agree!

[Mommyto2B2G]

You wouldn't happen to be in TX are you? I need a doula. I second placental encapsulation certification. I am also hoping to find someone that does that but no luck so far!

[newcdmommy29]

Are you in the Kansas city area??? I new a doula too!!

[BeccaSueCongdon]

I'm in Portland, Oregon. :-)


If you need to look for a doula in your area, you can always use the DONA website. They have a listing of certified birth and postpartum doulas, and a list of approved trainers. Contacting a trainer to ask if she has students who need certifying births is a great way to find a doula for a discounted price.

[NappyChappy]

I would want more prenatal visits 2-3. It's really hard to get to know someone that fast. I totally agree on breastfeeding support.

[JennTheMomma]

I do normally 5 prenatal visits. 1-2 just isn't enough. Breast feeding education is really important for doulas IMO. Childbirth education is also a good add on.

[BeccaSueCongdon]

I agree regarding the prenatal visits. My big interest in getting a CBE credential is so I can offer in home childbirth prep during the prenatal period. 6-8 weeks or shorter if clients hire me closer to their birth and need to fit the info in faster. But I agree, it's difficult to establish a connection in just one or two visits. I'm not sure if I should present my package as 1-3 prenatal visits and have childbirth education/prep as an add-on, or just factor it into the package and price accordingly.