Training as a Doula

Training as a doula is one of the most rewarding and satisfying career choices. I have had so many enquiries in the last few weeks, about our Doula Training, making me realise there are many people who are unhappy in their current jobs, who are looking for something where they can truly make a difference. It is not just about providing support, education, guidance for a woman during her pregnancy, labour, birthing and post-natally. A doula needs to be ‘totally present’ for a woman, which means she has to put her own ‘stuff’ away and be truly interested in her, her partner, her unborn baby and her choices. She needs to be respectful and understanding. Most importantly she needs to have the capacity to ‘look and listen’, with all her senses, and not make judgements. These are skills that will come naturally to the person who feels drawn to the world of doularing. It is about empowering a woman to trust in her own abilities to birth and following her instincts. This is not easy in this highly medicalised system of birthing that we have developed in this country. Doulas come up against many challenges from women, via the medical system, and a skilled doula has to be able to manage those challenges with grace and respect. I really love this journey with woman, watching her grow, develop, learn and most of all the wonderful changes that take place in her as a woman, mother and partner.