What is it like to work as a postpartum doula?
Our trainers get asked this question all the time, but it’s a tough question for us to answer!
Like any career, working as a doula has a lot of ups and downs. Here are some of the things you might want to consider as you’re deciding if this is the right path for you:
Our trainers get asked this question all the time, but it’s a tough question for us to answer!
Like any career, working as a doula has a lot of ups and downs. Here are some of the things you might want to consider as you’re deciding if this is the right path for you:
- Do you love to support women and families in their OWN choices and decisions?
- How much money do you want/need to make from being a doula?
- Are you ok with scheduling clients on short notice sometimes?
- What is your motivation for wanting to become a postpartum doula?
- What are your long-term plans in the field?
Working as a doula can be the most amazing experience and is such an honour to be a part of. If you are thinking this is the right path for you then we encourage you to come to our workshop. If you feel passionate about helping women and families then this could be your next dream job!
What job opportunities are there after I complete my certification?
This varies in each area, but there are generally three main ways to work as a doula:
1. Work on your own by running your own private practice
2. Join a team of doulas who work together to support one another with marketing and advertising
3. Work for an agency that takes a commission on any work you do, but frees you up from having to do any marketing
How much money can I make working as a doula?
Like anything in life, the amount of effort you put out is the amount of benefit you’ll get in return.
Who needs the support of a Postpartum Doula?
Most new families could benefit from the additional support of a Postpartum Doula during the first three months following birth, however, there are some situations that make having additional support even more necessary. Women who have limited family/social support, those struggling with anxiety/depression, families with multiples or other children in the home, those struggling with breastfeeding challenges, and women who have had a surgical birth are a few examples.
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
The role of the Postpartum Doula changes with each individual family's needs, and can vary from shift to shift, and even moment to moment. Ultimately, the primary role is to "Mother the Mother" and help the family as they transition into their new roles as parents, siblings, and grandparents. The Postpartum Doula might do a load of laundry, assist with breastfeeding, educate the family on normal newborn behaviours, entertain a toddler, for example. The Doula is a generalist, whose job is essentially to work her way out of a job through education, role modelling, and support.
What types of shifts might a Postpartum Doula work?
Much like the role of the Postpartum Doula, the number of shifts, length of shifts, and frequency of shifts will vary with each family. Some work 3-4 hour shifts, while others work 8-10 hour shifts. A family might hire a Postpartum Doula to help during a particularly challenging time of day, during the day when other supports are working, or overnights.
More information on becoming a postpartum doula can be found on DONA International's website.
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