How to Become a Professional Doula in Cincinnati, OH

7/21/2018

How to Become a Professional Doula in Cincinnati, OH

If you are dreaming about becoming a Professional Doula in the Cincinnati area, you're in the right place!

Maybe you've always loved all things pregnancy, birth and babies, or maybe you were inspired by your own experience that you fell in love with all things related to this stage of life or maybe your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum was so hard, lonely, or even traumatic that you want to do everything you can to make a difference for another person walking this path. Maybe you're an OBGYN, nurse, midwife, yoga instructor, or other provider hoping to gain more knowledge around doulas to better support your current clients or patients.

No matter what, it sounds like you've heard the call and I commend you for seeking out the next steps!

Becoming a doula certainly isn't for everyone, but for many, it leads to an exciting and ever-fulfilling career. There is such joy in supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum...and getting paid for it too!

Here, I'm going to answer some common questions I get from people thinking about becoming a doula. At the bottom of this article, you will find 3 upcoming doula training opportunities. I encourage you to take the leap and sign up today.

What is a doula?
Birth and Postpartum doulas are non-medical professionals who help and support families, physically and emotionally through the huge life transition of welcoming a new baby to their family. Read more about the role of a doula in this blog post.

Who can become a doula?
Anyone can become a doula. Aside from reading material, there are generally no prerequisites to taking a doula training. I've seen people who identify as male and female, young and old, with and without kids at doula training events. You can become a doula.

How long does it take to train to be a doula?
It's normally a full weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at a training before one can consider themselves a trained and professional birth and/or postpartum doula.

How expensive is it to become a doula?
Your initial training cost will vary, from $400-$600. There may additional expenses associated with additional classes, reading materials, organization membership, and certification fees if you choose to certify.

How much money can a professional doula make?
It really depends on your availability and client load (how many clients you take at one time.) and how quickly you are able to connect with as many clients as you need to reach your goals. Birth doulas in the Cincinnati area charge between $400-$3000 per birth. Postpartum doulas charge between $20-$45 per hour. Honestly, there are so many variables but the sky is the limit, depending on your drive to connect with clients, how much you charge, and how much you work.

Are there any certification or licensure requirements?
At this time, doulas are not required to obtain licenses to practice. After a person completes their training, doulas can begin to see clients. Many doulas begin the path to certification through a certifying organization or agency of their choice as a way to continually learn and grow, have accountability, and to have an organization backing them up.

My Experience and Mentorship Opportunity:

I offer mentorship to new doulas as they begin their doula business. Contact me to learn more about my experience as a doula in Cincinnati and N. Kentucky and to set up our first mentoring session together before our after your initial training.

I have trained with many of the major doula organizations that have come to the area and I have traveled as far as Louisville, Chicago, and upper Wisconsin for additional training opportunities. My training includes that with ToLabor, CAPPA, Birthing From Within, VBAC Facts, Rockin' Dads, Gena Kirby's Rebozo Training, Spinning Babies, and a Placenta Encapsulation Training (though I no longer offer this service). I love and appreciate all of the different training opportunities and what they have provided to me in my career.

I attend 2-4 births per month and have been committed to continually learning and growing since 2012 when I took my initial doula training.

Upcoming Birth Doula Traning Opportunities in Cincinnati, OH:

I personally know and love all of these trainers and the organizations that they are bringing to the area. I have seen doulas train with CAPPA and DONA and come out of their training well-equipped with information and support as they begin their doula pactice.

DONA Birth Doula Training:
September 7 – September 10