Navigating Doulahood: From Certifications to Meaningful Connections
Becoming a doula is like stepping into a world that's uniquely personal for me. Through my own journey in doula work, it's clear that the certification path, I once considered essential, has evolved in my perspective. From initially believing I needed all the certifications to now questioning their necessity. So, let's talk about my personal journey, from believing I needed to be certified in everything, on all topics to not believing the certification process is necessary to be a doula. I've engaged in various trainings & workshops, both in-person and online, and actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge, especially from diverse sources. Continued learning, growth, and networking are vital to stay relevant as a doula.
Questioning the reliance on exams and papers has been a significant part of my doula exploration. Traditional assessments fall short in capturing the emotional nuances, adaptability, and real-life skills crucial for effective doula support. It's about more than what exams can measure—it's about the heart of doula work. I want to shed light on the bigger picture of support that goes way beyond just the birth—it's about pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and being there for people in a real and authentic way. You know, those traditional exams and written papers don't sit well with me when it comes to evaluating what it really takes to be a great doula. They just can't grasp the heart of it—the emotional stuff, the adaptability, and the real-life skills that matter most.
In my world, hands-on experiences and practical evaluations take precedence. These are the real indicators of a doula's readiness for the unpredictable challenges of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support. It's not just about studying and writing; it's about actively participating and being there.
Being a doula goes beyond labour, extending throughout the entire journey of pregnancy, postpartum, and even loss. Continuous support, as I've witnessed, makes a tangible difference, reducing interventions and increasing overall satisfaction. Empowering families with knowledge is a fundamental aspect of my approach, emphasizing that informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
I've found that being a doula goes hand-in-hand with advocacy. Advocacy, intertwined with being a doula, means championing for families and ensuring their voices are heard. I've been there, right by their side, ensuring they have a say in their own journey, speaking up and advocating for them when needed. In a world where sharing personal stories is often discouraged, I've seen the magic that happens when you break that silence. Sharing experiences builds trust and creates a safe space where parents feel heard, understood, and supported. It's not just about facts; it's about real stories that connect us.
While certifications might be proudly displayed on social media and talked about like a golden achievement in being a doula, I've come to realize they aren't the ultimate validation of being a good doula. See, being a doula isn't about acing an exam or writing a good paper; it's about being there for people when they need it most. No piece of paper can prove that. If you choose to train with a doula training organization, picking one is a big deal. It's not just about getting a certification; it's about sharing the same values and beliefs. Sometimes, though, we change, we grow, and our beliefs shift. It's okay to question if the training organization you started with still aligns with who you are now. Its okay to take another training or workshop outside of where you started.
When I started, I went with what I knew, I picked a well known training organization and started working towards my certifications. As I learned more, I realized there are other ways to become a doula and as I grew into my own doula self I realized I didn’t agree with everything I was being told. It's not about sticking to what you know; it's about finding what feels right for you. Your journey, your choices.
In my doula journey, I've embraced the belief that it's not just about certifications. Being a doula is a continuous learning experience, filled with advocacy and shared stories. Moving beyond exams and papers, my focus is on truly understanding supporting families on their personal journey in a way that goes beyond standardized tests or allegiance to a specific training organization. It's about authenticity and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those I support. Engaging in ongoing conversations with fellow birthworkers, seeking diverse workshops, and sharing newfound knowledge are integral parts of my commitment to growth and ensuring I provide the best possible support to my clients.
If this sounds like the way you practice or want to practice as a doula, lets connect and have some meaningful conversations. If a traditional doula training doesn’t seem the way you want to go and you think becoming a doula through doula mentorship might be the right choice for you check out some of the Doula Mentoring options I offer.