Doula's & Birth Partners....

[BabyHaines]

Hello all
I am getting ready to embark on my journey to become a Doula and I have noticed that several other lovely ladies are due to do/have already done the same, and I thought it would be nice to have somewhere to chat.
Also, maybe we could be a 'one-stop shop' for those with questions on Doulaing or those thinking of using a Doula or for those who are hoping to be a good birth partner for a friend or loved one?

If you PM me your details, I'll add you to the front page, so we know who's who

Emma - (BabyHaines) mum to George (born 18/02/10) due to complete training with 'Developing Doulas' iminently and hoping to begin my Dolaing journey as a 'postnatal Doula'

Vici - mum to Imogen (born 27/08/09). Due to train with 'Developing Doulas' soon

Lisa - (Mervs Mum) mum to Sid, born at home Due to train with 'Nurturing Birth' in June or September.

Elizabeth - (Elski) Independent Childbirth Educator/Birth Partner/Breastfeeding Counsillor.

 

[Vici]

Hi

I'm Vici, mum to Imogen (27/08/09) and I will be completing the same course as Emma but not until the next one is run Can't wait

 

[Mervs Mum]

Hello Ladies!

I'm in the process of sorting my doula training. I'm going to be training with Nurturing Birth and am booked in June but I am acutally talking to the trainers about the possibility of hosting a training course at my home! Child care for Sid is proving to be a bit tricky for June and I'm not keen to express and leave him for 3 days so early on. The course are happy for me to take him with me but I need a carer for him.....

So I will either be training in June if I can pull off my child care or in September/October as proposed by the training bods....watch this space!

I think Eternal Rose is training with Nurturing Birth in London in June too!

We could review the companies maybe? So far Nurturing Birth have been quick to respond and really accommodating

 

[BabyHaines]

Hello ladies - lovely to see you here
'Developing Doulas' seem very nice. They too were quick to respond and seem very accomodating. I will know more tomorrow eve after my first days training. Watch this space!!

 

[Mervs Mum]

I cant wait to hear Emma!

 

[Elski]

Hi Girls

I'm an Independent Childbirth Educator/Birth Partner/Breastfeeding Counsellor so thought I'd join you, if that's ok?

 

[BabyHaines]

Welcome over Elski
How long have you been a birth partner? Have you attended many births?xx

 

[Rachel_C]

Thanks for setting up the group Emma. I don't think I could do the job but I'm very keen to hire a doula if I have another baby. I once asked about doulas in Baby Club (to see if anybody had used one) and got no replies. Good to know I'll be able to come here and ask stupid questions!

 

[Mervs Mum]

Oh and I have done my Breastfeeding Mother Supporter training with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

 

[EternalRose]

Hello lovely ladies

Yes I will be doing the same course as Lisa in June in North London but I looked on there site last night and they have a course in Putney for July which is so much nearer to me! Im going to ask if I can move over to that one! I am so freaking excited!

 

[Mervs Mum]

And it buys you a few more weeks with lil' Abs too

 

[vanessayogini]

hi everyone! i am a birth doula, childbirth educator and lactation consultant for WIC.

i have attended 25 births in a 5 month period (all while i was pregnant). i have not attended since my baby was born, but in the next couple months i have two friends whose births i will be there for!

i'm glad this group is here, it'll be nice to talk about what we do.

 

[Mervs Mum]

:wave: Hi Vanessa!

 

[Elski]

EternalRose - I'm toying with doing the SW London one in July too so maybe I'll see you there!

Welcome over Elski
How long have you been a birth partner? Have you attended many births?xx

I used to be a midwife and attended 132 births during that time. I've been a birth partner to 4 women since then but stopped when I fell pregnant. Now my LO's 20wks, I'm starting to think about getting back into the saddle and will specialise in natural birth following a previous traumatic labour/birth. So exciting

Good luck with your training tomorrow! Look forward to hearing how you get on xx

 

[BabyHaines]

Oh Elski - you sound like my ideal BP as I am hoping for a natural birth after a previously traumatic one.
Nice to see you all here ladies I'm very excited about tomorrow - I am sitting here expressing as we speak (my mum will have George close by, and I will BF him, but I wanted some 'back up milk' just in case!!)

Rachel - I do hope you can get your questions answered in this thread, I hope a lot of women can/do.
I really can't wait to get started

 

[Mervs Mum]

Have a great first day Em! x

 

[BabyHaines]

Wow....I've just got G man settled and now have 5mins to catch up after a busy first day.
Wow really is how I'd describe it!! What a fantastic day!!
I enjoyed it so much and feel that I got sooooo much out of it. It is amazing how us women can bond so quickly when your emotionally charged.
It really makes you reflect on yourself & your own judgements. I am excited about tomorrow!!xxxx

 

[Mervs Mum]

What did you cover today then? In a nutshell if you can!

 

[BabyHaines]

Obviously there were introductions, and a few 'getting to know you' bits, we did dome roleplays and talked a bit about our own birth experiences (eek!!)
The main aim was to get us thinking about listening, and how we can be better listeners -it certainly gets you thinking

 

[Elski]

Oh Elski - you sound like my ideal BP as I am hoping for a natural birth after a previously traumatic one.
Nice to see you all here ladies I'm very excited about tomorrow - I am sitting here expressing as we speak (my mum will have George close by, and I will BF him, but I wanted some 'back up milk' just in case!!)

Rachel - I do hope you can get your questions answered in this thread, I hope a lot of women can/do.
I really can't wait to get started

Well if you ever want to chat/de-brief, give me a shout

Glad you had such a good day yesterday, hope today's the same!

Lisa - is it the training in Putney you're doing?

Hope everyone else is ok and having good bank-holiday weekends... albeit wet ones!