Journey to Being a Doula

The problem with the word and the concept of "training" gives rise to a sense that to become a doula one gets trained and then off we go. It is not like that; to be a doula is to be a traveler, to embark on a journey and along the road the doula meets up with other travelers who are mothers and they and the doula continue their life journey. The doula role, we believe, is a way of "being" not "doing". A "training" implies completion and it is not useful to believe that a woman can attend a weekend or a two or three day workshop or training course and believe that she is a doula. Doulas are learners, they are explorers, they are guides, friends, sharers, it goes on and on. Without an open approach to self development and human growth it is impossible to be available to help and empower others. Top of the list for any doula education must be a deep concentration and focus on self awareness and any woman entering the profession is required to spend a lot of time reflecting.

That said, as doulas we recognize that it is essential that we are in some way or another seen to be regulated. It is useful for doulas themselves to come under the umbrella of a professional body and that is why Doula SK came into being.

For this reason over 2006/2007 we worked to introduce a "recognition process" for doulas in SK, whereby they attain a certain level of "experience" as a doula in order to be "recognized doulas". This process involves doulas who are newly registered supplying documentation to support their experience as a doula and training (with one of Doula SK's recognized courses) and to undergo a 1-1 interview with an assessor. Records of 4 doula jobs are submitted for review by an assessor. Following "recognition", it is then understood by members of Doula SK that they should follow up with ongoing workshop attendance and self-learning and documentation of such is to be submitted bi-annually.

The doula courses listed share the Philosophy of Doula SK. However, we are also working with other trainers and assessing them for inclusion so that we can provide details of a wide range of doula courses available in SK. Please submit your requests to see a particular workshop or training come to the Doula SK Network.

Since the formation of our network, there has been much discussion amongst doulas and those who run doula courses on the issues of how long a doula "training" course should take.

The simple answer to that is, forever!

Where to Start

There are many ways to become certified as a doula in Saskatchewan check out these organizations to see what fits with your lifestyle and birth philosophy.

· Childbirth and Post-Partum Professionals Association of Canada

· Mother and Baby Wellness

· Childbirth International

· Doulas of North America

· Intuitive Doula

· Aviva Institute