Who can train as a doula?
Any person with a passion for helping mothers at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives has the necessary quality for training as a doula. Most doulas have had a child themselves and understand the importance of this vital service.
What is a doula?
doula noun
dou·la | \ ˈdü-lə \
plural doulas
Definition of doula: a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, breastfeeding support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth.
What is the mission of Community Doulas of Waco?
Our mission is twofold. First we provide doula services and basic breastfeeding support to birthing or adoptive families of newborns through 12 weeks of age who could not otherwise afford them. Secondly we aim to create a pathway for mothers who have received these services to train and become community doulas themselves thus increasing their income earning potential and helping them to reach an economic status they currently cannot achieve.
What is a pathway of empowerment?
We create a PATHWAY for mothers to become community doulas & increase their income potential, turning a cycle of poverty into one OF EMPOWERMENT.
Shortly after the birth of our baby girl, we began receiving visits from our postpartum Doula Laura. She did a phenomenal job of making sure I ate, got rest, and answered any questions/ concerns I had. She educated me on the changes my body was going through, the baby’s safety, and provided support and encouragement during the beginning stages of breastfeeding my new baby. She also helped my three other children adjust to the new baby and find their new family roles. Just knowing she was coming made everything so much easier to deal with mentally. It was a night and day difference with her support. I am forever grateful for the care we received through my birth and postpartum recovery.
After that experience, I decided to become a doula myself. I wanted to be a part of making a new “normal” for local families like mine who were facing the arrival of a new baby. Becoming a doula has provided me the opportunity to not only do that but to also gain more financial stability for my family.
Doing this work has improved my sense of self-worth and inspired me in so many other ways. It’s definitely changed me. I’m a better wife, a better mother, and just happier in general —and I can’t thank Community Doulas of Waco enough for their part in making this happen.–Grace Morris-John
When does a woman need a postpartum doula?
Doula care is targeted to the the first 12 weeks after giving birth. This is a time of so many physical and emotional changes for a woman. Postpartum doula care can help ease a woman’s passage through this major life transition.
When does a woman need a birth doula?
Birth doulas provide continuous labor support when mom begins active labor, during the entire labor process, and until 1-2 hours after the mom has given birth and the newborn has established its first feeding.
Where does Community Doulas of Waco practice?
Community Doulas of Waco helps moms right here in Waco, Texas! We’re a local organization serving those around us.
Why does a woman need a postpartum doula?
A woman needs a postpartum doula for many reasons, such as helping a woman heal physically and emotionally after giving birth, providing ready access to skilled basic breastfeeding support, accessing one on one personalized information on caring for herself, her newborn and helping her family transition into new roles created due to the presence of the newborn.
Why do the Board members of Community Doulas of Waco devote so much time and talent to the mission of this organization?
The Board members of Community Doulas of Waco not only help govern the direction of the organization, they contribute time as well as financial resources. They truly are invested in the success of the mission.
Why should I financially support the mission of Community Doulas of Waco?
Your financial support allows us all to touch the future by changing lives today.
Why does a woman need a birth doula?
A woman needs a birth Doula to improve birth outcomes and to have a more positive birth experience. Having a birth doula support a mom in labor reduces the risks of c-sections and other medical interventions.
How does someone receive the services of Community Doulas of Waco?
Any pregnant woman or parent of a newborn up to 12 weeks of age who qualifies for any type of government services and needs doula support but cannot afford it is eligible to receive services from Community Doulas of Waco. Simply contact us and we’ll take care of the rest.
How does the Community Doulas of Waco business model work?
We find the old adage to be true: give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. Community Doulas of Waco does both. First we give new moms the immediate care that they need in order to thrive in their role as mother. Then we turn around and teach those skills and help the mom set up a business providing the service to other women. In so doing, we teach her to fish for a lifetime in a viable and sustainable livelihood.
How does Community Doulas of Waco help candidates afford the cost of becoming a doula?
The cost of becoming a doula can sometimes be unattainable for a woman. Community Doulas of Waco helps offset some of these costs, partnering with women to help them achieve their goal of becoming a doula.
Becoming A Doula
What are the different types of doulas?
Birth Doulas: professionals who provide physical, emotional, and educational prenatally and continuously during labor and helping to establish the newborn’s first feeding.
Postpartum Doulas: professionals who nurture, educate, assess and make referrals for the postpartum family during the 4th trimester of pregnancy which is the first 3 months after childbirth.
End of life Doulas: professionals who provide physical, emotional and educational support to families of the dying.
What type of doula support does Community Doulas of Waco offer?
We offer birth and postpartum doula support.
How do I become a doula?
Decide what type of doula you want to become. Perform an internet search for an organization which trains and certifies for that specific type of doula.
How do I become a doula for Community Doulas of Waco?
Train with and begin the certification process of one of the widely known national and international doula certifying organizations we have vetted and accept Doulas from: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), DONA International, Childbirth International (CBI), Birthworks, and Evidence Based Birth.
How do I pay for doula training?
By personal investment or search for scholarship opportunities with the organization with whom you are training and certifying.
Exception: Our current and former clients who have a passion and purpose for becoming a doula can receive some level of partial financial assistance towards their initial doula training workshop.
Are Community Doulas of Waco doulas volunteers?
No, our birth and postpartum doulas receive compensation based on the current local market rate for doula compensation, level of training, certification, doula experience, and other levels of education related to doula work.