Trainee Doula in Perth?

[becca74]

I have booked a private midwife for my intended HBA2C, but have been thinking about also getting a trainee doula....

Since having my 3rd son, I have contemplated becoming a doula in the future, so I figure it might be a good idea to use one during my next labour....but because I am paying for a private midwife my funds will not stretch to a fully trained doula also..... (my priority is the midwife though, since I am employing a beautiful angel of a midwife who is very experienced in VBACS, so I NEED her.....)

So if anyone knows how I can get in touch with a trainee doula in Perth, I would love to find out :)

[dace101]

Firstly, congratulations on deciding to birth at home! I wish you a beautiful birth experience in the comfort of your familiar surroundings!

Does your midwife work in tandem with another midwife? A lot of midwives here work in pairs where one acts as a Doula while the other handles the birth aspect of it (included in the one price). I'm not sure what the norm is for midwives in Perth though...

I sometimes offer my services free of charge or for a very minimal fee, as I am sure other Doulas in the region might. Honestly, it doesn't hurt to explain your circumstances and ask.

A couple of resources for Doulas in Perth that I've heard of are:

Australian Doulas http://www.australiandoulas.com.au/ (Lisa Chalmers is a wonderful person, she may be able to help), you can email them at info@australiandoulas.com.au
A Labour Of Love http://www.alabouroflove.com.au/doulas/westernaustralia.htm shows a list of all their Doulas and their email addresses. You might want to try them.

Sorry I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone will be able to give you some great information about what your options are! Personally, I wish that every woman wanting a Doula could have one. Good luck with your journey if you decide to ever pursue becomming a Doula in the future! :)

[becca74]

Dear Dace101

Thanks for the links, I will check them out :thumbsup: too bad you are waaaaay across the pond!!

I would love to become a doula in the next few years (when my time is freed up!) as I am a bit of a birth junkie ;) . On a tangent, I often thought I would love to work as a doula (voluntarily) to single teen mums or women in prisons, or other women in crisis.....I just wish for every woman on the planet to have a positive and empowering birth experience, it is kind of my obsession really!

thanks again :)

[dace101]

Hi becca74,

I think it's wonderful that you are so passionate about birth and want to become an advocate to help other women have positive birthing experiences!

The women you mentioned are exactly the type of people I offer free services to (teens, single mothers, military wives whose husbands are overseas, etc - I have yet to offer or attend a prison birth NOT because I discriminate just because the opportunity has never presented itself and the closest prison is too far for me to realistically offer my services anyway). I also make it a point to take on one free client each season (I hold a "lottery" to take four clients a year) who would otherwise have paid someone to be their Doula or not had one due to financial restrictions.

Personally, I don't do this for - and am really not interested in - the money (although you really don't make that much anyway). For me it is much more about the importance of getting the word out and supporting other women. It is my goal to change the way people view birth, and to trust and support a woman's own body and what it's capable of.

Other things I do is print up coupons for free post-natal Doula services (coming to their house to do some light housework for them, look after any of their other children, prepare meals, help with breastfeeding, etc). So there are a few ideas for you when you're ready to begin your journey to becomming a Doula. :)

Good luck with your search to have a supportive woman at your birth, I hope you find someone wonderful that is completely compatable with you!

[wonderwoman]

Hi Becca

Firstly congratulations on your pregnancy, and your choice to inform yourself and take actions to surround yourself with people to support you in making this birth the best it can be!
:yelclap:
I have completed my training with Australian Doulas and have worked with some experienced doulas as a back up - meaning that i went along to meetings and was available for the birth if i was needed (unfortunately i was not).
Under our Code of Conduct we are required to assist with 2 births as a trainee doula where we can charge only for expenses (to a max of $100). I am now in this situation.
I am ready, able and willing to begin providing assistance to women like yourself in whatever areas you need relating to your pregnancy and birth. And i would look forward so much to having the opportunity to work alongside "an angel of a midwife"!
I am currently back up for another doula who is supporting a lady having a vbac so have recently read up on this.
My profile is on the website www.australiandoulas.com.au (http://www.australiandoulas.com.au) along with my personal contact details. My name is Sharon Milne.
I would love to have the opportunity to talk to you.
By the way, i am currently in the process of organising a team of doulas to provide support to women in Bandyup Womens Prison here in perth! Our paths are sure to cross at some stage by the sounds of it!!

Good luck with whatever path you choose.:wave:

[Tam-I-Am]

Given that the OP posted over a year ago, and now has a lovely bubba...I'm going to close this one :)