Are you a doula AND a Midwife?

[KYE85]

Hello,

I'm wondering if any of you ladies are both a doula and midwife.

I'm asking this because I am a student doula atm hoping to qualify early next year, and I've also applied to study midwifery next year and I'm worried about what happens if I miss a class to attend a birth (as a doula)?

Hope to hear some thoughts :)

Katie.

[Sammilee]

Well, I'm not too sure if all uni's are the same, but the uni here in Perth that offers midwifery, the students have to do 10 'follow-throughs' a year. That's where you share the journey of 10 women, go along with them to their antenatal appts and be there at the birth. So I'd imagine that you would probably miss a class or two because of this anyway, so missing an extra class or two because of your doula work should be fine. That's just my take on it anyway...

[MelissafromSyd]

Hi Katie,

I'm not sure how much you've researched your midwifery degree, but I know mine was *very* full on. I would not have had time and energy to take on other paid employment. I believe (and this is my opinion only) that you would need to make a commitment to midwifery if you're studying it - you will have group work, assignments and exams, and would possibly let your team members down if you were unable to contribute to group assignments and class work because of doula work. It's not just about missing classes - it's also about group work, exam study etc. I personally would not skip any classes for anything except the midwifery follow throughs. Classes are so valuable for discussion, reflection, and of course learning materials for exam content. You will most likely have guest lecturers - if so, they'll be some of the really influential midwives who can teach you so much. If I was in your shoes, I think I'd be asking myself whether I wanted to fully commit to midwifery. Just my opinion.

[StudentMeg]

Hello,

I'm wondering if any of you ladies are both a doula and midwife.

I'm asking this because I am a student doula atm hoping to qualify early next year, and I've also applied to study midwifery next year and I'm worried about what happens if I miss a class to attend a birth (as a doula)?

Hope to hear some thoughts :)

Katie.


I think if a person is committed and determined enough to do something, they can achieve anything. The Bachelor of Midwifery is certainly a full on course, especially in first year, and does require all of your attention. However, you are expected to complete ten follow through journeys per year and it is expected that you will miss some classes. I wonder if you discussed it with the Uni coordinators if they would allow the hours you accumulate with the women you doula for to be counted towards your follow through hours? It's worth asking at least.
I have just completed second year of my degree. I am also raising a family of four. There are a few people in my class who are working part time as well, and they seem to juggle it ok. Where there's a will, there's a way.

All the very best to you

:)

[KYE85]

Thanks girls for your responses!

I guess I should wait to see if I get in first LOL and go from there.

thanks again

Katie.

[lilpearl]

Hi. I'm a student midwife and have not worked as a doula since I started. With follow-through women on top of the course, and then working in maternity care part-time from second year, I don't see how it could fit in, personally (but then I am about to have four children under five!). ALso, you cannot count doula work as follow-through work, as the two are different roles, and you would limit your midwifery learning by the restrictions of being a 'doula' (if you are someones doula, you can't also be their midwife). The midwifery course is a major time-juggle, and challenging course. I think it's great to have doula experience behind you first though, so it will always be a bonus for you, esspecially when everyone is learning the basics in first-year and you have already learnt a bit of it! :) All the best.

[AngelMunchkin]

Hi there!
My names Bec,
I have completed my studies through 'optimum birth' and am looking for mum's-to-be to support during their pregnancy, labour, and post-natal period.
If any of you mum's-to-be out there are interested please send me an email at angelandmunchkin@hotmail.com or post a reply here for me!
Thanks for reading my post!
I look forward to hering from some of you soon!
Happy birthing!
Bec.

[TheBabyCuddler]

I have been a Doula for 5 years, and am now a student midwife starting my 2nd year of studies. Time wise ... I dont have any spare time!!! With full time studies, 10 Follow Through clients, three children, and working partime (need an income some how!) I have still managed to be a Doula (but only twice last year... sigh).

It is a different hat to wear as a Student Midwife then to that of a Doula but I am managing to blend the two with great results, with very happy families that I have been assigned to (the Doula training has helped dramatically as I feel I am a more personal midwife with more to offer in regards to advocacy, natural remedies, active labour, advice etc).

I wish I had more time to keep up the Doula work as I love it so much, some days more then midwifery (due to hospital policies, proceedures etc) .. but I keep looking at the big picture and that is to empower women with knowledge and confidence and make their birthing experience a positive one.

Either way .. meet some student midwives, meet some Doulas and find someone who is in tune with your desires and outcomes. Its team work both ways!!

[SaraJ]

I have been a Doula for 5 years, and am now a student midwife starting my 2nd year of studies. Time wise ... I dont have any spare time!!! With full time studies, 10 Follow Through clients, three children, and working partime (need an income some how!) I have still managed to be a Doula (but only twice last year... sigh).

It is a different hat to wear as a Student Midwife then to that of a Doula but I am managing to blend the two with great results, with very happy families that I have been assigned to (the Doula training has helped dramatically as I feel I am a more personal midwife with more to offer in regards to advocacy, natural remedies, active labour, advice etc).

I wish I had more time to keep up the Doula work as I love it so much, some days more then midwifery (due to hospital policies, proceedures etc) .. but I keep looking at the big picture and that is to empower women with knowledge and confidence and make their birthing experience a positive one.

Either way .. meet some student midwives, meet some Doulas and find someone who is in tune with your desires and outcomes. Its team work both ways!!

I am a Doula. I am now also a Student Midwife with ACU in Brisbane! :smiliedance:

I did intend on taking on a 1-2 clients here and there also. But only if I felt that I could fully committ myself to them without pulling myself away from my Uni stuff.

Has anyone here done there BM through ACU?