Childbirth educator

[rodandhelen]

Hi all,im just about to start a diploma in childbirth education and getting certification as a doula....as part of the course i have to be present at i think 2 births....I am concerned about finding women who are happy to have me present at the birth..
What are your veiws as mums and dads?
Do you think I will run into difficulties finding women willing to let me be at the birth?

I would appreciate all you thoughts on this

Thanks

Helen

[lotsofchocs]

Hi Helen,

It's a great thing you are doing - it must be very interesting as well. However, I thought the hospitals only let the fathers only in the delivery room. Am I mistaken? Few of the hospitals told me so - although i wanted my mum and my husband present.

Cheers

[Ma'am]

It depends on the hospital. I gave birth at Thompson Medical and was allowed to have my husband and my doula with me. As far as I am aware Mount E and Gleneagles allow the same. A lot depends on your doctor as well. To be honest if my OB didn't allow doulas then I wouldn't see him/her. It would indicate a very narrow minded way of doing things.

OP: I think your biggest hurdle will stem from the simple fact you are not in your home country. I thought the staff were great at TMC and am giving birth there again however I would only allow a doula in with me who had worked here previously (regardless of how qualified she was). As I said the staff were great but my previous and current doulas had local experience and new how to handle the staff and the differences in the way things are done here. Personally I wouldn't want someone in with me who was new to that. I guess your best bet would be to contact some of the birthing and information centres here (New Mothers Support Group, Birth and Beyind, Mother and Child) and see if they can help you with either advice or introducing you to potential mums.

[rodandhelen]

Hi, Thankyou for your advise, i wasnt planning on working here i was just going to do my training here, i can use the births as a certifying birth even if the mother has a cesarean or births so quickly that i do not make it to her birth. i suppose closer to the time i will do what you suggested and ring around a few hospitals etc
Wish me luck!!
Thanks again
Helen

[Tania Gai]

HI Helen,

May I ask who you are training through?

Tania

[Tania Gai]

HI Helen,

Me again...

I did reply to one of your previous posts but it disappeared so will answer here if thats OK.

I did my training with Childbirth International (CBI) and am now a trainer with them as well.
I currently have 2 doulas still completing their certification with CBI working with me and this is a concern for alot of new students. However it never ends up being a problem. As you immerse yourself within the "community" people will start to learn what you are working towards or a friend of a friend etc may put you in touch with someone. It will happen.


Feel free to email me and we can talk further.

All the best....its a wonderful job!

Tania