Being a Birth Doula | What's In My Doula Bag

#birthdoula #childbirth #pregnancy
Hi guys, be sure to leave any doula related questions in the comments down below!!!
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn:
www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Chil...
The Birth Partner:
www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Chil...
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[@jasjas4356]

Sounds like you're covering postnatal doula work as well 😍❤❤ Thank you for all of this!! ❤ I'm looking into being a doula, I'm so happy you brought up being a doula without children!

[@MissCheyButta]

Loved this video as a fellow Doula myself! Sending love from NJ

[@niayahyah]

I loved how informative you are about everything it really helped me make my decision today, so thank you so much. I do have a question. I’m currently 17 but I graduated High-school early, but I’ve been debating between Mid-wifery and Being a doula. I want to become a Doula now lol but I’m wondering if I can based on my age!!❤

[@jr2290jack]

This was very informative! I was curious if there were any sisters that did this. So comforting to know. 💕

[@oliviasteckly2574]

This was so helpful, thank you! I'm training with DONA International to be a doula and this was such a good peek into what it's like!

[@mamor222]

This was an extremely helpful video. I've watched a few now and must say I liked yours the most. I am supporting a close friend/ sister of mine through her first birth and it will be all natural and want to be the best support I can for her.

[@thymeandtenderness]

I’m glad to have been of some help! I really enjoy the book The Birth Partner. I think you’ll find it useful as a support person!

[@cynthiasigsbury3845]

Wow! I am so impressed with this whole video! Thank you for the valuable information and the way you presented everything. It was very well organized.

[@thymeandtenderness]

You’re very welcome!

[@kathybranch8133]

Love your summation of what a Doula is and does

[@cjthorp4805]

This is a really good video, I'm 18 and training to be a doula soon and this made me so excited!

[@ericablige9449]

Wishing you the best!

[@inthedayandlifeofanordinar6401]

Great video! I'm a doula in California. It’s great hearing what other doulas do. 🥰 I will say that I love What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I am a mama of six and used that book along with many other books during my pregnancies and afterwards. I have recommended to others as well. It's very to the point and easy to find specific topics quickly. Just my two cents. 😉

[@thymeandtenderness]

I will keep that in mind!!!! For me I just didn’t click with it!

[@desiraekiefer1637]

I found this video very informative! Thank you

[@labanhendricks7053]

Omg I watched this video first and then I saw your recent pregnancy videos 🥺🌺💓

[@CutesyBubblez]

this video was very helpful - thanks!!

[@bri2252]

Thank-you for the book recommendations!

[@thymeandtenderness]

You’re very welcome! I hope they’re useful for you!

[@Wetrustbirthdoula]

This was very helpful

[@kathybranch8133]

Love your summation of a Doula

[@theempresstarot374]

I agree I don’t really like the other book what to expect when your expecting! That is so crazy because my sons father gave it to me and I started to read it and I despise that so I put it down and then when he came over he realized I never even opened it I stored it away and he got mad but I was like it’s a horrific book I don’t like it I’m so glad you agree with me there I am preparing to be a Doula and I found this video very helpful thank you so much

[@melissal5299]

Bahaha I tell my clients the exact same about what to expect when your expecting.

[@bahoti7]

Thank you for video!

[@rechemaroberts7031]

This is wonderful

[@yolancook7064]

Thank you!

[@ottaviaturner9644]

hi this is amazing where did you get the journal from to ask the family questions about what kind of birth they'll want?

[@thymeandtenderness]

I took the Mastering The Prenatal course and you get it from that! 100percentdoula.teachable.com/p/master-the-doula-prenatal

[@firefighterswife10]

Could you please tell me who the author of the "Birth Companion" book is please? The one you said is from the 80's. Thank you

[@drzenkobilas7770]

Hi, may I ask have you heard of Aniball, 'Epi-no Delphine Plus' birth facilitating devices? Thank you for your reply.

[@ashleymonegro1881]

Hello what is the navy blue doula question book

[@Julia-ol2bl]

Thanks for this video! Looking to be certified soon! How did you get your first client? How did you know what to do that first time?

[@thymeandtenderness]

My first client was a personal friend. After receiving formal doula training I knew exactly what to do the first time!

[@Julia-ol2bl]

Victoria Yost Ahh that’s awesome! Thanks so much for getting back! I am looking to be certified with Birth Arts International next month and hopefully start with a client this summer! I’m excited and nervous just thinking about it! Lol Have you heard anything about the BAI program? ♥️

[@priscillaroldan]

Wow!! About how much is it to hire? This was so interesting! I loved listening to this! Must be such a fun job!

[@thymeandtenderness]

It’s a lot of fun! Right now with less than 10 births I’ve attended I’m currently charging $600.

[@priscillaroldan]

Victoria Yost wow! That’s such a good price!!!! 🥰 thanks for answering!

[@dottie38a]

Hi! Just curious, do you know the name of the author for the older book you showed? The Birth Companion book from the 80's. I'm a book lover and enjoy the older ones at times. Some are very helpful Thanks! I do have the Labor Progress Handbook and love it.

[@thymeandtenderness]

I left all the links in the description. But it is by penny Simkin. The book was originally published in the 80s but she has updated it almost yearly ever since. I think it’s in its 6th or 7th revision now.

[@abigailshanae7779]

As a Doula have you ever been the one to "catch " the baby during delivery?

[@natalija6236]

Hey, this is super useful! I am currently saving money to pay DONA International, can you please tell me what you didn't like there that made You change the course?

[@taneshac7518]

Hi where did you get the doula log book with the prompt in it ?

[@azuredawn2446]

This video was really helpful. Thank you! I can't remember if you stated this or not, but what company would you suggest getting certification for becoming a doula?

[@thymeandtenderness]

I went through Dona’s Training program but did not certify through them. I highly suggest researching all Doula Certifying orgs and reading through their code of conduct and ethics policies to see if their values align with how you want to run your business and the community in which you plan on serving ☺️. Still Birth Day. Birth Bootcamp. And Madriella are all great orgs.

[@azuredawn2446]

VictoriaYost -Thyme and Tenderness Awesome. Thank you so much. :)

[@lluvia5621]

What did you not vibe with about DONA? I’m looking to get certified and would like as many perspectives as possible! Thanks for making this video (:

[@thymeandtenderness]

I deff love DONA’s training program. But I always tell everyone to read through any organization’s code of conduct and ethics policy; the requirements to keep up with your certification; and compare that to how you plan to run your business and your estimate on how much income You’ll bring in! For me I only take 3-5 clients a year so the requirements to keep up with a cert through DONA and their code of conduct and ethics didn’t fit my business model. For a doula that might be busier than me; it deff might be a better fit!

[@lluvia5621]

@@thymeandtenderness That's great advice, I'll definitely read their code of conduct and ethics policy! Thank you for the response and keep up the great content

[@lydiawaggoner4153]

This video was very helpful to me! I'm 20 years old and very interested in becoming a doula. My concerns, however, are that I'm not old or experienced enough for people to want to hire me, and that I will not be able to earn enough to live off of. Do you have any advice?

[@thymeandtenderness]

I did my training at 22 and was hired right away! I do have to admit, however, I don’t make enough to live off of. But depending where you live, working for a Doula Agency might be an option! An agency can pay you a steady rate and get you frequent clients! Or you could maybe go into nursing if that is an option, with the end goal of becoming a l&D nurse. When I Took my doula training I was in class with several l&D nurses who wanted to expand their knowledge on how to better help their patients!

[@lydiawaggoner4153]

@@thymeandtenderness Thanks for the reply! I'll check that out!

[@elizabethharris4934]

Hi there! I am about to start my doula certification class next week through DONA International. You mentioned you attended a birth at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. I am in the Baltimore area and would love to shadow someone to get some extra experience so I can give my future clients the best care. Is this something that you or other doulas do?

[@thymeandtenderness]

Hello! Congratulations on seeking out doula certification. I am actually no longer in the baltimore area, but there are some great baltimore doula groups you can reach out to, such as Charm City Doulas. Your certification class will also give you more information about how to shadow, since, last I heard, DONA won’t allow you to count a birth for certification if another Doula is present.

[@sambell5597]

What questions do you ask the person giving birth and their birth partner?

[@thymeandtenderness]

Hi. I go over their likes and dislikes when it comes to what they find comforting. I ask things like if there’s any music they would like. And people I should be aware of that you want informed or barred from the labor. I ask if they have any fears and we usually talk about that for a while and what we can do to calm those fears. I also help educate the partner if there is anything he is confused about when it comes to the labor process.

[@MrDavidarchiefan67]

What things do doulas help with postpartum? Are they present during the actual birth? I’ve been wanting to enroll into getting a certificate!

[@Nenebee1024]

A birth doula is present during the actual birth, you are there to support during labor and advocate for what the mother wants/needs

[@lilbitz1996]

Do you have to consult with a doctor before suggesting laboring positions or is it safe?

[@thymeandtenderness]

Nope! This is why Doulas go through training. We get trained in what labor positions are safe. No consultation is needed from a doctor.

[@jordanbrackin9633]

Ive been considering this path as well. Im reluctant because ive never had a child before. So you really dont feel like expecting mothers would prefer to have someone whos been in their shoes before?

[@LifeDiaryGedi]

I haven’t started my doula training yet but i think a great part is that an expecting mother has full authority to choose a doula who has experienced birth before, nothing wrong with preferences it’s their birth!

[@jessiree3973]

I have three kids and I'm afraid to pursue becoming a doula only because of the time you'd need to dedicate to a client. :/ I've known some who work with their children as well but obviously might be distracting

[@thymeandtenderness]

My doula partner is a mother to 5 children and homeschools! Being a doula and a Mom can be done! The key is balance and setting up strict boundaries with your clients as well as having a good on call support system who can come in an care for your kiddos when you need to attend a birth.

[@victoriadickey9120]

How far do you travel to your clients? Is it primarily just local?

[@thymeandtenderness]

The farthest I travel is an hour to their birth location.

[@zozie275]

How do you cope with exhaustion not only during 12+ hour births, but also after you've been running your own errands all day?

[@thymeandtenderness]

When it gets closer to a client’s due date, I plan my schedule accordingly and I keep in constant contact with them. Labor doesn’t just start out of the blue, there are signs that lead up to it, so usually when I have a client go into labor, I kinda knew it was getting to be that time for hours or days before hand. Also. I try not to attend too long, I work with the family so that I come when I’m absolutely needed. But sometimes birth takes a long time. I have attended 24 hour births and Ive attended 36 hour births. When they are that long, I politely excuse myself for a nap, but let the family know they can call me if they need me. I usually just go nap in my car

[@zozie275]

Ah that makes sense! Are you able to get at least an hour of napping in or is that too much while you're being paid? Do clients ever get irritable with you during labor? Do you usually arrive before the healthcare provider does?@@thymeandtenderness

[@haileighdiaz1286]

What is the book with all the questions in it ?

[@thymeandtenderness]

It’s a book that came with a training course I took

[@shaniquasmith9448]

Hello, I want to become a Birth Doula because I love babies so much. Is it best to work at a local hospital or go out of state when being a Birth Doula?. Do you have to have a degree to do this job or do just do a lot of training and studying?. Thanks for sharing this video it's very helpful .

[@thymeandtenderness]

So you are self employed. Families hire you privately. You don’t need a degree. There are training courses you can take. Such a DONA International, Stillbirthday, Birth Bootcamp, and Madriella

[@shaniquasmith9448]

How do you build up clients when you are a new Birth Doula?. Can you go to birthing centers for help with that?. Sorry I'm asking a lot of questions just very interested.

[@BrandiGowder62]

Where did you get your rebozo or blanket from that is beautiful?

[@thymeandtenderness]

my husband got it for me!!!!

[@BrandiGowder62]

You know where he got it from I would love one 😍😍😍

[@mrsnikki1027]

Do Doulas ever certify with more than one organization?

[@thymeandtenderness]

Yes! You can dual certify with more than one!

[@EmilyPriceDoesLife]

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@nothingtoseehere9963]

Are you from Maryland? I’m from Maryland and I’m am an aspiring doula. How would you rate the demand for doulas in Maryland? Also do you recommend being an independent doula or to work under a company?

[@thymeandtenderness]

It depends where you live! If you’re in the Baltimore Annapolis or DC area it’s great! I might be making a change soon when it comes to my business. But as of right now I am independent. I get most of my clients via referrals from local birth centers.

[@claribelnunez8220]

Great video I’m looking to be a adoula but I’m going to be 55yrs am I too old for that.

[@thymeandtenderness]

Have you looked into postpartum doula work. Many new families often look for an extra set of hands just to help hold the baby and be a guide and point of wisdom for them after the baby is born.

[@claribelnunez8220]

Oh ok I’ll cool tnxs .

[@dottie38a]

Hi Claribel! I'm 55 and just completed my initial training. I don't feel as if I am too old. I took my training with a friend who is in her 20's. We have found some moms want someone close in age. Some want to be with someone who is more like a mom. Postpartum doula is awesome, too!

[@claribelnunez8220]

Dorothy ONeil Doula wow congrats well I’m going to be practicing cause my daughter is actually pregnant and she asked me to be there with her so that will help me a lot.

[@dottie38a]

@@claribelnunez8220 Congratulations! I was at my grandchild's birth 2 yrs ago and now the same daughter is expecting again. It is a wonderful experience, enjoy!

[@catieq5270]

Johns Hopkins clinician here and I’m highly considering hiring a doula, but Covid might disrupt my birthing plan.

[@thymeandtenderness]

I’m so glad to hear that! I’m actually MD based and have doula-ed at Hopkins before! Hospital policies are changing all the time. Some hospitals have preferred doulas who are cleared to work during covid. Other hospitals require doulas to have certain documentation to work. I would work with your own care provider to see what the policies are! Also MANY doulas. Myself included are doing “Virtual” support now!

[@catieq5270]

@@thymeandtenderness I honestly didn’t even think about virtual support. I’m 4 weeks and by the time I have my first doctor’s appointment, I’ll be 5 weeks. I will definitely be asking my doctor able their doula policies.

[@thymeandtenderness]

Yes. Deff ask!!!

[@thymeandtenderness]

Even if your hospital says no doulas. Virtual support is still very beneficial!

[@publianapereira3460]

Please send the name of the program you completed .

[@thymeandtenderness]

I took a training course with DONA

[@alexhogan3281]

What have you found is the biggest challenge of being a doula? What advice would you give to an aspiring doula who is feeling a bit nervous about taking the initial leap?

[@thymeandtenderness]

The biggest challenge is avoiding burn out. I get so excited when my client goes into labor that I need to remind myself that it’s a delicate balance as to when to go to them. You don’t want to be there so long you’re exhausted. But you don’t want to be there for too short and you’re not helpful. And advice. Just take the training class! Attend one birth. And see how you feel! You usualy make back the money you spent on a training class with your first client.

[@catrinhughesnind]

This was awesome but please use the word partner instead of dad or father as birth partners are not always Male/ Husband/ Identify as Male.

[@thymeandtenderness]

Thank you! I have been working on trying to be more conscious about that!!

[@firefighterswife10]

Could you please tell me who the author of the "Birth Companion" book is please? The one you said is from the 80's. Thank you

[@thymeandtenderness]

It’s The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin. And it was originally published in the 80s. You’ll want to get the 5th edition of the book which has the latest and up to date revisions.

[@firefighterswife10]

@@thymeandtenderness Thank you very much for your super fast reply. That is wonderful to know. I have the 5th edition of The Birth Partner. I didn't realise it was initially called the Birth Companion. Thanks for this wonderful video. I have just started out as a Doula in Queensland Australia after being an early childhood teacher and family health coach. You have given me some great tips for my doula bag that I hadn't thought of. Thank you so much xo