What does it look like to become a doula? What are some of the birth world’s most pressing issues? In our new series, Ask A DTI Doula, DTI educators and trained doulas will answer some of our community’s questions.
For the second piece in the series, we are proud to share an interview with DTI User Experience Director Jenny Bennett, on how to make the most of your training as a doula—and the different spaces and places you can push yourself to maintain a more sustainable practice.
Who: Jenny Bennett (she/her)
Jenny Bennett (she/her) is a doula educator and director of user experience for DTI. Connect on IG @expectingthebestbirth if you want to learn how to become a doula in Washington DC! Or learn more about Jenny by visiting https://expectingthebestbirth.com/
So, Jenny, what doula training should I take if I’m ready to take my career as a doula to the next level?
My top suggestion is to choose a full-spectrum DTI training (reproductive health, birth and postpartum)! The 3-part curriculum is a powerful option. If you’re already practicing as a doula, I can guarantee it will change the lens through which you’re viewing doula work. Even if you’ve read all the books on the DTI reading list (and more) and engaged with all of the concepts we present, you will find tremendous value in joining such a supportive community. If you’re already a birth doula for instance, after completing the 12-month full-spectrum program, there’s a lot you can consider doing on both the reproductive health and the postpartum side to expand your practice: cycle awareness workshops, new parent support groups, stock-the-freezer parties, teaching fitness classes or baby-wearing support and instruction (you must seek additional certification to do this), or longer classes about reproductive health for young people—the possibilities are numerous.
How do I find clients and community after my training?
Once you’ve trained, another route you could take would be to form a collective with other doulas. Even if you’ve been practicing for just a short time yourself, you might have a passion to lead a group of doulas in serving more clients and supporting one another. There are many ways of going about this type of model, but I find that a collaborative or collective to be the most effective.
Beyond doula work, what else can I offer my clients?
How can I get involved?
You can reach out to DTI at hello@wearedti.com with any questions and you can also browse our training calendar to learn more! Curious about DTI’s programs? Click here to learn more about becoming a doula through the different programs we offer.