If you signed up for one of our training courses to become a DTI doula, then the first thing we want to say is congrats! We’re so happy that you’re starting your doula journey with us and can’t wait to see you get started. Beginning your online training with us is a gigantic step in the right direction if you have a passion for reproductive health. And with all the intensive coursework and certification requirements, it may seem a little overwhelming, right? But don’t worry! We want to make your training with us as simple as can be, so here are some incredibly helpful tips that will guarantee smooth sailing through your certification course.
1. Connect With Your New Community
Want to get a head start on your network? Then make it your number one goal to reach out to your online and offline community. You can connect with other doulas in training in our Facebook groups and other social media platforms. But that’s not all! Go and connect with your teachers, attend doula events, and discuss topics in online cohorts. Share questions and share insights about the coursework or business tips. There are a lot of ways to reach out to people. And although it may seem intimidating at first, trust us, it will be worth it.
2. Dive Into the Reading – ASAP!
The more you read, the more you learn. And that’s especially true for our training courses. That’s why we give you a list of books and other reading resources you can use with our online classes. The books go over every topic that you’ll need to know to pass the course, so make sure that you’re carving out time before class to go over the reading. Pro tip! Remember to write down notes during class so you can use them to study later on.
3. Engage with the Mentorship Component
Having a mentor right there to guide you through the intensive certification process is valuable to becoming a well-rounded doula. Our mentors are here to help you, so make sure that you’re there every mentorship call. Ask questions and get advice on the coursework, certification process, starting your business, and virtually anything else that you need to get through the course.
4. Schedule Your 3 Reproductive Events
This one should be at the top of your to-do list. To become a certified DTI doula, you need to attend certain events as a doula. For example, depending on the training you want to receive, you may need to do any one of the following assignments:
- Attend 3 childbirths
- Reach a certain number of hours of postpartum care
- Attend 3 different health events
With these events, you’ll be able to show off your knowledge as a doula while gaining experience for the future. And the best part – you don’t even have to wait until after the 3 months of training are over. So go out there and secure your events!
5. Network, Network, Network!
We can’t say this enough, but networking with others is one of the best ways to get your foot out there and begin scoring clients. Trust us – there are plenty of organizations and individuals who could use your help and would be more than happy to connect with you. So, what are some tips to achieve this?
- Follow practicing doulas on social media
- Attend physical and online events that cater to doulas
- Connect with other childbirth professionals
- Refer your fellow doulas to other clients and agencies
Just try to make a new contact each week and you’ll definitely see how connecting with others will help your doula business in the future.
Becoming a successful practicing doula requires a lot of hard work, determination, and a little support from everyone around you. But with these simple tips, we’re sure that you’ll do amazing work. And if you haven’t joined up yet, remember that you can always start your doula journey with us, anywhere and anytime. Connect with a wonderful and fast-growing doula community, interact with our rich online resources and inclusive events, and grow your passion for reproductive justice. Register for one of our many certification programs and get started today!