How to become a doula in Tennessee
Becoming a doula in Tennessee is a rewarding and fulfilling profession that can be a great way to make a positive impact on the lives of new parents. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant women and their partners during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. If you’re passionate about childbirth education, advocacy, and holistic wellness, becoming a doula in Tennessee may be the right path for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a doula in Tennessee.
Education and Training
- Recommended Training Programs:
- DONA International (Doulas of North America): Offers a Certified Doula Training Program with comprehensive curriculum covering pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, newborn care, and more.
- CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association): Offers a Certified Professional doula Training Program covering birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and lactation.
- Find a Training Program near you:
- Tennessee is home to several doula training programs, including those mentioned above.
- Research and attend training sessions in-person or online.
Certification
- International Certifying Organizations:
- DONA International : Requires applicants to complete a training program and pass an exam to become certified as a doula.
- CAPPA : Requires applicants to complete a training program, pass an exam, and accumulate 50 hours of doula work before certification.
- TN Specific Certifications:
- The National Association of Professional Doulas (NAPD) : Certifies doulas and offers a comprehensive online course covering pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Practicum or Mentorship
- Practicum: Volunteer to shadow or assist experienced doulas to gain hands-on experience.
- Mentorship: Pair up with a certified doula to gain guidance and support during your training period.
State Requirements
- Nurturing Parents Act: The 2011 Tennessee law established doulas as medical support providers, allowing them to support mothers in hospitals and birthing centers.
Insurance and Reimbursement
- Insurance Coverage: Research local insurance companies to see if they offer doula support services.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Many couples self-pay for doula services or pay through insurance not covered.
Professional Development and Continuing Education
- Attend Webinars and Conferences: Staying up-to-date with the latest research and trends is crucial for doulas.
- Join Professional Associations: Join organizations like DONA, CAPPA, and NAPD for resources, support, and networking opportunities.
How to find clients
- Online Platforms: Utilize online directories, such as Doula Match or Plentific, to advertise services.
- Community Outreach: Attend parenting groups, pregnancy support groups, and postpartum support groups to build connections and networks.
- Word-of-Mouth Referrals: Encourage satisfied clients to spread the word about your services.
Paying for Certification Programs and Education
- SCHOLARSHIPS:
- DONA International Scholarships: Offers scholarships for Certified Birth Doulas.
- CAPPA Scholarships: Provides financial support for CAPPA students and Certified Professionals.
- Student Discounts: Many training programs and organizations offer discounts for students.
Job Prospects and Salary Expectations
- Job Prospects: High demand for doulas, especially in metropolitan areas like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
- Salary Expectations:
- Average: $2,000 – $4,000 per month (part-time to full-time employment).
- Peak Hours: Higher demand during weekdays and weekends.
Conclusion
Becoming a doula in Tennessee requires a solid education and training, certification, practicum or mentorship, state-specific knowledge, and professional development. Building connections through online platforms, community outreach, and word-of-mouth referrals can lead to successful business ventures. With job prospects high and salary expectations in the thousands, becoming a doula in Tennessee can be a fulfilling and lucrative career.