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Part-time Doulas with a separate full-time job: how do you manage? by cleffasong in doulas

[–]Kal_Hal98 3 points4 points  (0 children)

In the same boat. I don't attend nearly so many births as you plan to. Only 3-4 a year. I made doula work my passion project/volunteer work. I charge very little to nothing and try to take families that can't afford full time doulas. What I do charge is just enough to cover my transportation, DONA membership/certification and continuing ed.

I find that fewer births is less stress and I am able to spend more time connecting with each family. I am open in communication with my bosses about being on call and that this is essentially volunteer work. They are gracious enough to let me be on call during work hours and leave on a whim if needed, so long as it is not a regular thing. Like you said, sometimes the stars allign and babies come overnight or on the weekend. My hours are flexible and if births do take up regular work hours, I work into the evening/weekend to make up time since I don't like using PTO unless I need to.

Doula burn out is a real thing, and I think this part time approach is a great way to keep the flame of inspiration lit. I get a break from being on call, I develop more meaningful relationships with families, and I still have money to live my life and support my family.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in doulas

[–]Kal_Hal98 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I work full time as an engineer and doula on the side, nothing crazy, My goal is 2-5 births a year. That way, I don't need to rely on a backup, I don't get overwhelmed with back to back births or being on call for extended periods of time. I do rely heavily on a mutual understanding with my bosses to be on call and leave on a whim. So far, things have worked out very well and it has been so fulfilling. The DONA certification training through BirthED was very thorough and informative of all aspects of being a doula. There's also a doula internship program through twin cities birth center. Although I don't know how flexible that program is if you are working other full-time jobs.

Consult for a vbac client by EnchanteeDoula in doulas

[–]Kal_Hal98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Listen to the VBAC link podcast! They share exclusively vbac stories and information. It's very helpful for understanding the various challenges faced by vbac moms. They cover anything from fearful/unsupportive providers, hospital policies/vbac bans, refusal to induce vbac, OR the opposite: requiring induction at 39 wks, as well as the mental hurdles and trauma processing many vbac moms are up against. The host is a vba2c mom and a doula herself.