What is a Doula?
A doula is an individual who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant clients and their families. Doulas are not medically trained individuals. However, doula training includes a review of the phases of pregnancy and labor, possible complications of birth, and the role of potential medical interventions. In addition, doulas learn special skills to help clients relax and cope with the intensity of birth, including massage, relaxation and breathing techniques, and position changes.
Anyone can benefit from having a doula attend their birth. Doulas aim to support the choices of the birthing person and their family regardless of whether they choose a birth without an epidural or with an epidural. Doulas also support people through cesarean sections. It is a doula’s role to support the client regardless of their birth choices.
How to Become a Doula?
There are a variety of different organizations that offer doula training across the nation. PALS offers a very limited number of subsidized trainings, about twice a year. Since we started in 1998, we have supported over 1000 people become doulas!
Interested in getting trained as a doula in a PALS-sponsored training?
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, or would like to be removed from the waitlist, please email palsdoulatraining@gmail.com.
Due to a long waitlist and a limited number of trainings, we are only able to reach out to applicants who have been accepted into a class. We highly recommend you also look into other organizations in the community, and after you are trained, we would love to have you volunteer with PALS!