Those of us who want to make birth work our main source of income know how difficult it can be. Knowing that, especially in Spokane, people don't really know what a doula is or what Lamaze classes can do for them means we have to lower our prices. We get paid less than half of what women in Seattle get paid for the same services.
That's why doulas here have a wide range of skill sets. Some are also childbirth educators, some are lactation educators, some can do placenta encapsulation... I myself am working toward getting my Lamaze Childbirth Education Certification (LCCE), I have my Lactation Education Certification (CLE), I took a course in neonatal resuscitation, and I had my doula certification through Childbirth International (CLD (CBI)). I began working on a second doula certification through DONA but realized it would clash with my role, if I chose to use it, as a midwives' assistant.
Did I mention? I think I'm going to take midwives' assistant training. It's a good course with solid knowledge to have in case I'm at a home birth and the midwife needs an extra pair of hands in an emergency. I could also work with a local midwife as her assistant, backing up while her assistant/apprentice is out on maternity leave.
I'm also going to a really exciting certification class to learn how to use a TENS unit (for myself and for my clients!) and get a refresher in using a rebozo.
The hard thing is... all these classes and certifications cost money. Lots of money. But if you don't have a wide array of skills, you're less likely to be hired, and you'll make less money, and you won't be able to take the classes to get the skills.
What a cycle, huh?
There are exciting things in the works though. A handful of women who are as passionate as I am about the lower income section of our community are planning some very big things. We have spoken with lawyers, we have a grant writer, we had a gluten-free pot luck even! I think we are going to make great things happen but it takes time...
Hold on, women of Spokane! If you need a doula, or a child birth class, or prenatal massage, or information on breastfeeding, or any kind of pregnancy support... and you can't quite afford it... We're on our way!
