Trying to take your next step as a Doula?

Become the doula clients want to hire. Be intentional about growth. Let us help you.

One-on-one mentorship

During the course of your Mentorship, you will become equipped to set up your doula business and learn the relational side of birth work.

professional networking

Learn how to interact with medical professionals, meet local professional birth workers, and receive client referrals.

birth work support

You will attend two births with your Mentor. You’ll begin by watching and learning and then will be supported by your mentor as you support and work with the birthing clients.

How will a mentorship equip me to be a better doula?

As a Doulas Etc. Mentee you will receive:

• Explanation, guidance, and instruction at two births

• Three one-on-one meetings to help you set up your business

• Learn how to operate a doula practice without being the primary hired doula

• Develop professional birth worker conduct, boundaries, speech, engagement, and body language

• Engage practical application of ethical, moral and legal parameters learned in your doula training

• Meet and network with other local birth professionals

• Gain a proper understanding of professional conduct with physicians, midwives, and nurses

• Potential to become a member of Doulas Etc. upon mentorship completion

Requirements

3 Month Mentorship - $875

Explore | Apply | Get Equipped

Prior to Mentorship, attend a doula training and read two books from the approved list below. Certification not required.

• Apply for Mentorship Program

• Attend three meetings with your Mentor

  • First Meeting: Doula practice set up (client packets, website, social media, accounting, basic business)

  • Second Meeting: Debrief first birth attended, review client packet created, in-depth assistance on one business focused area from first meeting

  • Third Meeting: Debrief second birth attended, review of business items created and implemented, action plan for moving forward with your doula practice, and an in depth exit interview

• Attend, with your Mentor, the following appointments with their clients: one interview, two prenatals, two births, one postpartum visit.  You must attend all appointments, but does not have to be with the same client.

  • Mentor will work with Mentee to schedule appointments for the above meetings at convenient times. Meetings will require travel depending on where the client is located

  • Attending two births with your Mentor: one birth you watch, one you work and the mentor supports you

  • *This Doulas Etc. Mentorship program provides the opportunity to attend two births.  It is your choice to attend the births provided by your Mentor. If you have been offered two births, but you do not attend (and three months have passed), an additional monthly fee of $125 for an additional mentorship month will be applied so you can complete the program

• Attend one Central Illinois Birth Worker Meetup in Lincoln (offered Jan, April, July or October)

• Attend one Labor Comfort Tips Class in Bloomington or Peoria (offered Feb, May, August or Nov)

• Attend The BIRTH Circle in Peoria (varies)

• Attend Exit Interview at Third Mentor meeting for appreciative and constructive feedback and support - receive Doulas Etc. tshirt

• 3 months of ongoing virtual (texting, email, phone call) support after mentorship program is completed as you begin your practice and have questions

Apply

$25 non-refundable application fee

Applications are due by Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1.

Mentorships begin quarterly every March, June, September, and December and last three months.

$875 Mentorship Fee is due at first meeting with Mentor

To begin the application process, submit your name and email address below, and we will send you an invoice for the application fee. After you pay the fee, a link to the application will be sent to you within 24 hours. Once you submit your application for Mentorship, you will be contacted within two weeks(s) to let you know if you are accepted into the program.  . 

Get Started!

Approved Book List

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering - Dr. Sarah Buckley

Orgasmic Birth - Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Birthing From Within - Pam England and Rob Horowitz

Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First - Marsden Wagner

Birth Matters - Ina May Gaskin

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth - Sheila Kitzinger

Pushed - Jennifer Block

Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth - Henci Goer

The Amazing Newborn - Klaus