Breaking into a new career

[Anonymous]

I've been a nanny for over 12 years. In that time I have also taught pre school and nursery school. I have a great resume in terms if working with children however I want to become a birth and post partum doula and I can't seem to break in. I am afraid I just don't qualify and that is so frustrating.

I will be DONA certified but I feel like that isn't enough. I also want to offer lacation consulting, press natal yoga and massage. Bit those things take time to earn a certification in and gain experience

I have tried to find baby nurse or night nanny work to supplement income while I am training and that's come up short too. Without experience in exactly night nannying I'm afraid I'll never be able to break into this field.

[Anonymous]

Focus on the doula part, either birth or PP. Which do you prefer?

[Anonymous]

I prefer post partum work. However I wasn't so sure of that when I went into training. So I'll be certified as a birth doula first.

My op is all over the place. Sorry.

I guess I am just at a loss because I feel like who wants to hire a first timer? Or someone who can't offer the other skills mentioned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer post partum work. However I wasn't so sure of that when I went into training. So I'll be certified as a birth doula first.

My op is all over the place. Sorry.

I guess I am just at a loss because I feel like who wants to hire a first timer? Or someone who can't offer the other skills mentioned.

Do some volunteer PP doula jobs. DONA will list you on their site!! Congratulations on your work. Where do you live?

[Anonymous]

Thanks pp! I am in the NYC area. I have submitted to some Google groups and classifieds offering free or discounted services as an introductory special. Hoping something comes through and word of mouth spreads. I really love this line work and when I see myself in 20 years this is what in want to be doing.

[Anonymous]

Join some facebook groups for doulas and Newborn Care Specialists and other post partum providers. Network with local people, so that you are getting your name out there. Ask if you can intern and/or shadow them on some jobs so that you can gain experience and references.

Twins account for 1 in 30 births in the United States now and take up almost all of my bookings. If you don't have multiples experience then defnitely work on getting some. Try contacting local mothers of multiples groups to offer your services at a free or discounted rate, you will almost certainly get someone who needs the help.

[Anonymous]

I'd hire you as a night nanny in a hot second if I had a baby right now. Good luck. You'll find the right family.

[Anonymous]

Yep, lots of networking. Use your former employers, listservs, friends, preschool connections, etc... Offer discounted rates for the first 6 months or so that you're in business. Find some experienced doulas and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.

[Anonymous]

Would you mind sharing where in the NYC area?

[Anonymous]

I will be serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. And parts of Long Island.


Thanks for all the awesome advice!

[Anonymous]

Do you have a resume and references? What is your discounted rate? Any desire to travel to DC? I'm sure a ton of people on here would take you up on an interview

[Anonymous]

Contact Devon Clement in NYC at

http://mamasbestfriend.com/
She is an amazing resource. She will point you in the right direction and may have work for you. Join ProDoula. Do not work for free! You don't have to and you undermine all the other doulas trying to earn a living wage when you allow people to think we should work for free! If you are properly trained, maybe a reduced rate to start. Know your value and charge your worth! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much pp!! I'll email her now.