I'm a birth doula and moving to Cherry Point in about a week. I'm looking to get connected with other local doulas. Can anyone point me in the right direction? 

I should probably know this but... What's a doula? 

A labor coach. We also provide moms with prenatal support with creating a birth plan and postnatal support with breastfeeding and getting adjusted. 

There is a lady who has a health holistic/alternative care information booklet she sends out each year to locals on the east coast. Her name is Tia Bruhn or something. There is a yearly membership to the group as well. She sets up meetings throughout the year for local networking and health fairs. I'll dig through some emails and see if I can get you her information.

Are you certified? How many births?

Where and what type of work are you looking for?

This is havelocks city hall website. You can contact them about a city license. Other cities that you go to may also require a business license...some you may be exempt from. Also for cherry point based business you will need to go to pass and ID and get a business form to fill out.

http://www.havelocknc.us/Main.

This is the website for the NC dept of revenue so you can pay your taxes with the state of NC.

http://www.dor.state.nc.us/ 

Also when you get here do this:

Make business cards and a small pamphlet of your business. Maybe a non-ghetto website with correct spelling and such.

Drop cards and info off at all OBGYN clinics and both hospitals. Dropping them off at natures basket in James city may help. Also yoga for you in morehead city. Any health food stores. Also chiropractor and acupuncture business are a great compliment to your business. 

Don't forget the WIC office! 

I'm in the process of getting certified through Childbirth International. I need one more birth. That would be great if you could get her email or number. Thanks! And thanks for all of the other info! 

Women have been giving birth for a really super long time now lol. Since when do they need to be coached?

It was uncomfortable enough having nurses, doctors and loved ones stare down my vag but I guess one more in the mix wouldn't be much difference. LMAO 

Lol Marla. 

Women have been giving birth for a really super long time now lol. Since when do they need to be coached?

I guess you're confused about what a doula does for a woman.

"A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth."

"Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans"

http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_birth.php 

I want a dula for my pregnancy. But I'm so hooking all kinds of drugs up in my room this time! I will never have a natural child birth ever again. That was such a mistake. Stupid me!

There are a lot of rich people on the crystal coast and in some parts of New Bern. Networking with those people will get you PAID. 

"Numerous clinical studies

Who did these clinical studies? Can you cite any reliable sources in the medical community, ie: AMA, AAP, Mayo Clinic? 

I saw nothing legitimate. I think a supportive husband is more useful. If your husband is an arse, you might need a doula. If you're dealing with a baby daddy type of situation, you might need a doula. 

If your husband is an arse, you might need a doula. If you're dealing with a baby daddy type of situation, you might need a doula.

Or a friend, who will do it for free! 

Yes deb, a good friend is also a suitable choice. 

or a sister.. 

I know people who swear by using doulas. I'm someone who doesn't want anyone in the room with me other than my husband. But to each their own. 

Who did these clinical studies? Can you cite any reliable sources in the medical community, ie: AMA, AAP, Mayo Clinic? 

Women that WANT a birth doula will choose to have one. No one is forcing anyone to get one, if you think your husband has had sufficient education in supporting you in childbirth, then go ahead. Don't want one? Don't get one. Very simple. :)

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html

That's from the APA, there are more references at the bottom of the page. 

ac, don't take it personally, you as a woman and doula should know womens opinions, views and desires for their birth range drastically.

I know the military provides doulas for spouses whose husbands are deployed, perhaps that's an avenue to explore. :) Good luck. 

ac, don't take it personally, you as a woman and doula should know womens opinions, views and desires for their birth range drastically.

Oh I'm not taking it personally. I really believe every woman should have the birth she wants, if that doesn't include a doula, that's fine. Totally up to her! 

What type of "sufficient education" do they need to have? I'm not against Doula's. I'm just wondering. Also, how many births have you done? 

Doulas don't have to be in the room during the birthing process or during any weird vaginal tests etc. they help with getting through contractions, some massage (although I feel if you do that you should be licensed and insured), along with counseling (that too should be certified and insured). 

Oh man I had a neighbor that was trying to become a doula. She was all granola and what not. She wanted to give birth outside with the animals and ended up having her baby in her bathtub. Unfortunately when my eggo was preggo, she had turned me off from any doula possibilities. My hubby worked out nicely tho :P 

What type of "sufficient education" do they need to have? I'm not against Doula's. I'm just wondering. Also, how many births have you done? 

It's up to the mom...that's my point. If she feels like her husband knows enough to support her the way she wants to be supported, that's all that is needed. Some moms want someone with training.

As for my experience. I've done one since I've started training. I've seen others as an EMT.

Oh man I had a neighbor that was trying to become a doula. She was all granola and what not. She wanted to give birth outside with the animals and ended up having her baby in her bathtub. Unfortunately when my eggo was preggo, she had turned me off from any doula possibilities. My hubby worked out nicely tho :P 

Water birth sounds nice, on the ground outside...not so much. Haha. 

Okay but here's my problem. You've only done one and you need one more. My husband has been present for two births. That makes him more experienced than you lol 

Okay but here's my problem. You've only done one and you need one more. My husband has been present for two births. That makes him more experienced than you lol

Oh goodness. As a doula I've done one. I'm also an EMT. So..unless he has a medical degree...no. Haha. I don't care if your husband is your doula. I don't know where your going with this. 

Wait, an EMT is not a medical degree. For one. For two, I was definitely kidding. For Three- I have 6 kids. He was present for 2 which is still more than you. He can also read. Combined, that makes him more experienced than you. Plus he knows the correct grammar to use when typing. That also gives him one up on you.

*I'm* not being rude to you, or I wasn't until now. I don't CARE if some women prefer doula's. Good on them. 

*Was present for two and SAW 2 more. So again, more experienced than you. I get that you're still training- again, good on you. But don't alienate what could be a very lucrative career with senseless comments like you just made. 

I really don't understand why all of you are so upset about it. I have a degree in EMS. I worked as an EMT. Birth how you want, I'm there for women that want me there.