Have a doula to guide you on your doula journey!  During this three - six month program, you will improve your knowledge and skills, while observing and collaborating with Shalene, and experiencing what it’s like to provide doula support to expectant families.

• One-on-one one hour meeting to discuss your goals
• Prenatal visits with clients
• One meeting prior to each client visit, via Zoom or in person
• One meeting after each client visit, via Zoom or in person
• Access to client forms and assistance creating your own
• Assistance creating the “business” side of doula work (I offer website design separately)/ or discussing partnering with Rhythm of Birth
• Guidance and feedback with 2 of your own clients
• Access to Rhythm of Birth online courses (3 courses valued at $260)
• Attendance at 3-6 births, with the possibility of more * * All attendance at visits and births are subject to parent’s approval. Birth attendance may be after 3- 6 month program.  
• Review of website and social media strategy (if applicable)
• Additional assistance in- Structuring a prenatal and postpartum visit, preparing for an interview, preparing for a birth, stocking your doula bag, working with dads, self-care for doulas, handling a difficult birth, etc.
• Long-term access to mentoring (for the first year) as you grow your practice
• Referrals from me and partnering as a back-up

Whether you are taking a doula training or not, it is valuable to have one on one mentor-ship with a certified and experienced doula.  (All video calls are recorded for your reference)

• One-on-one 1 hour meeting to discuss your goals, via Zoom
• One-on-one mock interview, via Zoom
• One meeting before four of your client visits, via Zoom
• One meeting after each client visit to discuss how they went, via Zoom
• Access to client forms and assistance creating your own
• Review of website and social media strategy (I offer website building separately)
• Assistance creating service packages
• Guidance for 2 complete client cycles

• Ability to relate in a non-judgmental, supportive basis to individuals with a wide range of needs and problems; ability to provide responsible information and support.
• Emotional maturity, intuitive, sense of humor, and the ability to work with diverse personalities.
• Sensitivity to the needs of and difficulties faced by women and their families during both the prenatal and postpartum period.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends*.
• Availability for daytime and evening prenatal and postpartum visits*.
• Ability to be on-call during the 3-6 month period of the apprenticeship*.
• Reliable childcare, if you have children*.
• Ability to respond to on-call clients 24/7 during the 3 month apprenticeship*.
• Reliable mode of transportation with-in a 45 mile radius of the NRV *.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft office and social media resources.

* Only applies to the 3-6 Month Apprenticeship Program

Who is eligible?

• Rhythm of Birth offers apprenticeships to doulas who have begun their training process. No prior experience as a birth doula is necessary. 

Program Goals

• Help Apprentices get births needed to complete their certification.
• Provide birth shadowing opportunities, as desired by our client(s).
• Increase the number of skilled, educated, and ethical doulas in our community.

Expectations of the Apprentice. Apprentices will…..

• Be professional and prompt when communicating with clients and other doulas
• Create a business-only email address to communicate with clients or use our Rhythm of Birth e-mail address (local apprentices)
• Make a full commitment of availability to their clients for the duration of their apprenticeship (typically 3- 6 months)
• Doulas will not share the names or details of their clients with anyone outside of Rhythm of Birth. 
• Serve families with compassionate support.
• Empower clients through education.
• Connect clients to local resources to expand their village.
• Follow the guidelines/scope of practice of their training organization.
• Be actively working to complete their certification.
• Attend all Apprentice mentorship meetings    

 
Expectations of Rhythm of Birth of local and virtual (when applies) birth Services. Mentors will….

• Lead Apprenticeship meetings, covering a variety of topics.
• ​Handle marketing, promotional, informational/organizational tasks and duties.
• Handle intake of registration information/agreements/payments from Apprentice clients.
• Provide informational/emotional support via phone for Apprentices during births with their clients.
• Provide emergency back-up services for Apprentices (due to illness/emergency).
• Share our knowledge and experience freely, but also let Apprentices find their own best way to practice.

Cost

• Apprentices will pay $500 or $850 depending on the program.
• Apprentices will not be paid for shadow births attended (local Apprentice).

If you feel that you are a good fit to be a Rhythm of Birth Apprentice, please click the button below to fill out the initial interest form.