Accepting Apprentice Doula Program Applications

Pacific Doula Services, LLC is seeking an apprentice doula in the SF Bay Area!

Hive Five!In the most recent months, my business has hit a growth spurt. While growth in any business is warmly welcomed, I have found the needs of my business outgrowing my small one-womyn operation. Partnership has always been an option, but as so many doulas operate their businesses differently, finding someone whose functions/fashions match my own is like finding the perfect baby carrier that meets all of your needs.

For some time, I have also recognized a need in the doula community to connect newer doulas with the training, networking, and support necessary to develop their doula practice philosophy and practical skills. 

And at the same time, there is a need within the community to connect families with the doula support that suits their needs and budgets. Oftentimes, families in need go without the support they need and deserve, because they are unable to connect with someone in the doula community who is willing and/or able to support them.

All of these considerations came to a head for me this month, and I finally decided that I have the capacity and desire to welcome (with open arms) an apprentice doula into my practice.

What is an Apprentice Doula?

An apprentice is an individual who works with a mentor to learn a trade. An Apprentice Doula amasses necessary skills & education, practices under the supervision of (and in collaboration with) the Mentor Doula, and participates in community building by offering services to a larger number of individuals and families.

My training was a mosaic of learnings from my study materials, workshop trainings, and the wisdoms shared and relationships built with more experienced doulas. As a newer doula, I felt that my formal training lacked a great deal. I had the opportunity to work with many marvelous doulas under the informal capacity of "apprentice" -- the many informal training situations I built were where I learned my greatest lessons with the support of someone who had walked before me. For these relationships, I am eternally grateful.

Inspired (and compelled) to offer the opportunity to newer doulas in my community, I did my best to pay-it-forward. But the informal mentor/apprentice relationship is still a model that is lacking.

With the guidance of those that have walked before me, I confidently open my doors to the opportunity to work with talented and passionate folks to build a community that is body-positive, sex-positive, birth-positive, and love-positive. 

How Do I Apply?

That's easy. Applications are open now! Read up on the what participation in the Apprentice Program entails before you apply.

The intensive apprenticeship program is structured in a way to give you the tools to walk in the role of doula & community leader with confidence and competence. Thus, the program requires dedication and commitment of your time and energy. If you are ready to take the step to build your skills, I am ready to work with you!

If you have any questions or concerns, please connect with me!

Special thanks:

To Madeleine Shernock, my life-midwife and shero (founder ofWelcome Home Doula Servies, of Davis/Sacramento, and Pacific Northwest Birth Services, of Eureka/Humboldt) and Claire Sloan, her protege and my pal -- you lovelies are an inspiration. 

To Jhoanna Galves, Diwati Doula, for being my kite-string & sista. 
And to my partner, Scootie, for being you (lolive).