certified doula Archives - East Bay Doula | Bay Bee Birth Services, Jenny Bare

Client Testimonial: Heather S. – Summer 2015

Our family welcomed our second baby with Jenny by our side. I can’t say enough about how much her support guided and encouraged us through a wonderful minimal-intervention birth. I interviewed Jenny and was immediately sure that we were a good fit. It was so easy to connect with her and I felt confident that she would provide both the emotional and physical support I needed both during labor and pre/post-natal.

My labor started slowly and, as a second-time mom, I was reluctant to call Jenny to my house too early. Jenny’s doula intuition told her that I would be needing her sooner than I thought, so she drove over to just be in the area just in case I needed her. This really illustrated to me how committed she was to her role and also how completely she cares for her clients.

Jenny helped me stay home to labor as long as possible before heading to the hospital. She assisted me in finding positions that encouraged my labor to progress including using a “peanut ball” to get baby to move center into an optimal birth position. Her help timing contractions and gauging contraction intensity allowed me to focus on coping and enjoying the time laboring at home instead of worrying about when we should be leaving for the hospital.

Beyond the practical and physical support, Jenny was invaluable to me in providing emotional support. In fact, I was so relieved when she showed up wearing her “Let’s Doula This” t-shirt, I was brought to tears of happiness to have her positive encouraging presence. More than once during intense contractions, my eyes would lock with hers and she wordlessly communicated reassurance and comfort. With her support I was able to deliver without pain medication in spite of being unable to leave the hospital bed due to the need to monitor my high heart rate.

My husband and I really appreciated that she was constantly paying attention to what the medical staff were doing and saying so that she could communicate to us any pertinent information they might not convey so that we could voice any concerns.

I loved how Jenny went above and beyond the scope of her duties to help make our birth special. Early in labor I mentioned in passing an angle of a photograph that I had seen and was hoping to get when baby arrived. Sure enough, Jenny remembered to snap a picture of baby and mommy meeting at the exact angle I had mentioned. It’s my favorite picture of my baby’s birthday.

Overall, I cannot recommend Jenny to expectant parents enough! Call her!

Do Doulas Need to be Certified?

Do doulas need to be certified? The short answer is, no. Truthfully, anyone can say they are a doula. At this time, there is not a governing body that oversees certification requirements and ensures doulas follow a universal standard (but there is legislation in place working to change this!). This can contribute to why some hospitals are hesitant to have doulas in the room. Some “so-called” doulas may challenge the staff, speak on behalf of the patient, encourage patients to do things that go against medical advice, etc. I’m shaking my head because this is NOT what professional/certified doulas do at all. To learn more about what our role is, click here!

What are the benefits of hiring a certified doula? This depends, but to put it simply, the doula is required to maintain the Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, etc., and complete an intense education and practical learning process of her (or his) governing organization, before being granted certification. In other words, you can be assured that your certified doula has been trained in a serious way! There are many training organizations for birth professionals. When pursuing training, a doula often selects an organization that most similarly aligns with her philosophy of offering services and maintaining her private practice. As a perspective client looking to hire a doula, you may ask the doula which organization she trained with and look into her program if you are curious.

On the flip side…There are many fabulous doulas who are not certified! *gasp* That’s right, some AMAZING doulas are not certified. Your doula may have been a doula for years and has more tangible experience than that of a professionally certified doula. Or, it’s possible the doula completed the professional training and did not go on to become officially certified. Or maybe your doula is in the process of becoming certified…it can take awhile.

In my case, I chose to pursue certification. I love that I am part of an organization of birth professionals that uphold very high standards and offer quality services for clients. To learn more about my certifying organization, visit: www.cappa.net. Furthermore, your momma instinct is going to tell you if you’ve found YOUR doula, certified or not!

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Today, I received word that I am now an officially CAPPA Certified Labor Doula!!! I’ll add the fancy letters, CLD, behind my name. Throughout my journey as a doula, I have been so blessed to work with beautiful families as they bring their little ones into the world. I am grateful for each experience as it has contributed to the long road that has lead to me pursuing and completing this professional certification. THANK YOU to all of you who’ve contributed along the way!!! BIG hugs!!! – Doula Jenny