Becoming a doula in Missouri involves several key steps:
1. Choose Your Doula Path
Doulas offer various types of support, so it's essential to decide which area aligns with your interests:
- Birth Doula: Provides support during labor and delivery.
- Postpartum Doula: Assists families in the weeks following childbirth.
- Antepartum Doula: Supports individuals with high-risk pregnancies before birth.
- Bereavement Doula: Offers care during pregnancy loss or infant death.
Understanding these roles will help you select appropriate training and certification programs.
2. Choose a Certification Program
While certification is not legally required in Missouri, it is highly recommended as it demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to standardized care. Several organizations offer doula training and certification:
- DNT Network: DNT Network offers a modern and accessible approach to doula training and certification, designed to meet the evolving needs of birth professionals. The $99 program includes an in-depth curriculum covering essential topics such as birth support techniques, postpartum care, and client advocacy. Certification through DNT Network requires successful completion of a structured training course, a final exam, a practical assessment, a doula interview, a parent interview, and submission of recommendation letters.
- DONA International: As one of the largest and most respected doula organizations, DONA offers comprehensive training programs. Their certification process includes attending a DONA-approved workshop, completing required reading, and gaining practical experience.
3. Complete Training Requirements
DNT Network provides an affordable and flexible certification path compared to DONA International. While DONA’s certification process often includes separate fees for workshops, reading materials, certification processing, and membership, DNT Network offers a cost-effective all-in-one pricing model ($99), making professional doula training more accessible without compromising quality.
4. Obtain Missouri Doula Credentialing
To provide services to Medicaid clients in Missouri, doulas must obtain the Missouri Doula Credentialâ„¢. This process involves submitting your credentials and training documentation to the Missouri Community Doula Council.
By following these steps and considering the associated requirements, you can establish a fulfilling career as a doula in Missouri, providing essential support to families during significant life transitions.
