I often get asked …… How do you become a Doula?
So – this is how it all began……
The Doula Training Academy
It was So Much More Than I Expected
When I first started looking into doula training, I’ll be honest – I felt overwhelmed because I mean, who starts changing career when you are over 50!
I was apprehensive, saying over and over to myself “Am I actually ready for this?”
And if I’m being even more honest – the business side of it all felt completely daunting (I was like, wait, I have to learn tech too?! 😅).
What sold me was that the course was here in Perth only 30 mins from my home.
And now, having completed it, I can say this wholeheartedly – it didn’t just teach me how to be a doula… it supported me in becoming one.
It Wasn’t Just Information – It Was Real, Practical Learning
One of the biggest things that stood out to me was how professional yet nurturing it was.
This wasn’t just theory or surface-level content. Thank God because this old brain doesn’t retain much these days.
We were guided through real-life scenarios, real client support, and given tools that I could actually take straight into my work.
I felt kind of confident having birthed five times before, but reality slapped me in the face hard when I saw the modules and the depth of what there was to learn. I left each day feeling so gobsmacked and even more confident that I thought possible.
Not in a “you should feel confident now” kind of way…
But in a grounded, steady way where I could feel myself thinking: “Okay… yep I can do this.” I can make this as “big” as I wanted it to be or stay small, and it be more of a “hobby” than an actual career.
Of course I wasn’t going to stay small….. I love what I do waaaaaay too much!
The Support Didn’t End When the Training Did
This part is huge.
Because a lot of courses teach you something and then… you’re on your own.
That wasn’t the case here.
The ongoing support – being able to ask questions, share experiences, and stay connected – made such a difference.
It meant I wasn’t second-guessing myself in isolation.
I was part of something.
And that feeling of not doing this alone is invaluable in this work as let me tell honestly – it can feel isolating at times running a one man business.
The Community Is Everything
I didn’t expect how much the community would mean to me. We have regular meetups, a WhatsApp group, monthly zoom connect meetings and are surrounded by women who get it – who are walking a similar path, asking similar questions, holding similar values. Vicki facilitates all of this in her own time, for the emerging, new and experienced doulas. Even with guest speakers at times! and – that’s something really special.
I will be honest – doula work challenges you on every level but knowing we have each other to lean on, that we can continue to learn without judgement, and grow in confidence together is invaluable. I personally have learnt so much from doula’s who have been in this space for many years and the midwives who we work alongside.
And that doesn’t just disappear when the training ends.
It stays with you.
The Little (Big) Things That Made It Feel So Special
There was also so much care in the experience itself. We had so many different professionals come in as “guest speakers” to teach us things such as marketing (which I personally suck at), breastfeeding, scope of practice, physiology – you name it!
Vicki didn’t just hand over information – she nurtured us through the process.
From receiving things like a rebozo, books, beautiful gift packs, even henna tattoos… it felt intentional, thoughtful, and aligned with the work we were stepping into.
It wasn’t just “here’s your course” – it was “welcome into this space.” The morning and afternoon teas, snacks and that bloody timer to keep us on track will be embedded in my memory forever.
And that matters.
Evidence-Based, But Still Heart-Led
Another thing I really valued was the balance.
The training is grounded in evidence-based information, which is so important when supporting families.
But it never lost the heart of what this work is about.
It held both – knowledge and intuition.
Structure and softness.
And that’s exactly the kind of doula I strive to be.
The Business Side (That I Was Avoiding 😅)
I can’t not mention this.
Because for me, this was one of the biggest blocks.
“How do I actually turn this into something real?”
“How do I set up a business?”
“Where do I even start?”
And we were guided through all of it.
In a way that felt manageable, not overwhelming.
It took something that felt really intimidating and broke it down into steps that actually made sense.
And that alone was worth so much.
What It Gave Me That I Didn’t Expect
More than anything, it gave me a sense of readiness.
Not perfection – but readiness and excitement.
It gave me the tools, the support, the community, and the confidence to step into this work in a way that feels aligned and grounded.
And it reminded me that I don’t have to have everything figured out to begin.
If You’re Considering Doula Training…
I want you to know this:
You’re not just choosing a course.
You’re choosing how supported you will feel as you step into this work.
You’re choosing whether you’ll feel alone… or held.
Whether you’ll finish feeling unsure… or feeling like you actually have a place to land and grow.
For me, this training offered all of that and more.
Why I Share This?
Not because I have a link to share.
But because I genuinely believe in what this training offers.
Because I know what it feels like to stand at the beginning, unsure but curious.
And because if something in you is pulling you towards this work… that matters.
Your voice matters.
Your presence matters.
And the right support can make all the difference in how you step into it
Today I join as many monthly doula training academy zoom meetings as birth work unpredictability and life allows me – to continue to learn, grow and give back.
I always say it but here I go again – thank you Vicki for lighting the path for me. I will be forever grateful to you.
So – PLEASE if you are considering this as a career, or a hobby – don’t hesitate to pick my old brains about it but click on this link to enquire:
https://doulatrainingacademy.systeme.io/7f8c0a3b?sa=sa0268222917e1785a164e366016bfa9db2c5038ab
