Article: Networking for Birth Professionals
by Tamara Kaufman

How often have you found yourself saying, "If only I had the resources, the time, or the money to make more people aware of normal birth"? Have you ever found yourself ready to cry or throw in the towel after witnessing another train wreck you saw coming but were helpless to prevent? You are not alone!.

Doulas in general tend to work as solitary persons; independent contractors. At the same time, doulas are at their best when working as part of a team, typically with a husband and wife. So it is not surprising that doulas often come together for support and to reach common goals. Many of us are part of a birth community. These communities can grow into informal or formalized groups that include doulas and other birth professionals. Ohio is lucky enough to have examples of both types.

Northeast Ohio, Cincinnati, and Columbus all have some form of informal group, meeting either sporadically or regularly. These groups focus on both the draining and the energizing aspects of being a doula. They are open only to birth professionals and provide a safe place for conversation and moral support. Topics covered range from professional knowledge like rebozos and fetal positioning to a "whine and wine" night of empathy and support.

Akron, Toledo, Cleveland, and Columbus have more formalized groups. These organizations have varying requirements and fees for membership. The focus here is on educating the public about normal birth and promoting doulas; therefore, meetings are open to all. While social aspects of doula work might be addressed after or between regular meetings they are not the main focus. Some of these organizations meet just to provide information to the public, others meet to plan events geared toward the public. A topic for these organizations could be as easy as a "Birth Professionals" open house for general questions. Other organizations might favor a more lecture-oriented format on topics such as birth plans, breastfeeding, or water birth.

Both the formal and informal groups are havens for new doulas looking to learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before. New doulas are also appreciated for the fresh perspectives they offer to the group and doula work . Experienced doulas are welcome for their wisdom, since being a doula is as much about experience as it is about book smarts. Both groups are likely to lend their time and offer local support to bigger organizations like CIMS or ICAN.

I would encourage you to plug in to a network in your area. If you don’t have one close to you, think about starting one. Existing organizations are always willing to give whatever advice you might need.

By lending a listening ear, your time, and your talents you will likely find that in the middle of everything else going on, you have made some lifelong friends!

For a working list of doula networks in Ohio visit: http://homestead.birthworker.com and click on Professional Resources.