Apprenticeship Doula Program

​Apprenticeship provides experiential learning - a particular way of enabling students to 'learn by doing'. The master practitioner is defined as ‘a person who has acquired a thorough knowledge of and/or is especially skilled in a particular area of practice‘.  Debra brings 27 years of experience to this role. Over the span of her doula career she has been a pioneer within the birth community initiating numerous projects, creating doula training programs and forming doula agencies. ​
APPRENCTICESHIP PROGRAM INCLUDES:
  1. 2 observation births with Debra & debriefing sessions- the apprentice observes an experienced doula in action; takes notes, processes & discusses the births later
  2. 2 training births with Debra & debriefing sessions- Debra provides guidance while the student is involved with support, followed by debriefing sessions
  3. 1 coached birth & debriefing session- the apprentice has a more leading role, while still learning from Debra
  4. 1 evaluation birth & debriefing session- the student is the primary doula with Debra attending as the evaluator 
Dakini Doula is offering the opportunity to receive experiential learning that many doulas want/need. This apprenticeship is a valuable component to a new doula's continuing education. It's designed to build experience with the hands on support from a seasoned doula - highly beneficial to a new doula's growth. Its aim is to support the transition from apprenticeship to flourishing doula practice. 
Dakini Doula apprentices work closely with Debra. They tap into her breadth of experience, not only with pregnancy & birth but her wisdom in postpartum mother & newborn care and breastfeeding support. Apprentices have access to her extensive library of resource materials. They have opportunities to learn from other apprentices completing this program. 

​The commitment time frame for the Apprenticeship Doula Program is approximately 3 months. There is structure to the program, but also some flexibility based on the individual apprentice and the timing of clients. ​​
Apprenticeship Fee: $1550.
Requirements: 
Students must have completed a doula training prior to starting their apprenticeship. Prior attendance at births isn't mandatory but is beneficial.

Ideal candidates would:
  • Be curious.
  • Be enthusiastic about supporting a variety of births, both planned home and hospital.
  • Be passionate about learning and excited to contribute their own skills & ideas to the program.
  • Have the ability for clear, direct communication.
  • Be committed.
Basic Apprentice Duties:
  • Attend group class, prenatal meetings, postpartum visits 
  • On call availability 24/7 during your shift (begins at 38 weeks)
  • Be with a client within an hour if necessary
  • Be able to stay for the duration of, and after the births (2hr.)
  • Meet with Debra for 6 debriefing sessions
Note: Transportation & childcare should be taken care of in advance
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING THE APPRENTICESHIP DOULA PROGRAM?
The Interview Process -
If you think you would like to be a part of this program please submit the following to Debra Woods at: debra.doula@gmail.com
1) A short letter telling Debra about yourself and why you’d like to apprentice with her.
2) A short essay on what you think you can gain from the mentoring relationship, incl. what you’re looking forward to the most about this opportunity.
3) ​A CV including your education, life experience and related fields of learning/work.
4) An interview date will be set, followed by an acceptance email if you are selected.
Dakini Doula's apprenticeship program is accepting applicants for March 2017.  Deadline to apply is February 1.