How Do Doulas Make Money

Could you make money as a doula?

Top money expert Jasmine Birtles explains how being a mother means you have the skills to make money as a doula, how much you can make and what it all entails

Some mothers need more help than others

Some mothers need more help than others (

Image: Caters)

Who would have thought that just giving birth could qualify you to earn at least £10 an hour later on!

That's what you could make, and more, if you become a 'doula' - a mother supporter who gets paid to help new mothers.

So what's a 'doula' then?

Doulas are birth-partners and post-birth partners – like surrogate mothers to new mothers – and any woman who has had a baby could become one.

It's a relatively new role that started in America and has been in this country for about 20 years.

Doulas work with pregnant women before, during and after the birth.

Some of them specialise in being birth doulas. Others specialise in post-natal work, just going in to help the new mum once she is back home.

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What do you need to apply?

The main qualification is that you have had a child yourself and looked after it for at least a year so that you know what it's like to go through the experience.

However, in order to get regular work it's important to do a proper doula course. In fact, the main doula training agency in the UK, British Doulas is running a three-day course in London from 28th-30th November 2014 and another one in February 2015.

The course is taught by midwives and costs £300 + VAT. It's certified and you can also go on to get a City & Guilds qualification afterwards.

You don't need academic qualifications to go on the course but you do need to be a mother yourself and care about new mums and how to help them.

Once you've done the course you can get full-time or part-time work in your area.

What does the work involve?

A helping hand from someone who knows is always appreciated (

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Rex)

You can work part-time or full-time as a post-birth doula. The work involves helping around the house, making sure the fridge is full, making food for the mother and helping her care for the baby.

It could include help with breastfeeding, counselling her and caring for her if she has the baby blues and even supporting the father.

Post-natal doulas in Britain generally make between £10-15 an hour.

If you work as a birth doula you will be with a mother when she goes into labour and throughout the birth, This could be just a few hours or more than 24 hours!

Birth doulas meet the mother a couple of times before the birth, often give her advice on what clothes and equipment to buy and go through her birth plan with her.

How much do you need to buy, really? (

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In the hospital, or at home, she works as a loving and caring supporter - like a mum or sister would be - and gives her the encouragement and peace she needs for a safe and straightforward birth.

In fact, studies in the States have found that births where a doula is in attendance are much less likely to need forceps, caesarean section or other invasive procedures. Many people who want a natural birth opt for a doula to help that happen.

Birth doulas in Britain generally make between £250-500 for a birth, although it could be more in London.

An added bonus

Being a doula can also give you useful experience if you're interested in becoming a midwife later on. It's not a medical job but it helps you get used to many of the issues around birth and obstetrics generally.

Financial expert Jasmine Birtles is the founder of MoneyMagpie.com - the country's leading site for safe and legitimate money-making opportunities