There are many different ways in which you can satisfy the requirement for 20 hours of Volunteer Practical experience! Here are some ideas other doulas have used:

1. Volunteer attendance at a Prenatal Support Program.

2. Attendance at prenatal classes.

3. Attendance at a breastfeeding workshop or La Leche League Meeting. (Note: breastfeeding volunteer time can count for a maximum of 50% of your hours.)

4. Attendance at a local doula chapter meeting(maximum of 50% of your hours).

5. Volunteer hours with a midwife in her clinic.

6. Shadow another doula at pre and postnatal meetings. You cannot count pre and post natal meetings of clients who will be used during your second(birth attendance) practicum. Up to 50% of hours. There are limited mentors available from the previous program. Please contact me.

7. Look for maternal health workshops in your area on topics of interest. For example, nutrition, massage, new baby care.

8. Suggest creative ways you can interact within your community and I will consider your ideas. It must include pregnancy and community exposure/connections. Some doulas have done the following:

-taught prenatal belly dancing, arranged a doula education night with other students to educate the community, held a community awareness booth at a local mall.

It is suggested that you secure your practical experiences now. You do have up to 6 months to complete this part of the practicum. If you would like to obtain practical experience from somewhere other than what is listed above, please contact me to discuss. Again these are just ideas and not a guarantee you will get practicums in these locations.