Pathways to Birth Program
PATHWAYS TO BIRTH is a collaborative program between PALS Doulas, Open Arms Perinatal Services and the University of Washington Medical Center.
The Pathways to Birth Program offers three pathways for trained doulas to attend births in a supported learning environment. Apprenticeship is an excellent way to continue your education gaining hands-on experiences while working towards certification.
It is required that you be a PALS Member in order to participate in any of the 3 Pathways. For information on becoming a PALS Member please contact our Membership Services Coordinator at info@pals-doulas.org or by calling 206.329.7257.
Following is a description of our Pathways to Birth Program.
Precepted Pathway Apprenticeship coordinated by PALS Doulas:
- Must be a PALS Doulas member - $40
- Must pay Program fee: $100/per birth (certification packet sold separately for $25)
- Must attend a Apprentice Orientation with the Precepted Pathway Coordinator
- Will be matched with one Preceptor
- Must attend all prenatal and postpartum meetings as well as the labor and birth
- Birth(s) may be used toward PALS Certification if you actively serve as a doula at the birth
The Precepted Pathway: In this traditional apprenticeship model one trained Apprentice Doula is matched with one experienced Preceptor Doula. Apprentices will have opportunities to see how an experienced doula uses prenatal visits to learn how to better support her clients and the importance of good postpartum follow-up while working side by side at the birth with her Preceptor. Because this is experiential learning the Apprentice is an active and valuable participant in the labor and birth as well as in prenatal and postpartum support. Together with the Preceptor, Apprentices will explore advance practice issues, the PALS Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics, and the doula lifestyle. This Pathway offers one birth experience that can be used toward certification. For more information contact Debra Shelden (425) 681-0736, debra@eastsidedoulacare.com.
The Mentored Pathway: In this service learning model which is co-administered with Open Arms Perinatal Services, trained doulas (Apprentices) may choose to partner with another Apprentice or fly solo. Apprentices in this Pathway serve Open Arms Perinatal Services clients, women and families who may not otherwise have had access to doula care. Apprentices are matched with a Mentor Doula who provides them with phone and email support but does not attend any client contact or the birth with her Apprentice. This Pathway also provides support through the Open Arms Referral Coordinator, the PALS Mentored Pathway Team Lead and the PALS Apprenticeship Yahoo Group. Each Apprentice may attend up to 3 births, all of which may be used to complete certification through PALS. Doulas choosing this Pathway will be required to buy a PALS Certification Packet and be actively working towards becoming certified.
Current Cost for this Pathway is $60 which includes a Certification Packet and the Mentored Pathway Program Fee. Attendance at the full day Apprenticeship Orientation is required.
The UWMC Doula Care Pathway: This Pathway provides doulas with the unique opportunity to serve birthing women and families on an on-call shift basis. UWMC Doula Care Apprentices must complete a separate program specific Orientation to the UW Medical Center Volunteer Services. Each doula has personal contact with the Program Coordinator, who helps the doula determine if she should attend births solo or with a Preceptor of the UWMC Doula Care Program. This program is great for doulas with jobs, limited hours of availability, an interest in the hospital setting, or those exploring doula work. These births may be used toward certification but they do not meet all requirements as set forth in the PALS Certification Packet. For more information about this program please contact uwdoulas@gmail.com
It is required that you be a PALS Member in order to particpate in any of the 3 Pathways. To join either the Mentored or the Precepted Pathway please send in the Application for the PALS Pathways to Births Mentored Pathway or Precepted Pathway along with your program fee to the PALS office, our address can be found on the form. Please note that the application forms may appear as either a double sided form or separately.
For information on becoming a PALS Member please contact our Membership Services Coordinator at info@pals-doulas.org or by calling 206.329.7257.
