Pathways to Births
Pathways to Births is a collaborative program between PALS Doulas, Open Arms Perinatal Services, and the University of Washington Medical Center.
The Pathways to Births program offers three distinct 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 three Pathways to Births. For information on becoming a PALS Member visit our Membership Page, or contact our Membership Services Coordinator at info@palsdoulas.org or by calling 206.329.7257.
The Apprenticeship 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 advanced practice issues, the PALS Doulas 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 info@palsdoulas.org.
Requirements for participation:
- Must be a PALS Doulas member
- Must pay Program fee: $100/per birth (certification packet sold separately for $25)
- Must attend an 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 Mentored Pathway
In this pathway, which is co-administered with Open Arms Perinatal Services, trained doulas (‘Mentees’) may choose to partner with another trained doula or go solo.
Trained doulas (Mentees) in this Pathway serve Open Arms Perinatal Services clients, women and families who may not otherwise have access to doula care. Mentees 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 Mentee. This Pathway also receives support from the Open Arms Referral Coordinator, the PALS Doulas Mentored Pathway Team Lead, and the PALS Apprenticeship Yahoo Group.
Each Mentee may attend up to 3 births, all of which may be used to complete certification through PALS Doulas. Doulas choosing this Pathway will be required to buy a PALS Doulas Certification Packet and be actively working towards becoming certified. For more information contact info@palsdoulas.org.
Requirements for participation:
- Must be a PALS Doulas member
- Must pay the Mentored Pathway Program Fee – $60 (includes certification packet fee)
- Must attend the Apprentice Orientation (included in Program Fee)
- Must be actively working towards PALS Doulas certification
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. It is perfect for Doulas with jobs, limited hours of availability, an interest in the hospital setting, or those exploring Doula work.
UWMC Volunteer Doulas must complete a specific orientation to the UW Medical Center Volunteer Services. Each Doula has personal contact with the Program Coordinator, who assists the Doula in orienting to the program and is available for questions.
Births attended as part of the UWMC Volunteer Doula Care Pathway may be used toward certification with specific additional requirements, as set forth in the PALS Certification Packet. For more information about this program please contact info@palsdoulas.org.
It is required that you be a PALS Member in order to participate 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@palsdoulas.org or by calling 206.329.7257 or visit our Membership Page.