Apprenticeships at AthensBorn
Have you felt drawn to birthwork? Thinking about becoming a doula?
We know the feeling! There is a need for skilled, professional doulas in our community and the AthensBorn apprenticeship program is designed to address that need. Our program is for folks who have completed their training, but would like the benefits of mentorship and community as they begin attending births.
Why complete an apprenticeship?
Apprenticing is not required to become a doula, but the benefits are considerable and we highly recommend it to all new doulas. Some of the benefits AthensBorn Apprentices enjoy include...
Do I have to pay for my Apprenticeship?
The financial realities of being a birth worker are among the most challenging when getting started. We do not ask Apprentices to pay for their mentorship up front. Instead, Apprentices work at a reduced rate for a short time as a way to pay for their Apprenticeship.
We know the feeling! There is a need for skilled, professional doulas in our community and the AthensBorn apprenticeship program is designed to address that need. Our program is for folks who have completed their training, but would like the benefits of mentorship and community as they begin attending births.
Why complete an apprenticeship?
Apprenticing is not required to become a doula, but the benefits are considerable and we highly recommend it to all new doulas. Some of the benefits AthensBorn Apprentices enjoy include...
- Help securing clients as a brand new doula- we know this part is such a challenge!
- Mentorship meetings with experienced doulas
- Text/phone support while you are at births
- Emergency back-up services for your clients
- AthensBorn processes all registration forms, agreements, and payments for you
- Potential opportunities to shadow births (at clients' discretion)
- Processing your birth experiences with mentor doulas
Do I have to pay for my Apprenticeship?
The financial realities of being a birth worker are among the most challenging when getting started. We do not ask Apprentices to pay for their mentorship up front. Instead, Apprentices work at a reduced rate for a short time as a way to pay for their Apprenticeship.
Where do I fit in?
I have already completed a doula training program.
Great! Doulas who have completed the training portion of their certification are encouraged to apply for our apprenticeship program. You’ll find the online application here.
I haven’t completed a training program yet.
An apprenticeship comes toward the end our your training journey. Our first suggestion is that you familiarize yourself with some of the certifying organizations (DONA, CAPPA, Birth Arts International, To Labor, ProDoula, etc) for doulas. This will provide you with a foundational understanding of the work that doulas do and what’s involved in the certification process. Next step, pick a training and sign up! Once your doula training sessions are complete, we welcome you to apply for our apprenticeship program where you can work toward your certifying births.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
If accepted, our apprenticeship is typically a 4-6 month commitment working with clients here in the Athens area. We are able to offer some flexibility based on each doula's needs and availability.
Am I a good fit for AthensBorn?
This is a great question! It is really important to choose a practice that aligns with your values and philosophies as a birth professional. At our practice, our goal is to help expecting parents feel empowered through informed decision-making and non-judgemental support. AthensBorn Birth Services enthusiastically and joyfully welcomes all families. All apprentices are expected to adhere to our inclusion policies. You can read more about our philosophies and practice here.
Great! Doulas who have completed the training portion of their certification are encouraged to apply for our apprenticeship program. You’ll find the online application here.
I haven’t completed a training program yet.
An apprenticeship comes toward the end our your training journey. Our first suggestion is that you familiarize yourself with some of the certifying organizations (DONA, CAPPA, Birth Arts International, To Labor, ProDoula, etc) for doulas. This will provide you with a foundational understanding of the work that doulas do and what’s involved in the certification process. Next step, pick a training and sign up! Once your doula training sessions are complete, we welcome you to apply for our apprenticeship program where you can work toward your certifying births.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
If accepted, our apprenticeship is typically a 4-6 month commitment working with clients here in the Athens area. We are able to offer some flexibility based on each doula's needs and availability.
Am I a good fit for AthensBorn?
This is a great question! It is really important to choose a practice that aligns with your values and philosophies as a birth professional. At our practice, our goal is to help expecting parents feel empowered through informed decision-making and non-judgemental support. AthensBorn Birth Services enthusiastically and joyfully welcomes all families. All apprentices are expected to adhere to our inclusion policies. You can read more about our philosophies and practice here.
What do your previous Apprentices have to say about AthensBorn?
"My apprenticeship with AthensBorn was everything I'd hoped it would be! Kate and Becca thoughtfully guided me through the experience of taking on my first clients, supporting them through their pregnancies and beyond, and obtaining my certification as a doula. I would not be the doula and labor & delivery nurse I am today if it weren't for this incredible program run by these amazing women!"
~ Mirna
"After finishing my birth doula training, I felt inspired but still pretty unprepared to begin working with clients. Finding Kate and Becca's apprenticeship was a game changer! They offered practical education on how to run my business and work with clients, I was able to shadow a birth with Kate, and got my first solo clients as an apprentice doula. Being able to process those births with them and receive support every step of the way made me so much more confident in my doula work. Although I've moved locations (twice) since then, I'm still a birth doula and now a postpartum doula as well. I love my work! I would recommend that anyone who is curious about being a doula or wanting to kick off their business with more integrity and support to do an apprenticeship with them. I'm so grateful to have received their guidance!"
~Meghan
"I knew I wanted to work as a doula and get certified first, but I had absolutely no idea how I would find clients. I found AthensBorn at the perfect time! Kate and Becca helped me get all 3 births for certification so quickly and easily. They also guided me through the interview process and gave me many helpful tips along the way. Most importantly, for me at least, was that Kate and Becca were my biggest cheerleaders when I attended my births. They were so reassuring and reminded me that I was doing a great job. I would recommend them to anyone trying to become a doula!!"
~Emily
"Apprenticing as a labor doula with AthensBorn was an informative, collaborative, and supportive experience. I learned so much by observing Becca and Kate and shadowing them at births. It was grounding to be able to discuss ways to start a doula business, how to best work with clients, and everything in between. Their knowledge and experience made me more comfortable as I worked with my own clients. I finished my apprenticeship with more confidence to work as a doula and a greater network of support! I highly recommend apprenticing with AthensBorn to set a solid and vast foundation for your work in the birth field!"
-Tiffany
~ Mirna
"After finishing my birth doula training, I felt inspired but still pretty unprepared to begin working with clients. Finding Kate and Becca's apprenticeship was a game changer! They offered practical education on how to run my business and work with clients, I was able to shadow a birth with Kate, and got my first solo clients as an apprentice doula. Being able to process those births with them and receive support every step of the way made me so much more confident in my doula work. Although I've moved locations (twice) since then, I'm still a birth doula and now a postpartum doula as well. I love my work! I would recommend that anyone who is curious about being a doula or wanting to kick off their business with more integrity and support to do an apprenticeship with them. I'm so grateful to have received their guidance!"
~Meghan
"I knew I wanted to work as a doula and get certified first, but I had absolutely no idea how I would find clients. I found AthensBorn at the perfect time! Kate and Becca helped me get all 3 births for certification so quickly and easily. They also guided me through the interview process and gave me many helpful tips along the way. Most importantly, for me at least, was that Kate and Becca were my biggest cheerleaders when I attended my births. They were so reassuring and reminded me that I was doing a great job. I would recommend them to anyone trying to become a doula!!"
~Emily
"Apprenticing as a labor doula with AthensBorn was an informative, collaborative, and supportive experience. I learned so much by observing Becca and Kate and shadowing them at births. It was grounding to be able to discuss ways to start a doula business, how to best work with clients, and everything in between. Their knowledge and experience made me more comfortable as I worked with my own clients. I finished my apprenticeship with more confidence to work as a doula and a greater network of support! I highly recommend apprenticing with AthensBorn to set a solid and vast foundation for your work in the birth field!"
-Tiffany
How do I get started?
Click and take a look at the Apprenticeship Job Description below. If you still have questions, reach out to us via email. If AthensBorn feels like the right fit for you, head right over and fill out the online Apprenticeship Application*. Then keep an eye on your inbox, we'll be reaching out soon!
*All AthensBorn subcontractors (including apprentices) must be fully vaccinated for Covid19 before applying for the program.
*All AthensBorn subcontractors (including apprentices) must be fully vaccinated for Covid19 before applying for the program.
