Doula Teen program

I'm going to start a doula teen program, like the community midwifery program,, but for teens.. Any ideas?????????

unsure whether to charge? How much to charge? and to do it all payable out of the baby bonus maybe just a deposit ??

does anyone know about government funding for things like this?

is there any Perth doulas interested? I can see the need for a back up but unsure how many doulas would do back up jobs if pay was low paying or for nothing?

Any ideas?

there is a community doula program in chiagco i think on you tube, i have got in touch with them and see how it's going and what work and what doesn't

oh and any name ideas for it,

Jasmine

[cookiemonster]

What a great idea...
I was thinking of doing something similar only I decided not to even do my doula training as I can't imagine having someone on call to look after DS when i am needed for a birth.

WRT payment, i suggest organising a payment plan, as now that maternity payment is being paid in installments as well, something similar would need to be organised for them to arrnage paying you. Either before or after the birth, either way.

I think the biggest part will be educating teens and young mums on the kind sof services that are available and about having empowered births. All the best, let us know how things go!

[Lulu2]

This has just started somewhere - I saw an ad in the paper a few weeks back looking for someone to co-ordinate it. I sent it on to Kelly, but I can't find the copy!!!!

Bugger!

ETA - it was in Melbourne if that helps?

[*MadsMum*]

I cant offer any info, but just popped on to say what a fantastic idea! Wishing you all the best with it.

[norquesta]

I'm in Melbourne but would love to support your idea.

I have established pregnancy and parenting support programs, including birth support groups and peer education projects for young and/or single women.

I would suggest that the service is volunteer based, young and or single mums need every cent they can get and if the project is pitched right you should be able to get funding to cover such things as project development, coordination, education and at the very least out of pocket volunteer expenses.

You should be able to find a Perth or WA community organisation to support you but if you interested in the bigger picture, say a National project, I know just the organisation that could help you get it happening.

How exciting!

what community programs would be interested? i know even really know what it means that they would be involved? I was thinking about letting even service i can think of know of what im trying to do, and maybe try hold a talk or information session at their staff meetings, so people actually know what it is i and the other doulas (who don't know yet they are going to be in this lol) are doing.

I will drive it nation wide, but would like a good systems set up here first where i can easily manage it, and then weed the problems out etc, Then it will be a case of finding driven doulas across the country to start it up in their area... cant see finding the driven doulas hard

I have to name it to, so if anyone has any ideas??? my doula business is ''birthing strong women'', but i want a different name for the teen doula program ... or maybe it can be just that, teen doula program . I like 'growing mums' to. I need a different name so i can set it up to be resigersted for tax deducabtalbe donations.

[Lulu2]

ok, so you are brainstorming your brain off right now - can I make a few suggestions?

Get yourself a notebook, the ones that have dividers in them are good. Write all your ideas down in the one place as soon as you get them. Keep it by your bed in case you get one of those middle of the night epiphanies.

Before you start to think about who you are going to tell about it, refine the 'business' itself FIRST. A vision/mission statement is a good start ie - to provide teen mothers with a safe xxx to xxxx when xxx etc etc.

Things will often flow from there, but you have lots to think about. You really don't want to weed out problems later if you want to be seen as professional, and it will save you stress down the track. Don't think globally right now - its too much.

Find out about current Teen Pregnancy support programs in your area. Are you going to be non-profit, donation based - what kind of $$$ do you want to make it viable?
If you want to apply for any grants etc, you must be VERY clear on the service you want provide.
What cases are beyond your expertise (drug issues/homelessness etc)? Are you willing to provide information/classes about birthing too?

Just some things to think about...!! Let us know how you go.

[doulaKerri]

Hi Jasmine,

I am a trainee doula sor in Perth. I looked into something similar earlier but due to uni studies never really followed thru. I can give you the details of the YPAVE (Young, Pregnant and Very Excited) program. I'd definately be interested in helping out if you want to run with this.

[link removed please read guidelines]

Kerri

Kerri, that's fab thanks

Im SOR to, and same thing is happening, due to studying remedial massage i just dont have time to do anything,

are you going to the Perth doula morning next week at cmwa? Hopefully see you there, im planing on bringing it up and seeing who interested and what ideas can be bounced around.

you can email me on vwri1011@iinet.net.au ... i would be happy to chat or have coffee
(and i need as many bodies to massage prac as poss lol)
jasmine

[Chippy]

Just wanted to pop my head in and say I think this is an awesome idea. And I second the idea of trying to link in with existing teen pregnancy / young mum programs. I'm in Vic so don't know the specifics in Perth but these are often run out of larger community welfare agencies or womens health type orgs. With the right support, I definitely think you could get some funding. Good luck.

[Katiethompson]

HI
My friend and I are looking to start up a program for teen and young mums in the Rockingham Kwinana area, we are hoping to working with pregnant teens helping them with the needed skills for having babies and also those that have had their child. I am wondering if anyone has any helpful advice or is even intrested in our concept and would want to help out.
you can email me at thompson.katie@rocketmail if you can help in any way with advice or skills

[bjrose]

Thats such a good idea!
As a teen mum (was pg with DD1 at 17) I really wish I had something like this. I had no idea Doula's even existed til last year!
There is so much out there that can't be prepared for by reading.
I'm considering something like this when my kids are all older.

[Clare Bear]

I am in Melb and you can count me in for any help needed. Many years ago I fostered teenage girls while my children were very little and during the time I had a couple of teen mums. It was an incredibly challenging and rewarding area to be working in and there is definately a need for support for these young women. Try contacting local foster care agencies or teen support programs thru your local council to get an idea of what is currently available and how these services can be expanded.

Good luck and if you need any help I will be happy to assist.

Cheers
Clare

[Katiethompson]

Thanks for the encouragment!! Will take any advice I can get, I am realising how big a bit i have chewed off!

[cindyb]

Fantastic idea! I am sure it will take off, i hope you are ready for a ride!