GALS Birthworker Training and Orientation Information
The next orientation and training will be via a Zoom call. To register and get the link for the zoom, please fill out the birthworker application below!
A few things to note- GALS birthworkers are now contracted and paid for each birth attended- but rates are much lower than market value and range based on programs- from $250-$800 per birth. We are in need of those who can dedicate time to the On Call Program more urgently than our prenatal program. We are especially seeking birthworkers who can speak a language other than English and would be able to support a family through birth in that language including Spanish, French and Portuguese.
Orientation Date: April 9
Time: 10am to 3pm
Before you commit, we ask that you consider your availability. We, unfortunately, don't get 50 calls per month to provide labor support, so it may take some time to actually get to a birth. This is a long-term but irregular commitment - unlike any other work you've probably ever done! You need to be prepared and available to spend 12-24 hours away from your normal routine on days that you place yourself on-call. Birth is unpredictable! With COVID, we are especially asking you to figure out how your life fits into birthwork. We still have families in need but understand if you work or live in an area where you cannot properly quarantine or have loved ones who are high risk.
During this training, we will provide you with the GALS history, our framework, an overview of programs, and prepare you to attend on call births. We will briefly touch on other programs but additional training will be provided for the Jail, Prenatal, and Postpartum programs. After completing this orientation and training, there are other requirements to work with GALS- such as training to familiarize yourself with our data system, and ongoing learning and anti-racism practices.
AFTER REGISTERING:
Read The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin. It is required to read before you attend your first GALS birth! You can also go ahead and download the Samepage.io app if you have a smartphone. It's our group messaging system and we'll add you to our group after you've been oriented.
If you would like to work with families prenatally through GALS, please send us proof that you’ve attended a doula training (certificate, receipt, etc.) OR proof that you’ve worked with families extensively in the prenatal/birth periods as soon as possible!
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Some of you may be interested in going to an additional doula training. Here is a list of just a handful of doula certifying organizations available. But, there are almost 70 different organizations out there! So, it's important to pick one that fits your schedule and values.
Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings
We hope to see you soon!