Doula courses and business start-up

More than a decade ago I realized that I was being called to become a certified birth and post partum doula. Every time I listened to a birth story I felt that there was a common theme. Almost all of the women were in some way disappointed with their labor and delivery. Since I was one of the few girls my age with a child, I was a source of information and assistance to my peers who had babies after me. I was even asked to be an unofficial doula for some of them. In 2009, I took an online birth doula certification course but that was also the same year my health started to severely decline. I was able to attend the births of a few close friends and family member but I was never able to really start my business. For the past 5 years my health has been slowly improving and I am now able to really become everything I have dreamed of. Hunter will be in Jr. High next fall (omg!!!) and he has become more independent so I have more time to devote to my own needs. I have found the perfect online program to become not only a birth doula but a post partum doula AND a breastfeeding counselor! The cost of all three courses will be just over $1,000 and after I receive my certifications I would like to take the leap and start my business. Due to my limited income and restrictions on what I can do to make money, I am calling on all the wonderful people in my life to help me reach a goal I have had for many, many years. I know that I can make a big difference in the lives of women and families here in Skokie and the surrounding areas. I will use my certifications to eventually become a full spectrum doula which will allow me to assist people in all aspects of parenthood. Whether that be during pregnancy, labor/delivery, breastfeeding, during the post partum period, miscarriage, still birth, abortion, adoption, surrogacy and more. Most importantly, I will use the knowledge I gain from these courses to start a business that will help improve the birth outcomes for women of color like myself. The maternal mortality rate of women of color, especially black women, is heartbreaking and I know I can do something to help decrease that number. Any amount donation is much appreciated and I plan to dedicate my work to those who have helped me make my dream come true. Thank you!