What you will learn:

In this comprehensive training you will learn about supporting individuals and families throughout the reproductive journey with a focus on equity, empowerment, and advocacy. Participants learn about the historical and systemic factors impacting maternal and infant health outcomes, including disparities based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The course covers topics such as trauma-informed care, cultural competency, informed decision-making, and supporting individuals through various birth scenarios, including hospital births, home births, and birth center births. Participants gain practical skills in providing emotional, physical, and informational support during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Additionally, they learn about community resources, collaborative care models, and strategies for promoting health equity and social justice within the birthing community. Overall, the course prepares doulas to provide compassionate, respectful, and culturally competent care while advocating for the rights and well-being of birthing individuals and families.

Core Competences

  • Pregnancy

    • Changes in the body during pregnancy

    • Physical and emotional needs

    • Relaxation and comfort measures

    • Nutrition

    • Informed consent and options

  • Childbirth

    • Labor support

    • Comfort techniques

    • Emotional and psychological aspects

    • Birth choices and advocacy

    • Partner/family-centered care

  • Postpartum

    • Breastfeeding/chestfeeding

    • Newborn care

    • Self-care and nutrition

    • Emotional and psychological transition

    • Infant sleep

  • Lactation/Infant Feeding

    • Anatomy and physiology

    • Helping to Establish and maintain lactation

    • Milk supply issues

    • Benefits of breastfeeding

    • Bottle feeding

  • Business

    • Legal aspects of doula work

    • Developing a business plan

    • Insurance and taxes

    • Self-promotion and social media

    • Reimbursement and payment