Birth Doula Certificate Course/Curriculum

Our comprehensive doula training program is designed to equip aspiring doulas with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support mothers and families throughout the childbirth journey. Led by experienced professionals in the field, this workshop is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of maternal health and doula services. We offer lifelong access to our online library and continued support on our community social media platform.

Required Reading:

1. Safe in a midwife's Hands: Birthing traditions from Africa to the American South by Linda Janet Holmes.

2. Birth Reborn: What Childbirth Should be by Michel Odent.

3. Birth and Breastfeeding by Michel Odent.

4 .The Secret Life of the Unborn Child by Thomas Verny and John Kelly.

5. Using Natural Remedies safely in Pregnancy and Childbirth by Denise Tiran

Introduction to Doula Services

Led by our lead Instructors Certified Nurse Midwives: UhuRa/Michal, this section provides an overview of the doula's role and responsibilities, the history and evolution of doula support, and the importance of doula services in modern maternity care. It also covers ethical considerations, professionalism, and the scope of doula practice, as well as addressing health disparities and strategies for closing the gaps in care.

Understanding Pregnancy

This section delves into topics such as de-medicalizing prenatal care and childbirth, the history of birthing practices, and the various types of health professionals involved in pregnancy care. It also includes information on childbirth education classes, nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, and common pregnancy concerns and discomforts. Discussion on primal health and its effects on adult life.

Labor and Birth

This section explores the labor and birth process, including the neurophysiology of labor and birth, the birth environment, and the role of a doula. Preparing for labor and birth. Maintaining birth environment, Birth plans, how to support during special circumstances such as C-sections, inducing labor, and pre-eclampsia. navigating hospital birth.

Postpartum Support

This section focuses on immediate after-birth care, the baby's first days, breastfeeding support and challenges, newborn care, and parent education. It also includes strategies for supporting the family's coping skills and adjustment to parenthood. Postpartum depression. Information on vaccines.

Communication Skills

This section covers building rapport with clients, effective communication techniques with families and healthcare providers, cultural competency and sensitivity in doula practice, and conflict resolution and advocacy for clients' wishes.

Business Skills for Doulas

This section provides practical guidance on hosting a "Welcome to Motherhood" ceremony, starting and managing a doula business, marketing and networking strategies, legal considerations and insurance for doula practice, and professional development and continuing education opportunities.

Practical Skills Workshops

Here we offers hands-on practice of comfort measures and labor support techniques, breastfeeding support techniques and troubleshooting, and newborn care basics. Role-playing scenarios are also included to simulate client consultations and labor support situations.

Certification and Next Steps

This final section provides an overview of doula certification processes, resources for further learning and specialization, and guidance on building a support network within the doula community and with other professionals. Additional components of the workshop may include guest speakers from related fields, field visits to birthing centers or hospitals, assignments and projects, and evaluation and feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement.