Online Birth and Postpartum Doula Training
- Obtain an internationally recognized 100+hour certification as a birth doula from a globally respected institution.
- Explore the multifaceted landscape of Birthwork, including its physiological, psychological, sociological, historical, political, and spiritual dimensions.
- Gain the expertise and tools needed to effectively support empowered pregnancies, births and early postpartum periods with confidence and competence.
- Learn advocacy and therapeutic skills to assist your clients in navigating the complex choices available to them.
Course details
Duration and effort
- 20+ online Modules
- 100+ hours of learning
- 2 years to complete the certification
Material
- Recorded Lectures
- One In-person hands on Learning Day
- PDFs and learning material
- Assignments
Location
- ONLINE: Instant on-demand access to a student portal filled with amazing self-directed content to support your live learning
Mentorship
- Private online community
- One-on-one mentoring opportunities
- Webinar, Live Virtual Conversations and more
Certification
- Certified Birth Doula
- Certified Postpartum Doula
Facilitators
Shandelle Ferguson
Andrea Paul
Stefanie Antunes
Asma Rahman
Online Doula Training Course Curriculum
Here’s what’s included in your course
Birth and Postpartum
- Introduction: Your Program
- Inclusive Language and Support
- Mission Statement
- Community Standards and Practice Guidelines
- Code of Ethics
- Complaint Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Policy on the Sharing and Distribution of Course Materials
- Anti-Oppression, Advocacy, & Social Justice: Introduction
- Privilege & Oppression in Birth Work
- Reproductive Justice
- Allies, Accomplices, and Saviors
- Advocacy
- Module Readings: Anti-Oppression, Social Justice, and Allyship
- Diversity & Inclusion: Introduction
- As We Begin: Oppression, Privilege, and Allyship
- (Anti) Oppression and Birth Work
- Privilege
- Stereotype – Prejudice – Discrimination
- Microaggressions
- Truth and Reconciliation – Introduction to Indigenous Issues and Culturally-informed Care
- Colonialism and its impacts
- Culture, Reclamation and Restoration
- Issues in Indigenous Health Care
- Culturally Informed Care for Indigenous Populations: Where to begin
- Defining Perinatal Support: Introduction
- The Role of a Doula: Pregnancy through Postpartum
- Doulas and Evidence for Continuous Support
- Doulas and Partners
- Pregnancy: From Conception to Birth Intro
- Fetal Development
- The Pregnant Body: Changes and Concerns
- Hormones in Pregnancy
- Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy 101
- Complications in Pregnancy
- Identifying Signs of Labor
- Early Labor
- Early to Active Labor
- Active Labor
- Transition
- Pushing Stage
- Third Stage of Labor
- Water Breaking
- Effacement, Dilation, and Contractions
- Mechanisms of labor, stages and phases
- When to go to the Hospital
- Childbirth, Medical Options, and Pain Management: Introduction
- Birth Wish List: Why Planning for Birth Matter
- Informed Consent
- Childbirth
Medical Options and Interventions in Birth - Medical Pain Management Options
- Supporting Inductions
Supporting Cesareans and Vaginal Birth After Cesareans (VBAC)
- Trauma Informed Practice: Introduction
- What is Trauma?
- The Body’s Response System
- Nonviolent Communication
- Practicing Trauma Informed Care
- Fetal Positioning and Movement
- Movement and Pregnancy
- Introduction
- What is a Difficult Labor?
- Complications in Birth
- Multiples
- Grief and Loss
- Supporting Loss
- Pregnancy After Loss
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Self Care, Compassion Fatigue and Coping
- Communication and Connection: Introduction
- The Power of Listening
Counselling Skills 101 - Communication as a Core Competence
- Comfort Techniques: Introduction
- Gate Control Theory
- Pain
- Comfort Measures
- Breathing During Labor
- Birth Ball & Peanut Ball
- Relaxation
- Touch & Massage
- Your Doula Bag
- Visualization, Meditation, & Affirmation
- Module Task
- Birth Knowledge & Techniques Case Studies
- Your Perinatal Business: Introduction
- Target Market: Reflection Activity
- Finding your Niche
- Business Systems and Goals
- Marketing your Doula Business
- What are you charging?
- Communication Skills and Your Doula Business
- Virtual Support
- Contract Samples
- Assignment: Client Package Project
- Your Doula Business: Community Resources & Networking List
- The Postpartum Person: Introduction
- Postpartum Physiology
- Postpartum Recovery
- Vaginal vs Cesarean Recovery
- Concerns in Postpartum Recovery
- Understanding Postpartum Hormones
- Supporting the Infant: Introduction
- Infant Appearance After Birth
- Understanding Sleep for the Family and the Infant
- Common Infant Care Practices to Consider
- Infant Communication: Crying, Cues and More
- Calming and Soothing Techniques
- Things to Consider: Preemies and Multiples
- Newborn Procedures and Bonding
- Establishing Latch
- Nutrition and Movement Postpartum: Introduction
- Nutrition and Recovery
- Nutrition and Postpartum Health
- Exercise and Movement in the Postpartum Period
- Lactation Basics: Introduction
- The PPD & Feeding Solutions
- Is Baby Getting Enough?
- Feeding Solutions
- Infants and Food Sensitivity
- Safe Formula Preparation & Storage
- Perinatal Mood, Mental Health, and Support: Introduction
- Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Self Care Plan
- Child Welfare: Considerations
- Wellness & Stages of Recovery with Dr Aviance Rhome-Boroff
- Resources for Doulas & Mood Concern Support
- Client meetings
- Setting Boundaries for your Mental Health
- Infection Prevention and Personal Safety Measures
- Working with Primary Care
- The Power of Listening
- Communication as a Core Competency
- Counselling Skills 101
- Debriefing Birth
- Additional tools for your role as Doula
- Working in the Home
- Typical Postpartum Shift
- Safety in the Home
- Planning for Postpartum
- Doula Documents
- Final Certification Requirements for Birth and Postpartum
- Birth and Postpartum Certification
- Final Exam
Still need more info?
Online Doula Training FAQ
What are the course pre-requisites? There are no pre-requisites for becoming a doula. Keep in mind our role is a non-medical role. We are there to support the families through our 5 Elments of Care: emotional, physical, informational, through advocacy and partner/family support.
How long will I have access to the online doula training course? You will have 2 years to complete the course. You may pay for an extension if you need a little more time after that.
How many hours/how long will it take to complete the online doula training program? The time it takes to complete the course is really up to you. On average it is about 200 hours of education including your practicum (births can last 5 hours, 15 hours, or 25 hours, so it’s a little tough to predict that part). If you are motivated to complete it quickly it’s possible to do that. And if you’re super busy and would like to take your time, you can certainly do that too!
How much does a doula make a year? This varies by region. Most PP doulas make 35 – 70 $ an hour and on average doulas are charging 1500- 3000 per birth.
Will Doula School help me get clients to complete my certification? In our training we work with you to learn strategies to build your client base. We also have a strong network of mentors and peers that can support you in this process but we do not get clients for you.
Do I have to run my own business? This depends on a few factors: where you are located, and what is available in your community. There are a lot of options when it comes to doulaing. You can be a sole proprietor, you can work as a contractor for a doula agency, you can work in a hospital program, or you can partner with another local doula. Some agencies even hire full time employees!
Do I have to pay to become certified and remain a member of your organization? NO! Our training fee includes the certification costs! You will be required to take a lactation course for birthworkers, have up-to-date CPR and Infection Control training (many of those are free), but there are no additional certification or membership fees.