Birth and Postpartum Doula Training
LIVE VIRTUAL
Are you ready to fulfill your dream of becoming a doula?
Join us for our client-centered and trauma-informed hybrid doula course, where we’ll guide you through interactive teaching and demonstrations!
The VIRTUAL LIVE workshop creates an opportunity for students to learn, hold space, and boost their confidence alongside peers and our experienced team of instructors.
The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST every day as listed above. Please note that you must attend all days in order to qualify for the course requirements.
As part of your doula certification, you’ll be expected to complete online learning modules and related assignments alongside in-person training attendance.
Course details
Duration and effort
- Live lectures with your doula trainers and international experts via Zoom, providing group support, community building, engaging Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions
- Select from dates above
Material
- Tutorials and lectures covering early postpartum support, newborn care, doula business and more...
- Comprehensive course lessons and handouts to jumpstart your journey
- Reading materials and assignments designed to enhance your learning experience and comprehension
Location
- ONLINE: Live virtual classes PLUS Instant on-demand access to a student portal filled with amazing self-directed content to support your live learning
Mentorship
- One 30-minute mentorship session, ongoing email access to mentors, and a wide selection of online seminars and materials.
Certification
- Certified Birth Doula
- Certified Postpartum Doula
Facilitators
Shandelle Ferguson
Andrea Paul
Stefanie Antunes
Asma Rahman
Recommended for
- Individuals aspiring to embark on a new career journey in birthwork
- Expectant parents seeking to deepen their understanding of pregnancy and childbirth
- Educators passionate about maternal and infant health
- Birth doulas looking to enhance their skills and knowledge
- Counselors dedicated to supporting families during the perinatal period
- Healthcare professionals seeking comprehensive training in maternal care
- Yoga teachers interested in integrating prenatal and postnatal support into their practice
- Individuals committed to reproductive health and holistic wellness.
What our students say about our courses
You will learn
At Doula School International, we offer a comprehensive 200+-hour Birth and Postpartum Doula Training program. Our program provides you with internationally recognized certification and equips you with comprehensive skills to effectively guide and support your clients.
Birth Doula Curriculum Overview
- Understand conception and the journey of pregnancy
- Explore normal pregnancy changes and methods to assist individuals experiencing challenges and discomforts
- Learn about the hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum stages
- Examine the historical context of birth and its relevance today
- Explore the evolution of labor support throughout history
- Address issues impacting under-resourced families and discover methods to offer assistance
- Understand the dynamics of working with families from diverse cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and strategies to enhance support
- Reflect on and explore knowledge gaps and personal bias
- Gain in-depth knowledge of the BEST prenatal support strategies
- Explore a range of activities for prenatal visits with families
- Learn the MOST effective techniques for client consultations to get hired
- Review communication tools and strategies for maximizing interactions with families and healthcare providers
- Understand the signs and stages of labor
- Explore the doula’s role and methods to support individuals throughout the birthing process
- Dive into the five elements of care: emotional, physical, informational, partner support, and advocacy
- Practice hands-on skills to enhance comfort and alleviate pain during labor
- Learn about common medications available during labor and birth, their advantages, and potential drawbacks
- Explore strategies for managing the most common challenging situations as a doula
- Understand the reasons for cesarean deliveries and methods to support families through such experiences
- Learn about typical newborn characteristics
- Explore newborn feeding practices and techniques to support families
- Understand perinatal health disorders and available support options
- Discuss strategies for acquiring initial clients
- Learn how to launch and establish your doula practice
- Explore various options for working as a doula
Postpartum Doula Curriculum Overview
- Explore the normal physiological changes in the postpartum body.
- Learn to identify warning signs during the postpartum period.
- Discover comfort measures for new parents.
- Access referral sources for additional support.
- Understand normal newborn characteristics. newborns.
- Recognize warning signs in newborns.
- Learn diapering and bathing techniques.
- Explore soothing techniques for newborns.
- Learn how to support families through PMADs.
- Understand the differences between various PMADs.
- Provide resources for coping with the “Baby Blues” and other PMADs.
- Explore the doula’s role in supporting postpartum mental health.
- Learn strategies to support the transition to parenthood.
- Understand how to provide sibling support.
- Gain skills to support parents with babies in the NICU.
- Learn to support parents with special needs babies.
- Understand healthy relationship structures and how to support them.
- Explore partner or family support as a postpartum doula.
- Review the history of the early postpartum period and understand its current context.
- Learn about the history of postpartum community support.
- Explore various issues affecting under-resourced families and learn how to offer assistance.
- Understand how to work with families from diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds to enhance your support.
- Reflect on your own biases and knowledge gaps.
- Discuss strategies for attracting your first clients.
- Learn how to establish and grow your doula practice.
- Explore various options for working as a doula.
Choose your program
Upcoming dates
For guided program
FAQ
Training Information & Eligibility:
Before registering, you have reviewed the terms and policies available here including but not limited to our Cancellation Policy, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, and Complaint Policies & Procedures.
Professionalism:
You agree to arrive on time and be fully engaged for all scheduled days. If unexpected issues arise, you will promptly notify our faculty or staff. You accept full responsibility for addressing your needs in accessible learning, self-care, and compassionate treatment of peers and DSI staff. Faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees who create an unsafe or unprofessional environment for others or for reasons inconsistent with DSI policies.
Accommodation:
Doula School International adheres to the Accessible Canada Act (ACA). If you require special accommodations to participate in our training, please email us with your requests at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled training. Should accommodation needs arise during the training, promptly communicate with your instructor or DSI staff, and we will work with you to find a suitable solution.
Confidentiality:
Respect the confidentiality of fellow trainees and our staff throughout your time with Doula School International. Confidentiality with clients will be discussed by your trainers. If you observe a problem with another trainee or staff member, report it to the lead trainer or DSI administration, following established policies and guidelines.
Preparedness for Independent Work:
Throughout your training, active participation in training activities is expected. You are responsible for scheduling, discipline, and completing projects and module expectations beyond the training sessions. By registering, you acknowledge the allotted time to access the program and commit to meeting DSI’s vocational expectations within the specified timeframe. For mentoring inquiries, contact our staff and we will gladly assist you upon communication of questions or needs.
Each program at Doula School International may vary slightly in duration, and we encourage you to review these details before registering.
Please be aware that registration closes 2 days prior to the event.