Course Content
During this intensive three day workshop, students will:The workshop is designed to help participants become expert labor support providers. It utilizes texts, your 300+ page reference manual, videos, slides, games, activities, and role play to build theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It is one step in the process of certifying as a birth doula with DONA International.
Discuss the emotions and psychological processes associated with labor and birth.
Discuss the role of the labor support person during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and post partum periods; emphasizing the importance of appropriate, culturally sensitive support.
Practice hands on skills in positioning and comfort measures.
Learn how to enable women and their partners to cope with complications in pregnancy, labor and early postpartum.
Describe the doula’s scope of practice and ethical standards.
Learn the practical aspects of setting up a doula practice, including the establishment of fees and records, finding your first clients, and planning your own first steps. (Over 50+ pages of business resources!)
Not have training in clinical skills, which are outside the scope of practice of the doula.
These Topics Are Covered In The Training:
The Unique Power of the Doula
Best Practices for Prenatal Visits
Emotional Support Strategies
Physical Support Strategies
Use of the Peanut Ball
Epidural Support and Positioning
Working with Doctors, Midwives and Nurses
Creating A Team Atmosphere in the Labor Room
Challenging Labors
Supporting Partners and Family Members
Crafting Relationships with Male Partners and Fathers
Doula Self Care
Immediate Postpartum and Third Stage
Supporting the “Golden Hour” for the Infant and Parents
First Latch and Breastfeeding Positioning
Postpartum Visits
Writing a Birth Story
When the Doula or Client is Traumatized by the Birth
Recognizing Postpartum Depression
DONA Birth Doula Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
DONA Certification Requirements
How Community Doulas Mend Racial Disparities in Birth Outcomes
Ethical and Fun Social Media Practices
Running a Business Resources
Targeting and Defining Your Client Market
Individual Plan for Locating Clients
First Steps for Growing Your Business
What Makes Doulaing The Doula Trainings Special?
Course Schedule
A detailed outline is included in your registration confirmation.
All three days meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. with a one hour lunch break on Day 1 and 2, and 45 minutes on Day 3 (eating in class after break is fine).
You will be provided with a completion certificate at the end of the workshop. The California Board of Nursing has approved the basic workshop for 15 CE hours. The workshop length has been approved by DONA for 24 hours of instruction. I have been told that DONA contact hours are accepted as continuing education units by ALACE, AAHCC, CAPPA and Lamaze International for re-certification of childbirth educators. However, please check with your certifying organization to be sure.