Doula training is intensive. This course is designed for anyone interested in becoming a DONA (Doulas of North America) certified doula. The class is taught by a DONA certified doula trainer.

If you are interested in becoming a doula, it is recommended that you read the required text before starting the class. Then if you decide to become a doula, you should prepare for the class by attending a complete series of childbirth preparation classes as an observer, view as many birth videos as possible, and tour a hospital labor and delivery unit.

On completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the significance of birth to women and their families
• Define the role of the doula
• Define the DONA scope of practice and code of ethics for the doula
• List benefits of a continuous doula on obstetrical and psychological outcomes based on fourteen trials
• Describe the emotional and physical needs of laboring women and their partners
• Demonstrate comfort measures and optimal labor positions for laboring women
• List three non-pharmacological methods for pain relief in labor
• Describe the doula’s role in the prenatal and postpartum visit
• Describe the role of the doula during a caesarean birth and in the immediate postpartum period
• Describe the ways a doula may gain credentials
• Describe the benefits of a referral program for clients
• Identify the ingredients to successful doula business with satisfied clients

Prerequisites for Participants:

Required Texts: DONA’s required reading list. You may not be able to read all before class and that is OK but reading as much as possible is good. Texts can be purchased on-line through the DONA web site at www.dona.org or at most book stores.

Childbirth educators, nurses with labor and delivery experience, midwives or midwifery students, have the appropriate experience. For all others prepare by attending a complete series of childbirth preparation classes as an observer, view as many birth videos as possible. The reading should provide for you the following information:

• Anatomy of the human reproductive system and breasts
• Physiology of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding
• Definitions of common medical terms regarding labor
• Common procedures and tests used during normal birth, including their risks and benefits
• Pain medication and anesthesia administration and effects
• Caesarean birth
• Normal newborn appearance and procedures
• Basic relaxation techniques, breathing patterns and other comfort measures for labor
• Benefits of breastfeeding