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About Birth it Forward & Certification
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All About Doulas
In this section we will discuss the different types of doulas, their roles, and how to learn more.
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*Birth Doulas
In this section, you will learn the aspects of being a birth doula. We will discuss how to do natal visits, go through advocacy, comfort measures and much more.
In all the sections, there is additional material that is not necessarily required but will be most beneficial for you to review. The required videos and reading materials have an asterisk in their title.
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Childbirth Education (CBE)
You will need to complete a course in Childbirth Education.
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Standing Strong Advocacy Workshop
Welcome to Standing Strong, an Advocacy Workshop. In this session, Kristen Mason, a certified Maternal Support Practitioner and Childbirth Educator, delves into the critical issue of Practitioner Violence and the importance of personal and client advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize Practitioner Violence and abuse.
- Learn preventive strategies and advocacy techniques.
- Understand Birth it Forward doula response policies.
- Empower birth teams to support client rights.
Kristen shares her personal journey as a survivor of Practitioner Violence and offers practical tools to advocate for respectful maternity care. Together, let’s create safe, mother-led birth spaces.
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*An Overview of Cultural Competency
This section explores the importance of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency in fostering understanding and connection across different backgrounds. It explains the distinction between equality and equity, the value of empathy by "putting yourself in someone else’s shoes," and provides essential vocabulary for navigating discussions about diversity. Key areas covered include socioeconomic, cultural, language, religious, and sexual orientation diversity, offering insights to create more inclusive and respectful communities.
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Social Determinates of Health
What are they and how do they affect your clients
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Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth
In this section, students will explore a variety of supportive techniques to enhance comfort and promote relaxation during labor. Topics include the use of birth balls to encourage optimal fetal positioning, effective labor positions to reduce pain and aid progression, and the importance of hydration and light snacks to sustain energy. Additionally, students will learn about the benefits of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and focused breathing, to create a calm and empowering birth experience. This section equips students with practical tools to support their clients holistically throughout the labor process.
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Cesarean Basics for Doulas
Learn the essentials of cesarean births with guest speaker Janice Ingram in this video tailored for doulas. Discover the history of the surgery, what happens during the procedure, and how to support clients with basic post-surgery care and recovery tips.
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NICU Basics with a NICU Nurse: Jasmine Barr, RN
In this video, we explore the basics of the NICU with guest speaker Jasmine Braun, a NICU RN, including the equipment families may encounter, the milestones babies must reach to graduate, and how doulas can help prepare families for a NICU stay. Whether you’re a doula or a parent, this video provides essential insights for navigating the NICU experience.
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Postpartum Basics After Birth
Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible journey, but the postpartum period comes with its own challenges and needs.
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Doula Natals Checklists
We are going to learn what do during prenatal and perinatal doula visits.
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Basics of Doula Business
Learn how to start and grow a successful doula business! In this video, we cover essential tips, strategies, and insights for providing compassionate care while building a thriving career. Perfect for aspiring and experienced doulas alike!
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Beating Burnout – Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue with Moriah Barr, LMFTA
In this video, we explore with guest speaker Moriah Barr on how to beat burnout and maintain mental health while working in a demanding, high-stress job. We discuss effective self-care strategies, ways to overcome compassion fatigue, and practical tips to protect your mental well-being so you can continue to do what you love without feeling overwhelmed.
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Get Your NPI Number
You need an NPI number to be able to work with Medicaid.
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HIPPA Training
You need to have your HIPPA training to complete this certification.
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CPR and First Aide Certification
You need to have your CPR and First Aide Cert to complete this certification.
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Food Handler Training
You need to have a Food Handler Cert to complete this certification.
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Reading Assignments
You need to read 3 books and do reviews on them.
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Birth Attendance
You will need to attend 3 births to complete your certification.
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Resource List
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Postpartum Doulas
In this section you will learn the basics of being a postpartum doula, including newborn care, how to care for the mother and watching for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
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*Mother, Newborn Care and PMAD’s for Doulas
Discover essential insights on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) tailored for doulas. Learn to recognize symptoms, provide compassionate support, and connect clients to resources for maternal mental health. Learn how best to care for a newborn as well.
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*Breastfeeding for Doulas
Learn essential breastfeeding tips for doulas to support families, including preparation during pregnancy, benefits for baby and mom, proper latch techniques, managing challenges, and more. Perfect for doulas and new parents alike!
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Final Knowledge Check
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Additional Helpful Education not Required for Certification
In this section you'll find classes on additional information we've found helpful over the years but do not specifically affect certification. They are not required to complete your certification.
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Additional Training Resources
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About Lesson
Birth It Forward: Our Story and Mission
Founded in 2019 as the Kansas City Doula Ministry, Birth It Forward began with a simple yet profound mission: to provide birth doula services to families in need of labor and delivery support. While we have grown and evolved, becoming KC Women’s Ministry in 2020, this foundational goal remains at the heart of everything we do. In 2023, we were honored to become the new home of the Pregnancy and Postpartum Resource Center (PPRC), officially rebranding as Birth It Forward.
Our primary aim is to foster a family-centered, safe, inclusive, accessible, and transparent community. Guided by our mission to provide evidence-based support, education, and advocacy, we serve birth workers, families, and communities through the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods.
Our Vision
We envision communities transformed by the power of families who are educated, heard, and empowered in birth and parenthood across diverse cultures, identities, and traditions. By uniting birth workers with the mothers and families we serve, we aim to enhance maternal, family, and birth worker outcomes, ultimately building stronger, more connected communities.
Our Services
Birth It Forward provides sliding-scale pregnancy, birth, and postpartum services to the most vulnerable members of our community, including those receiving WIC, at no cost. We collaborate with organizations such as Resource Health, Mother’s Refuge, Rose Brooks, New Birth Company, and Safe Home to deliver accessible, inclusive care. Our doula teams meet clients one-on-one, often in their homes, to offer personalized support. This includes guidance on comfort measures for labor and delivery, addressing questions for medical care teams, and creating comprehensive postpartum plans.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
The United States, including Kansas City, ranks last among ten developed countries for maternal health care, with outcomes particularly dire for communities of color. Dr. Rebecca Dekker, Ph.D., RN, and founder of Evidence Based Birth, highlights that significant racial disparities in birth outcomes persist even after accounting for income, education, marital status, and other factors. At Birth It Forward, we are at the forefront of combating these disparities, addressing the systemic issues that contribute to rising maternal and fetal mortality rates and unnecessary medical interventions.
Funding for Families in Need
Our program is designed to sustain itself through community support. Families who purchase doula services at market rates through Birth It Forward contribute 20% of their fee to fund services for others. Those unable to afford full-price services can apply for our Sliding Scale pricing, ensuring equitable access to care. By late 2021, we introduced scholarship opportunities to further reduce financial barriers. While many of our doulas currently volunteer their services, we are committed to expanding opportunities for fair compensation, allowing them to grow their businesses and continue this vital work.
Mother’s Closet: Meeting Community Needs
Our Mother’s Closet program brings resources directly to the community through monthly pop-up events at local parks across the Kansas City metro area. These events offer free clothing, childcare items, diapers, and education, fostering connections between volunteers and community members. Since our first pop-up in May 2020, we have experienced remarkable growth and enthusiasm.
Through partnerships with Giving Hope and Help and No Shame, we also provide period products and other essentials. Looking ahead, we aim to expand Mother’s Closet to include mobile food and diaper banks, with the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent location to serve the community more effectively.
Grassroots and Community Partnerships
Our Grassroots and Community Partnership Programs aim to strengthen relationships with local businesses and advocate for systemic changes to maternal healthcare. With our motto, A Rising Tide Raises All Ships, we focus on addressing racism, sexism, and discrimination in maternal care. By collaborating with small businesses and community organizations, we work to create environments that prioritize family wellness and education.
A Story of Growth and Commitment
Birth It Forward is a story of transformation and growth. What began as a small initiative has blossomed into a multifaceted organization driven by humility, transparency, and dedication. We pledge to uphold these values as we continue to grow and serve, ensuring every family we support feels empowered, valued, and connected.
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