Register
Explore Courses
Course Content
About Birth it Forward & Certification
0/4
Certification Course Outline
15:30
Certification Requirements
05:19
About BIF
02:23
Instructor Information
Monthly Doula Call
Hop on a call with us
0/1
Monthly Doula Chat on Zoom!
All About Doulas
In this section we will discuss the different types of doulas, their roles, and how to learn more.
0/2
What is a Doula?
09:08
Types of Doulas and their Roles
17:36
*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.
0/6
What is a birth doula? – Reading
Common Birth Consultation Questions
36:24
Home Visit Safety Tips
09:49
What is in our Birth Doula Bag
16:27
Book Club Assignment: Birth Doulas
Birth Doulas Knowledge Check
Live Book Club
Join us for Book Club every month where we discuss impactful literature in the birth genre.
0/1
Live Book Club
Childbirth Education (CBE)
You will need to complete a course in Childbirth Education.
0/2
Childbirth Education (CBE)
Childbirth Education Knowledge Check
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.
0/3
Standing Strong Advocacy Workshop
01:50:53
Handouts
Standing Strong Knowledge Check
*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.
0/5
About Your Guest Speaker: Nadia Ingram
Introduction to Cultural Competency with Nadia Ingram
56:20
Providing Services and Support through a Culturally Congruent Perspective Class
20:16
Book Club Assignment: Cultural Competency
Cultural Competency Knowledge Check
Social Determinates of Health
What are they and how do they affect your clients
0/6
What Makes Us Healthy? Understanding the Social Determinants of Health
06:28
Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) with Rush University Medical Center
14:48
TEDx Talk with Veronica Scott-Fulton
13:27
The Doulas Role and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
Handouts and Resources
Social Determinates of Health Knowledge Check
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.
0/14
Breathing Techniques for Labor
18:58
Touch and Massage for Labor
36:57
Movement and Position Changes for Labor
36:25
Meditation and Visualization
21:58
Example Meditation Visualization: Baby Visualization Meditation for Birth
18:31
Pity vs Encouragement in the Birth Space: A Powerful Perspective
07:28
Birth Affirmations
Perineal Massage
12:43
Braxton Hicks Contractions
06:18
Bishop Score
09:48
Dilation
07:23
Best Foods for Labor
08:24
Best Drinks During Labor
08:00
Comfort Measures Knowledge Check
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.
0/5
Cesarean Basics for Doulas Workshop with Janice Ingram, CD/PCD, CHW-C, CBE/CEC
21:28
Benefits and Risks of Cesarean Birth – Reading
Preparing Your Client for a Cesarean Birth
25:14
Hospital Procedures to Prepare for a Cesarean Birth
09:49
Cesarean Basics for Doulas Knowledge Check
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.
0/3
About Your Guest Speaker: Jasmine Barr, RN
NICU Basics with a NICU Nurse: Jasmine Barr, RN
01:08:53
NICU Basics Knowledge Check
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.
0/2
Postpartum Care: Essential Tips for Recovery and Wellness After Birth
40:43
Postpartum Basics Knowledge Check
Doula Natals Checklists
We are going to learn what do during prenatal and perinatal doula visits.
0/4
Doula Natals Checklists Class
33:01
Handouts 1
Handouts 2
Doula Natals Knowledge Check
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!
0/3
About Your Guest Speaker: Rhian Dodd-Tovey
Doula Business Mini Workshop by Blissful Beginnings Doula Services, LLC
01:37:30
Small Business Accounting with Rhian Dodd-Tovey
01:13:41
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.
0/3
About Your Guest Speaker: Moriah Barr, LMFTA
Beating Burnout – Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Workshop
01:07:36
Beating Burnout: Secondary Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Knowledge Check
Get Your NPI Number
You need an NPI number to be able to work with Medicaid.
0/1
NPI Number Assignment
HIPPA Training
You need to have your HIPPA training to complete this certification.
0/1
HIPPA Training Assignment
CPR and First Aide Certification
You need to have your CPR and First Aide Cert to complete this certification.
0/1
CPR and First Aide Certification Assignment
Food Handler Training
You need to have a Food Handler Cert to complete this certification.
0/1
Food Handler Training
Reading Assignments
You need to read 3 books and do reviews on them.
0/6
Book Reviews for the Doula
04:55
Example Book Review: Body Belly Soul by Nicole Bailey
Book Review Assignment 1
Book Review Assignment 2
Book Review Assignment 3
Reading Assignment Knowledge Check
Birth Attendance
You will need to attend 3 births to complete your certification.
0/6
Birth Recap Assignment: Capturing the Experience
04:02
Example Experience Review
Birth Attendance Experience Review 1
Birth Attendance Experience Review 2
Birth Attendance Experience Review 3
Birth Attendance Knowledge Check
Resource List
0/2
Resource List
05:48
Resource List Assignment
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.
0/5
What is a PP Doula Reading
What to Expect in a Postpartum Visit
44:17
Common Postpartum Doula Consultation Questions
22:29
Home Visit Safety
09:48
Postpartum Basics Knowledge Check
*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.
0/5
Mother and Newborn Care
01:14:12
Handouts
Book Club Assignment: PMADs
Mother and Newborn Care Knowledge Check
PMADs for Doulas Knowledge Check
*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!
0/4
About Your Guest Speaker: Dr. Lauren Hughes, MD IBCLC
Breastfeeding for Doulas Workshop by Dr. Lauren Hughes of Bloom Pediatrics
56:07
Book Club Assignment: Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding for Doulas Knowledge Check
Final Knowledge Check
0/2
Final Exam Instructions
Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification Final Knowledge Check
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.
0/1
Safe Infant Sleep: A Guide for Doulas Teaching New Parents
11:30
Additional Training Resources
0/4
Missouri Doula Association Resource List
Lactation Education Resources
The Centre for Healing
Birth it Forward YouTube Channel
KC Doula Date Night
Join us to meet some amazing clients!
0/1
You’re Certified — Now What? Join Us for Doula Date Night in Kansas City
Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification

Types of Doulas and Their Roles 

Doulas are compassionate professionals trained to provide non-medical support during significant life transitions. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of doulas and what they do:

🤰 Birth Doula

  • When They Help: During pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.
  • Role:
    • Provides emotional support, comfort, and advocacy.
    • Assists with creating and implementing a birth plan.
    • Offers physical techniques like massage and breathing exercises for pain management.

🍼 Postpartum Doula

  • When They Help: After the baby arrives.
  • Role:
    • Supports parents in adjusting to life with a newborn.
    • Guides on baby care (e.g., feeding, soothing techniques).
    • Helps with light household tasks and emotional reassurance.

👦 Sibling Doula

  • When They Help: During labor and delivery or postpartum.
  • Role:
    • Provides care for older children while parents focus on birth.
    • Offers emotional support and guidance to siblings.
    • Keeps children engaged with activities and helps with routines.

❤️ Full-Spectrum Doula

  • When They Help: Throughout all reproductive health experiences.
  • Role:
    • Supports during miscarriage, abortion, fertility treatments, or adoption.
    • Offers non-judgmental emotional and physical assistance.

🌸 Bereavement and Death Doulas

  • When They Help: During end-of-life transitions.
  • Role:
    • Provides comfort and emotional guidance to individuals and families.
    • Helps with planning and creating meaningful closure.

Doulas empower individuals and families to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and care. Which type of doula resonates with your needs? 💕

BONUS CONTENT
CLICK HERE to watch another video describing the different types of doulas from other perspectives!
CLICK HERE to for our recommended readings for various doula roles

Previous
Next
0% Complete