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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
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