FOUNDATIONAL DOULA TRAINING
The Birth for Humankind Foundational Doula Training course is a culturally sensitive training program, with principles of trauma-informed practice embedded throughout.
A doula is a highly skilled birth companion who provides practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Research shows that continuous care throughout pregnancy from a known, trusted support person - such as a doula - contributes to improved birth and early parenting outcomes and experiences.
By enrolling in Birth for Humankind's Foundational Doula Training, you are proactively improving access to equitable maternal care for all women and birthing people.
As a participant of our Foundational Doula Training, you will:
- Learn the skills and knowledge required to support women and birthing people through pregnancy, labour and birth, and the early postnatal period.
- Develop an understanding of how your practice will contribute to health equity and community-based doula support, which responds to, and respects the cultural and/or social needs of women and birthing people.
- Experience a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive training perspective via evidence-based practice and benefit from the value of lived experience, peer learning and knowledge of our experienced team.
- Graduate prepared to work with all birthing people, including - and especially - those experiencing complex and systemic disadvantage and who encounter barriers when accessing the health system.
- Be offered the opportunity to volunteer as a doula with Birth for Humankind (if you choose this enrolment option - see below).
- Receive advice on working as a doula in private practice, that will allow you to grow your own business (should you choose to).
Program Delivery
Our online delivery option means you can complete the training online, via our self-directed online modules. These modules are the same as the in-person training.
Duration: Complete course within twelve months of commencing the course modules
Online leaners will be invited to join our online training community to connect with other participants.
Dates: Commencing mid-May 2024.
Make A Difference In Your Community
Program Modules
- Module 1: Introduction
Introduction to Birth for Humankind
Doula role & scope of practice - Module 2: Maternity Services in Australia
Overview of perinatal statistics
Exploring birth options
Meet the care team - Module 3: Pregnancy
Normal pregnancy
Appointments
Common discomforts of pregnancy
Antenatal meetings & birth preferences - Module 4: Labour & Birth
Stage & phases of labour & birth
Pain in labour
Active labour & birth techniques - Module 5: When Things Go Off The Path Of Normal
Interventions
Induction of labour
Pharmacological pain relief
Caesarean & breech birth - Module 6: After The Birth
The gold hour & going home
Newborn care & the early days
Postnatal visits
Community Support
- Module 7: When Things Go Off The Path Of Normal In The Postnatal Period
Common postnatal issues
Postnatal mood disorders
Grief & loss, unexpected outcomes - Module 8: Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding
Formula feeding - Module 9: Culture & Traditions
Birth traditions
Culturally sensitive practice - Module 10: Research
Understanding birth research 101 - Module 11: Developing Your Practice
Trauma informed practice
Debriefing & self-care - Module 12: Building Your Business
The business of being a doula
Enrolment Options
View our Foundational Training enrolment options below.
Payment plans available for a limited time.
Payment must be received in full before training commencement dates.
(Please note: If no payment plan is shown at the checkout, the option has expired.)
Online Training
(No Mentoring)
$1,800
Online, self-directed Foundational Doula Training without mentoring.
Suitable for those who don't live in Melbourne, are not able to attend in-person sessions or prefer self-directed training.
Certificate issued for theoretical component only.
Online Training
(With Mentoring)
$2,300
Online, self-directed Foundational Doula Training includes mentoring and support to complete birth support for 3 clients. This is a requirement to complete the training.
Suitable for those who don't live in Melbourne, are not able to attend in-person sessions or prefer self-directed training.
Full certificate issued.