Instructor

Workshop

Dates & Locations

Registration

FAQ & Pix

THE DOULA WORKSHOP	During the intensive two-day workshop, students discuss the emotions of and psychological processes associated with labor as well as the role of the doula prenatally, during labor and birth and at the postpartum follow-up.  The workshop emphasizes the importance of appropriate, culturally sensitive support.  Participants also learn how to enable women and their partners to cope with complications in pregnancy, labor and the early postpartum period. The doula's scope of practice and ethical standards are described.  The workshop does not include training in clinical skills, since those are outside the scope of practice of the doula. The workshop is designed to help participants become expert labor support providers. It utilizes texts and supplementary literature, videos, slides and role play to build theoretical knowledge and practical skills. For certification purposes, attendance at the entire workshop is required. This doula workshop has been approved as one step toward certification by DONA International DONA is a non-profit, professional association for doulas. DONA can be contacted for brochures on membership and certification at 888 788-DONA or email doula@dona.org or www.dona.org
DOULA WORKSHOP AGENDA	Saturday • Introduction to Labor Support:  The long-term significance of birth to a woman and its application to maternity care today; review of relevant research studies and how to make a presentation on the subject.  • Prenatal Contact Between Doula and Client:  Record keeping, handouts, plans for birth and other practical aspects including communications skills.  • Emotional Support in Labor:  The emotional needs, phase by phase and stage by stage, of the laboring woman.  How to meet those needs.  Emphasis is placed on the importance of the “mind-body” connection in labor.  • Comfort Measures for Labor:  Hands-on practice of numerous techniques for pain relief in labor.  • Introduction to DONA International and Labor Support Videos:  An opportunity to learn about the doulas’ professional association, and watch videos that illustrate the variety of roles played by the doula.     Sunday • What is the Ideal Birth?  Discussion of birth experiences and clarification of the doula’s values.  • Difficult Labors:  Application of knowledge and skills to hypothetical clinical challenges.  • Cesarean Birth and Vaginal Birth after Cesarean:  Description of the unique emotional needs of the woman, her partner and the baby.  • The Newborn:  The doula’s role in bonding and in assisting with early breastfeeding.  • Postpartum Contact Between Doula and Client:  Purposes of this meeting and the importance of integrating the birth experience.  • Role Modeling and Role Play of Labor:  Opportunities to rehearse labor support skills in a simulated labor situations.
DESIRED BACKGROUND OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE DOULA WORKSHOP	Childbirth educators, nurses with labor and delivery experience, midwives or midwifery students, and those who have attended other doula workshops have the appropriate experience.
INTRODUCTION TO CHILDBEARING FOR DOULAS	To become certified, you either need to have the above background, or need to attend a complete series of childbirth preparation classes (Lamaze, Bradley, Birthworks, etc) lasting 12 hours or more that were taken when you were not pregnant. It is preferred that you do this before the doula workshop. Childbirth classes are most commonly taken at a hospital, but may be taken privately through an organization like Bradley.  There is great value in taking the childbirth class at a hospital or through a private teacher.  You will see couples in action, hear their concerns, and meet a childbirth instructor who may refer you to clients.  It is preferred that you have completed the series prior to coming to the workshop.     INTRO TO CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION FOR DOULAS Mosgt people choose to come to the Intro to Childbearing session because it is recognized by DONA to be the equivalent of a childbirth preparation series.  This one day class counts as the Childbirth Preparation requirement for certification.  The nice part is that you can do it all in one day, it's fun and it is geared to doulas. You need to decide if your background information on childbirth is solid enough for you to go straight to the Doula Workshop portion if you do not attend the Intro class. I'd be happy to help you think that through. If you lack the desired background listed above, you have 2 options to prepare for taking the Doula Workshop:    Option A:  Prepare by attending a complete series of childbirth preparation classes that is 12 hours or more in length (taught by the best teacher you can find), viewing several birth videos, touring a hospital, reading Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn:  The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, & Ann Keppler.   This book may be ordered from www.DONA.org, or your local bookstore. It may also be available at your public library.    Option B: Introduction to Childbirth Education for Doulas Designed for students with little or no experience in childbirth education or labor and birth support.  Required reading: Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, by Penny Simkin – chapters 10 - 12 "The Intro" meets DONA’s Requirement for attendance at a Childbirth Education series. It completes another step toward doula certification. If it is impossible to attend the Intro, let me know and we can try to work around it.    WHEN IS "THE INTRO"? On a Friday or Saturday prior to the workshop. See Dates and Location tab.    "The Intro" covers the topics listed below.
INSTRUCTOR EXPECTS THAT PARTICIPANTS IN THE DOULA WORKSHOP ALREADY KNOW	Anatomy of the reproductive system and breasts; physiology of pregnancy, birth, post partum and breastfeeding; definitions of medical terms regarding labor; common procedures and tests used during normal birth, their risks and benefits; pain medications, their administration and effects; the cesarean procedure; normal newborn appearance and procedures; basic relaxation techniques, breathing patterns, and other comfort measures for labor; and the benefits of breastfeeding.
FOOD	A light, continental breakfast and bountiful snacks will be available.
MOMS AND BABIES	Quiet babes-in-arms, 6 months and younger are encouraged to stay with their moms attending this workshop.  Please discuss this with the instructor prior to registering.
REQUIRED READING	The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus available at DONA.org, Amazon.com and possibly your library