Birth Doula Diploma Course

Course details

The Birth Doula Diploma Course opens with the history of the doula and explains what a doula does and does not do, the benefits a doula can provide during childbirth, and the importance of communication when working in the role.

Reflection is a process through which we look not only at what happened in a situation but also why. Studying the course, You will gain an understanding of why, as a doula, it is important to reflect and what can be gained from following this process. You will be provided with a structured framework of reflection to follow.

As birth professionals, doulas are likely to find themselves working with clients and colleagues who have different belief systems and lifestyles than themselves. The Birth Doula Diploma Course covers how to work effectively with people who are different from us and how to respect the beliefs of others.

One of the most challenging areas that a doula will work in is helping a family through grief and loss. The course guides you through theories on the grieving process and specific forms of loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth, illness, or infertility.

Working with clients prenatally is an important part of the doula role. It is during this period that you help them to identify their goals, their expectations of you, and determine the choices that will help them to have the birth they desire.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring about great change to the physical and emotional wellbeing of a woman, with nutrition, in particular, having an impact on the health of the baby. The Birth Doula Diploma Course explains the principles of nutrition and physical activity, so you can support women who may lack this knowledge.

Essential knowledge for childbirth doulas includes the physiology of labour and birth. You will learn about the stages of, responses to, and varying patterns of labour. The course covers pain during labour - why pain is experienced, the pain management options available and the benefits and disadvantages of each. You will explore the concepts of active labour management and how it differs from the expectant approach. You will learn the practical skills needed to aid a woman during labour and birth, including positioning, massage techniques, breathing and relaxation methods, and how to create an optimal environment for birth. The Birth Doula Diploma Course also covers the more common causes of a challenging labour and how you, as a birth doula, can help.

A doula does not only offer care during the prenatal period and birth but also for the postpartum period. The course explores the services you can provide, along with giving you the information you need to understand the normal physiology and events that should occur during the early postpartum period.

The Birth Doula Diploma Course ends by guiding you through your initial steps to becoming a doula - what your role will entail, recognising the benefits of birth doula support, building relationships and getting ready to work with your first client.

Modules

• Module 1 - The Role of the Doula
• Module 2 - Reflective Practice
• Module 3 - Diversity, Culture, Morals and Ethics
• Module 4 - Grief and Loss
• Module 5 - Labour and Birth
• Module 6 - Postpartum Physiology
• Module 7 - Health and Nutrition
• Module 8 - Pain in Labour
• Module 9 - Management of Labour
• Module 10 - Getting Started as a Birth Doula
• Module 11 - Working With Clients Prenatally
• Module 12 - Working with Clients During Labour
• Module 13 - Adapting to Difficult Births

Updated on 06 April, 2021