Serving Ontario families in Simcoe County, York Region, Dufferin County & North Toronto
Let’s Take a Deep Breath Together
In-Person Birth Doula Training Course
with Mélissa Cowl
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Pre-Requisites
All attendees are required to have the book, The Birth Partner (Simkin), in hand. Reading it prior to the course is strongly recommended. For those in the certification program, the study guide should be completed and handed in prior to the first day of your workshop.Please see our resource page for the tasks and readings that should be completed prior to the course.
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Babies in Class
Childcare not provided. Quiet nursing babes in arms (generally under six months of age) are welcome at the discretion of the instructor and arranged prior to the course.
02
Topics Covered
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The Doula Professional: Scope of Practice and Ethical Standards
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The Doula's Role During Pregnancy
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Emotional Support in Labour
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Comfort Measures and Pain Relief
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Labour Support Strategies for Normal and Challenging Births
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Cesarean Birth and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
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Communication and Mediation Skills
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The Doula's Role with the Newborn
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Initiation of Breastfeeding
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Postpartum Life and the Doula
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Late Arrivals, Missed Class Time
You must complete attendance of 21 hours in class, minimum, for this training to count toward certification. Tardiness or childcare situations that causes you to miss sessions will jeopardize your time requirement.
Certification Track
This comprehensive program includes a thorough understanding of the physiological, emotional and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. This track also focuses on the practical skills and techniques needed to provide physical and emotional support to the pregnant person and their partner during labour, birth and the postpartum period. This includes techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to help manage pain and discomfort during labour. The program also covers the role of the doula in advocating for the birth preferences of the pregnant person, and how to work collaboratively with medical professionals to ensure a positive birth experience. In addition, the comprehensive track delves into the importance of self-care for doulas, as well as the ethical and legal guidelines for the profession. It also provides guidance on how to start and run a successful doula business. The path to certification is mentored and utilizes peer-to-peer support to enhance the program.
Accelerated Track
The second track offered by The Doula Group is a condensed program specifically designed for healthcare professionals or those who will not need a certification program. This is an ideal in-person training for those who have previously studied online. This track is taken by those who are looking to expand their knowledge and skills in supporting pregnant people and their families. This track covers key topics such as the stages of labour, pain management techniques, and the role of medical interventions in childbirth. It also includes training on how to effectively communicate with pregnant people and their families, and how to support them in making informed decisions about their birth experience. This track is ideal for nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals who want to enhance their understanding of the emotional and physical aspects of childbirth and be able to better support their patients. This track is also used by knowledgeable individuals who do not want, or need, a certification program.
Both tracks offered by The Doula Group are facilitated by Mélissa Cowl, TDG Education Director. With more than three decades of teaching experience combined with thirty years of active doula work, Mélissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the training. We provide a safe and supportive learning environment where trainees can ask questions, share experiences, and practice hands-on techniques. The goal of these training programs is to equip doulas with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and knowledgeable support to pregnant people and their families. By the end of the program, trainees will have a deep understanding of the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and childbirth, and be able to provide compassionate care and advocacy to their clients. The Doula Group is committed to empowering doulas to make a positive impact on the birth experience of pregnant people and their families, and these training programs are an essential step towards achieving that goal.
