Serving Ontario families in Simcoe County, York Region, Dufferin County & North Toronto since 1995.
Supporting Families, Empowering Parents.
In-Person Birth Doula Training Course
with Mélissa Cowl
01
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.
03
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​
04
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 Accelerated Certification Program is an exceptional opportunity designed specifically for individuals who already obtained certification through an external organization and are now looking for a suitable alternative within Canada.
This comprehensive program is not limited to doulas; it also serves as an outstanding option for a variety of healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, chiropractors, and naturopathic doctors. By participating in this program, these dedicated professionals can significantly broaden the scope of services they provide to their clients, ultimately enhancing the overall care experience.
We warmly invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand your skill, allowing you to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those you support in your practice.
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.
