Doula Training Course

Lesson 1 • Defining the Doula Role

Clarifies what doulas do and do not do across birth, postpartum, and end-of-life contexts. Prevents scope confusion before clinical content begins.

Lesson 2 • Evidence Base for Doula Support

Reviews landmark research on continuous labor support outcomes. Students interpret study findings to articulate the value of doula care.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Boundaries

Introduces ethical principles governing doula conduct, including confidentiality and non-judgment. Establishes the behavioral standards expected throughout training.

Lesson 1 • Variations and Complications Overview

Introduces common labor variations such as prolonged labor and precipitous birth. Students learn to recognize warning signs requiring immediate clinical escalation.

Lesson 2 • Reproductive Anatomy for Doulas

Covers uterine, cervical, pelvic, and fetal structures relevant to labor support. Provides anatomical vocabulary used throughout all subsequent clinical chapters.

Lesson 3 • Stages and Phases of Labor

Defines early, active, and transition phases plus second and third stages. Students map support strategies to each physiological stage.

Lesson 4 • Hormones of Labor and Birth

Explains the roles of oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline, and prolactin in labor progression. Links hormonal physiology to practical comfort and positioning strategies.

Lesson 1 • Emotional and Psychological Preparation

Addresses fear, trauma history, and anxiety that affect labor readiness. Students apply evidence-based techniques to build client confidence and resilience.

Lesson 2 • Establishing the Doula-Client Relationship

Covers initial consultations, contracts, and expectation-setting conversations. Builds the relational foundation required for effective labor support.

Lesson 3 • Nutrition, Movement, and Prenatal Wellness

Reviews evidence-based prenatal wellness practices within the doula's non-clinical scope. Empowers clients with lifestyle strategies that support optimal birth readiness.

Lesson 4 • Birth Preferences and Informed Decision-Making

Guides clients through creating realistic, flexible birth preference documents. Teaches the BRAIN framework to support autonomous, informed choices.

Lesson 1 • Breathing, Relaxation, and Mind-Body Tools

Teaches patterned breathing, progressive relaxation, and guided imagery for labor coping. Students practice leading clients through each technique in real time.

Lesson 2 • Positioning and Movement in Labor

Teaches evidence-based maternal positions that promote fetal descent and reduce pain. Students practice hands-on guidance for each position safely.

Lesson 3 • Touch, Massage, and Counterpressure

Develops hands-on skills including sacral counterpressure, hip squeezes, and effleurage. Emphasizes client consent and adapting touch to individual preferences.

Lesson 4 • Hydrotherapy and Heat and Cold Therapy

Covers the use of showers, tubs, warm compresses, and cold packs for pain relief. Students learn contraindications and safe application protocols.

Lesson 1 • Birth Center and Home Birth Support

Highlights the unique dynamics of out-of-hospital birth settings. Students adjust comfort strategies and emergency awareness for lower-intervention environments.

Lesson 2 • Cesarean Birth Support

Prepares students to support clients before, during, and after planned or unplanned cesarean birth. Focuses on maintaining connection and reducing fear in the operating room.

Lesson 3 • Hospital Birth Environment Navigation

Familiarizes students with hospital protocols, staff roles, and physical layout. Prepares doulas to collaborate professionally within institutional settings.

Lesson 4 • Epidural and Pharmacological Pain Relief

Covers the epidural process, its effects on labor, and the doula's adjusted role. Students maintain active support without replacing the client's informed choice.

Lesson 1 • Newborn Transition and Immediate Care

Explains normal newborn adaptation including breathing, color, and temperature. Students support parents in understanding newborn behavior without replacing clinical assessment.

Lesson 2 • Initiating and Supporting Breastfeeding

Teaches the doula's role in facilitating the first latch and early breastfeeding success. Students apply basic latch guidance and know when to refer to a lactation specialist.

Lesson 3 • The Fourth Stage of Labor

Covers physiological and emotional changes in the first two hours postpartum. Students monitor for normal recovery and recognize signs requiring clinical attention.

Lesson 1 • Supporting Diverse Family Structures

Addresses the unique postpartum needs of single parents, LGBTQ+ families, and adoptive families. Students adapt language and support strategies to honor each family's identity.

Lesson 2 • Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Teaches recognition of postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Students apply screening awareness and referral pathways without providing clinical diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Physical Recovery Support

Covers postpartum physical recovery including perineal healing, cesarean incision care, and fatigue. Students provide comfort measures and evidence-based self-care guidance.

Lesson 4 • Infant Feeding Ongoing Support

Extends breastfeeding and formula-feeding support across the postpartum period. Students troubleshoot common feeding challenges and facilitate appropriate referrals.

Lesson 1 • Certification, Continuing Education, and Growth

Maps pathways to professional certification and ongoing skill development. Students create a personal professional development plan aligned with their career goals.

Lesson 2 • Business Structure and Legal Foundations

Covers business entity options, liability insurance, and regulatory registration requirements. Students select an appropriate structure and understand their professional obligations.

Lesson 3 • Contracts, Policies, and Client Management

Establishes professional agreements that protect both doula and client. Students draft key contract clauses and implement clear cancellation and backup policies.

Lesson 4 • Marketing and Client Attraction

Develops a professional online presence and referral network to attract ideal clients. Students create a brand message that communicates their unique value.