7 Essential Facts About Doula Certification Moms Want to Know
Doulas play an essential role in supporting the well-being of new parents. However, although postpartum doulas are becoming more well known and are positively featured in health care studies and respected publications, there is still a lot of confusion about doulas, their certification, and their role in the childbirth process. This page aims to answer some of the most common questions you may have about doula certification.
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How Do You Become a Doula?
The starting place for most doulas is their desire to do something solid and tangible to support families in their communities. The Center for American Progress recently wrote a report on community-based doulas and midwives, saying, among other positive things, that doulas are "leading the work to provide access to culturally competent prenatal, birth, and postpartum care and support for their communities." As a result, doulas are acknowledged as leaders in improving the well-being of their communities. This is why many people who feel they want a profession that makes a difference, the path of becoming a doula is so attractive.
The next step in becoming a doula is to act on this feeling by learning more, taking courses and training to become qualified and well-versed in supporting women and families through the childbirth process and beyond.
In addition to reading and seminars, shadowing experienced doulas to learn best practices and practical skills. Once the doula is competent or has completed training, they will either join an established doula service or set up a practice of their own.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Doula?
Doulas are often drawn to the field due to their wish to do more fulfilling work to make a difference. That is something they can achieve by supporting women and families. Many doulas come from other professions, and many of them continue to work while training. Because of this, most doula certification programs are self-paced so that students can tailor their education to work with their ongoing employment. Once their training is complete, they make the switch to becoming full-time doulas.
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Do You Need to be Certified as a Doula?
Many doulas choose to become certified, even though there is no requirement in California for them to do so. No universal doula certification exists, and training programs can vary. You may ask a potential doula about their training. Still, because doulas are non-medical professionals providing personal care, it is more important that their ideas around care fit well with yours than they have attended a particular school or program.
Are There Different Types of Doula Certifications?
There are several types of doula certifications and institutions that offer training and certification. Training for doulas is usually focused on their area of specialization. Some doulas only focus on support before and through labor, while others focus on breastfeeding, or postpartum, after birth care.
For instance, postpartum doulas often receive extra training on new mothers' unique nutritional and emotional needs after birth. This means they are specially equipped to support new parents as they welcome their newborn to the family.
What Topics Are Covered In a Doula Certification Course?
Receiving special care after birth is vital for both mother and child. But not every mom is lucky enough to be already surrounded by community support. The World Health Organization has reported that the postpartum period receives less attention from regular healthcare professionals than the prenatal and childbirth periods. Postpartum doulas are trained to fill that gap by providing a little extra help at a time when you most need it.
Depending on the institution where the doula has received their training, they may have learned about general topics like:
- birth-related topics such as breastfeeding
- the business of running their practice
- how to recognize postpartum mood disorders
- nutrition for new mothers
- ways to emotionally support the family as a whole
Does Doula Certification Expire?
As is the case with many professions, some doula organizations require proof of continuing education to continue to certify their alumni. Generally, recertification is done every 3 or 4 years, depending on the certifying institution.
Can Doulas Be Certified by More Than One Organization?
A doula can be certified by more than one organization, but it is not necessary. Some doulas choose to take courses from various sources to expand their knowledge base and continue their educations.
Your Guide to New Parenting Support
Imagine you are about to visit a tropical rainforest. It's an amazing and vibrant place filled with life, and you are excited to be there. At the same time, you may also feel a bit hesitant. A new experience in a place where it is easy to get lost, you aren't sure what to expect or where to go. You wouldn't want to enter the wilds without a guide that knows the way.
Being a new parent is a similar experience. It can be a beautiful thing, but it can also be stressful and full of unknowns.
Part of doula training, particularly for postpartum doulas, is focused on considering the whole person, going beyond the experience of pregnancy and birth. By being well-educated on how to help people navigate the system and offering their support, doulas can help women and their families access resources and fill the specific needs of their families. A doula doesn't work for the health care system. They are a part of your team, and they work for you.
A doula provides that extra help or guide that a new family needs to set off in the right direction. The process of empowering women during the vulnerable time after birth can have far-reaching effects. By easing transitions and making change more manageable, a doula can help you, as a new parent, gain the energy and power to strengthen and build family bonds.
In San Jose, CA, and Santa Clara County, Umi Care is your source for practical postpartum assistance. Call or contact us today to learn more about how we can help ease your transition to parenthood.
References:
- Community-Based Doulas and Midwives, Center for American Progress
- Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Doula, International Doula Institute
- Why having a companion during labour and childbirth may be better for you, World Health Organization