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Entrenamientos de Doula

Doula Training for Certified Recovery Support Specialists is a project funded by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.

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About the Program:

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Our Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Doula Program offers a unique opportunity to become a trained birth doula free of cost with no requirement to attend births. 

 

​The goal of this collaboration is to be able to provide more comprehensive support to people who are simultaneously navigating pregnancy and substance-use recovery. ​​​​

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Through the program, participants will:

  • Receive free birth doula training through BirthWell Partners​

  • Mentoring and support in completing DONA Birth Doula Certification

  • Gain tools to promote healthier pregnancy and birth outcomes

  • Join a growing network of doulas and recovery professionals dedicated to improving maternal health in Alabama

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What Is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth.

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Doula support includes:

  • Meeting with clients during pregnancy to offer guidance, resources, and preparation for birth

  • Accompanying them during labor to provide comfort measures such as breathing techniques, relaxation, and positioning

  • Offering continuous emotional support and encouragement throughout the process

  • Meeting postpartum to support recovery, bonding, and newborn care

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Doulas do not perform medical tasks — their role is to empower, educate, and support families, helping ensure that parents feel seen, heard, and confident throughout their birth experience.

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A Note About Birth Work

Although this program does not require birth attendance, it’s important to understand what providing birth doula services entails should you choose to take that step in the future.

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Being a birth doula requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and flexibility. Births can happen at any time, and labor may last 24 hours or more. Doulas are typically “on call” for their clients from around the 37th week of pregnancy until birth.

 

Birth work can be incredibly rewarding, but please also consider your self-care needs and decide if providing this level of intense, one-on-one support is something you are emotionally prepared to do.  

Apply for Program

How The Program Works 

  1. Apply Online
    Complete our online application form below and submit all required documents.

  2. Attend an Interview
    Participate in our online interview process. (See below for upcoming dates.)

  3. Complete Training
    If selected, pay the $75 administrative fee and attend all dates of our Birth Doula Workshop.

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Please review the training timeline below. All listed dates are important and must be followed.

Work Study Timelines

Please note that starting in 2025, all approved applicants  will have to pay a $75, non-refundable administration fee. This fee signals your commitment to follow through with the program and covers associated costs including your background check.

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