Birth Doula Training
BirthWell Partners is committed to growing the doula workforce in Alabama. We host multiple, DONA-Approved Birth Doula Trainings each year. Those with financial need can apply to our Work-Study program to receive FREE training, mentoring, and hands-on experience with clients. Work Study priority areas for 2023 include: residents of the City of Birmingham, residents of rural counties, and Certified Recovery Support Specialists.
DONA-Approved Birth Doula Training:
Birth Doula Training- meets DONA's certification requirements for attending an "Approved Birth Doula Workshop" as well as the "Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas"
Breastfeeding Support Training- meets DONA's certification requirement for a "Basics of Breastfeeding" class
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Together, these meet all classroom education requirements for certification with DONA International.
The Perinatal Health Advocate Training is required for doulas providing services to BirthWell clients, and recommended for anyone interested in supporting under-resourced and/or marginalized families to address inequities in health outcomes. This class is not required for DONA certification.
This is an IN-PERSON training
taking place in Birmingham, AL
Interested in hosting a workshop for your organization or group? Contact us at 205-614-3297.
Thank you to our 2023 workshop sponsor
Adrian Ward, LMT Relaxation Room
Volunteer Doula Opportunities- Gain experience while serving our community. Prospective volunteers must attend our Breastfeeding Support Training, Perinatal Health Advocate Training and attend an Orientation.
Birth Doula training
Learn how to support individuals through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. This multi-day workshop is one step in the process of becoming a DONA International Certified Birth Doula.
Do you want to be a Birth Doula?
This training meets 2 of the education requirements for DONA Birth Doula Certification: a DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshop and Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas
Birth Doula Trainings are held multiple times a year in Birmingham.
Cost: $750
What you'll learn:
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Why birth matters
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What doulas do before, during, and after labor & birth
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The proven benefits of doula support
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Labor support techniques
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The evidence on common labor practices
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Pain coping techniques
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and MUCH more
Who should take this course?
Anyone who works with people during their childbearing years:
Doulas, nurses, midwives, community health workers, WIC providers, social workers, Early Head Start/Head Start staff, support group facilitators and more...
Work-Study- If the cost of doula training is a barrier, you may qualify for a work-study position. Recipients receive free training in exchange for providing doula services for up to 3 BirthWell clients
NEW!!!
If you've attended a BirthWell DONA International Approved Birth Doula Workshop before, and want to REFRESH, RENEW, RESTART... you can register for our workshop for only $400!!
Not DONA certified yet? Your workshop expired? We've got you! Register today at this special price and complete your DONA Certification using DONA's new/streamlined process!
It's a new and improved training. JOIN US!!
When you attend a BirthWell DONA International Approved birth doula workshop you ALSO get:
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Monthly book club meetings
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Support in completing your DONA Intl. Birth Doula certification application
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Mentoring from BirthWell staff who are all DONA certified birth doulas!
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Refresher classes several times a year
AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!
Lactation basics for doulas
WEbinar by dona international
This webinar meets the requirements for DONA Int. Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula certification.
Cost: $65 ($55 for DONA members)
This is an on-line, self paced training created by Anne Grauer and Tonya Daniel; DONA trainers. The time to complete is about 4 1/2 hours, divided into 7 modules. Do them all at once, or over time... you decide!
Complete the webinar before you join Dalia for a one hour review in-person (see class training schedule for date/time details.)
What you'll learn:
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Why breastfeeding is important
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Skills to get breastfeeding off to a good start
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How to identify an effective latch
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Ways to meet clients where they are and provide useful information about breastfeeding
Who should take this course?
Anyone who works with people during their childbearing years:
Doulas, lactation specialists, nurses, midwives, community health workers, WIC providers, social workers, Early Head Start/Head Start staff, support group facilitators and more...
Do you want to support breastfeeding success?
BirthWell Partners Doulas must attend DONA's Breastfeeding Training and Dalia's hands on review
Perinatal Health Advocate Training
A Perinatal Health Advocate is a Community Health Worker who focuses on connecting families with resources and support for pregnancy, birth and for parenting.
What you'll learn:
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Awareness of Maternal and Infant Mortality rates, both how they are calculated and how our community compares nationally and internationally
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How the environment in which a parent lives affects their pregnancy and birth
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How to connect families to the resources they need to complete healthy pregnancies
Who should take this course?
Everyone who is concerned or wants to learn more about health inequity: Doulas, lactation specialists, nurses, midwives, community health workers, WIC providers, social workers, Early Head Start/Head Start staff, support group facilitators and more...
Do you want to be a Perinatal Health Advocate?
Perinatal Health Advocate Trainings are held 2-3 times a year in conjunction with our regular Birth Doula Trainings.
BirthWell Partners Doulas must attend a Perinatal Health Advocate Training.
Cost: $40
About the trainer:
Executive Director of Program Operations
Dalia Abrams, M.A., M.P.H.
BDT(DONA), CD(DONA), LCCE, CLC
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Dalia is the co-founder of BirthWell Partners. She is a DONA International approved Birth Doula Trainer, a DONA certified Birth Doula, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and a Certified Lactation Counselor. She has been engaged in birth work, supporting growing families since 1996.
Volunteer with Us!
Gain hands-on experience, benefit from mentoring and support from Birthwell Partners staff, and serve families that cannot afford the cost of a doula. Volunteers are the HEART and HANDS of BirthWell Partners!
How to volunteer:
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​Complete our DONA approved Birth Doula Training, or, if you are already certified or have completed a doula training, contact Dalia to see if you can join us!
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Attend Perinatal Health Advocate Training
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Attend Breastfeeding Support Training (or get a waiver from Dalia)
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Attend a BirthWell Partners Doula Orientation
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Have a Valid Driver's License and proof of automobile insurance
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Complete a background check