Section 1: Foundations of Doula Work
What is a Doula?
Scope of Practice for Birth Doulas
What Advocacy Looks Like for a Doula
HIPAA
History and Evolution of Doula Care
Impact of Modern Medicine on Birth Practices
The Birth of the Modern Doula Movement
Inclusive Language Practices for Birth Doulas
Section 2: Understanding Pregnancy
Glossary of medical terms
Glossary of Acronyms
Anatomy of reproductive system
Physiology of Conception and Pregnancy
Pregnancy as a life stage/developmental stage
Reproductive Justice & Access
Historical Context of Systemic Inequities
Barriers for LGBTQIA+ Communities
The Role of Doulas in Promoting Reproductive Justice
Doula Self-Awareness and Boundaries
Fertility & assisted reproduction awareness
Prenatal Tests & Vaccinations
Doula's Role in Supporting Pregnancy
Advocacy and Communication
Birth Preparation
Preparing for Labor
Educating Partners and Support People\
Section 3: Labor and Birth
Physiology of birth
Modes and settings of Birth
Types of Childbirth by Mode of Delivery & Intervention Level
Special Topics: Gentle Cesarean and Family-Centered Cesarean
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
Key Doula Mindset: Non-Judgmental, Flexible, Client-Centered
Planned vs unplanned birth experiences
Factors Affecting Labor
Signs and Stages of Labor
Birth Preparation and Exercise at Home
Section 4: EMPATHY model for doulas to offer support at all stages of labor & childbirth
Section 5: Effective Communication
Effective communication for Birth Doulas
Crisis Communication training
Section 6: Navigating Birth Environments: Hospitals, Birth Centers, and Home Birth
Birth Environments
Section 7: Anti-Racism & Bias Awareness in Healthcare
What Is Bias and Where Does It Come From?
Types of Bias That May Show Up in Birth Work
The Role of Implicit Bias in Birth Settings
Tools for Ongoing Self-Awareness
Creating a Safer Space for All Clients
Section 8: Informed Consent & Advocacy
The Advocacy Connection
Scenarios Where Informed Consent Is Often Overlooked
Informed Refusal
Cultural Sensitivity
Different Women, Different Bodies
LGBTQIA+ birth experiences — how to support trans, nonbinary, or queer clients giving birth.
Section 9: Trauma-Informed Support
What Is Trauma?
Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Support
Recognizing Trauma Responses in the Birth Space
Special Considerations
Practical Tools for Inclusive Doula Practice
Section 10: Postpartum Care
Emotional Wellness & Mental Health
Supporting Clients if You Suspect PMAD
Inclusive Feeding Language — support for breast, chest, bottle, and combo feeding without assumptions.
Feeding Support (Breast/Bottle)
Section 11: The Business of Being a Doula
Documentation
Branding, Marketing, Pricing
Contracts, Legal Considerations
Recordkeeping & Scheduling
Navigating Insurance, Medicaid, or Employer Benefits (like Carrot) — basic overview of how reimbursement may work.
Using Technology — scheduling, virtual support, maintaining boundaries on messaging apps, etc.
Interview skills and finding back ups
Doula practice/employment types
Section 12: Doula Resilience & Certification
Self-Care & Burnout Prevention
Debriefing and Reflection
Certification & Practicum Guidelines
Doula lifestyle considerations
Creating a resource list
