Professional Birth Doula Practice: A Guide to Supporting Families
Learn to provide compassionate physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant families throughout pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum.
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About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 30 lessons · 2h 57m
1
Foundations of the Profession
Understand the historical foundations, role, and boundaries of a doula.
- History of Birth Support
The evolution of the doula's role from ancient traditions to modern times.5 min - Who is the Doula Today?
A clear definition of the role, duties, and what a doula is not.6 min - Scope of Practice
The boundaries between non-medical support and clinical care.6 min - Essential Terminology
A glossary of key terms in childbirth and care.5 min - Professional Ethics
The ethical principles that guide a doula's conduct.6 min
2
Comfort Techniques and Physical Support
Master practical skills to alleviate pain and support labor.
- The Physiology of Pain
How pain works in childbirth and the non-pharmacological approach.6 min - Physical Comfort Measures
Massage, counter-pressure, and the use of water.7 min - The Art of Positioning
Positions to encourage the baby's descent and maternal comfort.6 min - Support in Active Labor
Specific strategies for the most intense stages of childbirth.6 min - Practical Comfort Scenarios
Real-world examples of how to adapt techniques to the client's needs.6 min
3
Communication and Empathetic Care
Develop inclusive and trauma-informed communication skills.
- Effective Communication Strategies
How to talk to clients to build trust and safety.6 min - Trauma-Informed Care
Recognizing and respecting clients' lived experiences during childbirth.7 min - Inclusivity and Diversity
Supporting diverse families with welcoming language and approaches.6 min - Active Listening
The technique of deep listening to understand unspoken needs.5 min - Continuous Emotional Support
Maintaining presence and calm throughout the entire journey.5 min
4
Navigating the Hospital Environment
Build collaborative relationships with the medical team.
- Hospital Dynamics
Understanding hierarchies and standard procedures in the hospital.6 min - Collaborating with Midwives
Working in synergy for the well-being of the birthing person.6 min - Relationship with Doctors and Nurses
Communicating professionally and non-confrontationally with clinical staff.6 min - Advocacy vs. Support
How to help clients assert their wishes without overstepping boundaries.6 min - Conflict Management
Maintaining professionalism in tense situations in the delivery room.6 min
5
Structuring the Journey with the Family
Plan and manage prenatal and postpartum visits.
- The First Prenatal Visit
Goals, key questions, and building rapport.6 min - Birth Planning
Helping clients draft a realistic birth plan.6 min - Birth Preparation
Educating clients on what to expect during labor.6 min - Immediate Postpartum Support
The first hours after birth and starting breastfeeding.6 min - The Follow-up Visit
Processing the birth experience and closing the professional journey.6 min
6
Starting Your Professional Practice
Manage the legal, ethical, and business aspects of a doula practice.
- Establishing Your Identity
Defining your mission and the services offered.6 min - Contracts and Agreements
Essential elements of a professional contract with the client.7 min - Business Ethical Standards
Managing payments, cancellations, and confidentiality ethically.6 min - Networking and Marketing
How to get known locally and collaborate with other professionals.5 min - Self-Care for the Doula
Preventing burnout and managing the emotional load of birth work.5 min
The Professional Doula Starter Kit
Create a welcome package for your future clients that integrates all the skills acquired.
What you'll get
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Certificate of completion
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Short & focused
2h 57m of practical content
Certificate of completion
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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