What did students who have taken the Childbirth International course think about the communication topics?

"What I most enjoyed about this topic was that it challenged my communication skills and how effective they really were. I really enjoyed learning about listening techniques, active listening and how to listen effectively. I learned that my listening skills really needed to be addressed and refined and I have been actively practicing my new skills with everyone I talk to. I now love that when I talk to someone, whether it be family, friends or even someone interested in having a Doula or just looking for support, I know I am actually listening to them effectively. I love being able to do that for someone, that they might feel like they have been heard. I so appreciate being a good listener and communicator now because I know how valuable it is to have someone around who you feel understands you and that will sometimes just listen. I really enjoyed developing this skill." - Chantel, QLD, Australia

"It was very reflective and points out the power of language and communication. I liked focusing on how language can impact moms emotionally, especially since I did hypnobirthing, which also uses this idea. Overall, it really helped me to focus on simply figuring out what the client needs in order to try and meet those needs." - Cynthia, Japan

"I enjoyed the comprehensive overview of various listening styles and also the personal activities in the manual that helped me review my own style and shortcomings in listening. I also found the discussion concerning informed consent interesting and relevant both from an ethical standpoint and as it pertains to doulas." - Maria, Texas

"This topic helped me identify with others who don't share my beliefs and values. The manual covered all the necessary topics that a doula should know. I liked reading all the information and feel that it was very well put together." - Naara, New Jersey

"It was such a varied overlay of topics which are so important when dealing with the public, and in this case the intimacy of childbirth." - Laura, Greece

"I don't mean to be flippant but I really did enjoy everything. Although the most challenging, communication is the area of doula work that I am most interested it. It also provides the most scope for learning and refinement which I will endeavour to continue." - Mairead, Singapore

"I liked the section on Grief & Loss particularly I live in a part of the world where people either grieve privately or are encouraged not to grieve at all. The practical suggestions (i.e. mementoes, taking photographs in arms, seeing the baby, etc.) were very helpful." - Corinne, Virginia

"I most enjoyed reading about different ways to ask clients questions to dig deeper into how they are feeling about pregnancy, what they are afraid of, and their birth plans. I find that it is very important to be able to communicate clearly with the woman, her partner, primary care provider, and her family as much as possible to help her feel empowered throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatally." - Sonija, Washington DC

"I really enjoyed seeing the change in myself as I took my time going through the reflection process for a few months. I actually saw many of my ideals and thoughts change as I journeyed through the reflection process. That was really great for me to experience, because it was raw and unexpected." - Taryn, California

"I enjoyed the communication topic as a whole. I strive to be a better communicator since I love working with people so much. I would have to say I enjoyed the reflective practice portion the most. I had to focus on this much more because of keeping a reflective journal and writing the communication assignment." - Dawn, South Carolina

"I really like the Language and Birth unit. It has completely changed the vocabulary I use when I speak about birth to others. I have a whole new empowered, woman-focused vocabulary now and it's great. I never thought about the words I used before and what a negative connotation they have towards a woman's role in the birth process. I also enjoyed the reflective practice framework, because it gave me a much needed tool to work through some of the issues surrounding the birth of my second child. I will definitely use this as a debriefing tool." - Tina, QLD, Australia

"I think the communication unit should be required by all doulas attempting to certify. The ability to effectively communicate, and especially listen to women, is by far more important, in my opinion, then any hands-on techniques! I just can't express enough how strongly I feel that all doulas should be required to have these lessons. I have a BA in Social Work and many of the chapters are similar to what I learned in my college social work classes. I never thought I would be applying my social work skills to working with labouring women!" - Melissa, Ohio

"I was impressed with the topics covered. I liked learning about body language, and mostly the cultural differences. Since I am going to be a doula in a multi-cultured city, I feel it is important to learn the differences in the communication styles of different cultures. A lot of the information in this topic can be used outside of the doula role, in everyday life." - Ila, Texas

"I very much enjoyed the section on language and culture. My shire council area has the largest percentage of refugees in my city. I would very much like to be able to offer my services to these women, however what I consider to be appropriate with both language and culture may be offensive or inappropriate for these families. By doing this topic I have realised the importance of understanding and adapting what I say and do, in order to effectively communicate with this group of people." - Natasha, SA, Australia

"Before I began my doula training, I earned a four year degree in Social Work. I was at first skeptical that one module could teach communication skills effectively. The straightforward, basic approach was a pleasant surprise. I really appreciated the way the Communication module was laid out. It was helpful to go from discussing the main building blocks of listening to active listening and finally to reflective practice. Each section built on the next one to thoughtfully explain these skills." - Angi, California

"I have taught lectures on communication to small businesses. I thought there wasn't much more I could learn. I LEARNED! The reflective thinking assignment was very insightful. Also, the MPOWER module will be very helpful. Thanks!" - Katrina, Montana

"I think the best thing about this unit is that it exists, and that it is the biggest of all the manuals! I was overwhelmed at the idea of all the knowledge I would need to become a doula when I first started. This unit helped me to realise that the most important part of the job is just listening. Listening, reflecting, communicating. There is no use in having all the knowledge in the world if you can't express it, or use it in an effective way to apply to the needs of a particular person." - Leda, Belgium

"I enjoyed the very practical way that this manual was written, giving me the 'tools' to be able to communicate more effectively with my clients, peers, other caregivers and family. There were lots of excellent 'critical thinking activities' and I enjoyed the extra readings. As I have done previously with other manuals as I read through I underlined and starred those statements that were new to me or that I want to flag up for future reference....and there were many! One that stands out is: 'If you want to build a successful business you need to create relationships where people feel listened to, safe about expressing their feelings with you, and without anxiety when sharing part of their lives with you.'" - Fiona, Bermuda

"I really benefited from the active listening, reflective practice, and the challenge to not judge or push my own opinions when dealing with clients/colleagues/care providers. It's something that I feel will be an eternal struggle for me personally, and I will return again and again to this module for the skills to deal with it. I do feel that this may be THE most important module for Doulas; the skills contained in the Communications module are not ones that we tend to use on a daily basis in normal interactions, they require attention, work and mindfulness, and they form the foundation for the support a Doula should be equipped to offer. This module was absolutely essential for my growth and development as a Doula." - Felicity, TAS, Australia

"The wealth of information! I truly was enthralled with each unit of this topic. It was a real eye-opener for me. Not only have I gained a sense of what positive communication is, but I have also gained the tools necessary to strive for such a level of communication within all my relationships. I found the readings to be interesting and a perfect companion to the text." - Faygie, New York

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