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Postnatal Doula - Course Syllabus

No other postnatal doula course covers the same depth of topics as you will cover with Childbirth International. In addition to the knowledge required as a Postnatal Doula , we also focus on supporting families with practical help, and developing communication skills.

The most comprehensive postnatal doula syllabus available!

During your training you will cover three main topic areas - Communication Skills, Postnatal Physiology and Postnatal Doula Skills. If you would like to read the full syllabus, you can download the information pack.

 

Communication Skills

Enhance your communication skills, enabling you to build strong relationships with clients. Topics covered include:

  • effective communication

  • language and communication

  • active listening skills

  • reflective practice and debriefing

  • diversity of clients

  • evidence-based care

  • grief and loss

Many of you will work as postnatal doulas in challenging environments. Perhaps the amount of medical intervention you see will lead you to feel uncomfortable, or those you are working with do not understand a postnatal doulas role. During the course you will explore these challenges and develop skills in building relationships with caregivers without compromising your professionalism or client's wishes.

One of the unique strengths of Childbirth International training is the focus on reflective practice. In the context of your doula training, reflection means looking at choices you have made in the past and what you have learnt from those, how they apply to your work as a doula. The student manuals walk you through reflective practice and you will learn how to apply the Childbirth International model of reflective practice. Your trainer will provide you with feedback and support on improving these reflective skills.
Read students comments about the communication topics

 

Postnatal Physiology

Gain a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the postnatal period. Topics covered include:

  • postnatal physiology of the mother

  • postnatal physiology of the baby

  • healthy eating and exercise

  • introduction to lactation

All student materials are focused on evidence-based care. Evidence-based means medical practice that is based on research. The opinions and thoughts of experts on childbirth and parenting are referred to throughout your student manuals - it is important to hear the views of others in the field to build your own knowledge base.
Read students comments about the physiology topics

 

Postnatal Doula Skills

Develop your hands-on skills as a Postnatal Doula, enabling you to provide the best care possible, and identify strategies for establishing and developing your business. Topics covered include:

  • becoming a birth and parenting professional

  • marketing and building your business

  • recognizing perspectives on birth and parenting

  • household support

  • postnatal education and support

  • baby care

Childbirth International is the only doula training organisation to have developed models and tools that can be used in your work as a doula. Many doulas become frustrated when clients make choices that are inconsistent with what they have said they would like. The strong focus on understanding perspective is a core component of the Childbirth International training programs. You will learn how to use these models and tools to enhance your relationships with clients and increase your enjoyment in your work.

"I thought that the doula skills section of the course takes the other two (Communication/ Physiology) and marries them. It's a great practical guide to applying doula techniques. This section of the course really gets a doula started on the right foot...loved the guide for what to pack in my doula bag! " - Amanda, California

Why cover these topics?

Many doula training programs focus on skills - the kinds of things you can do to help families during the early postnatal period. Why does CBI feel it is important to cover so much more? 

Being a postnatal doula is more than simply making healthy family meals or caring for an older sibling to give the new mother a chance to relax with her baby. Making difficult decisions about where the baby will sleep, which vaccinations to choose, how to calm a crying baby, learning how to breastfeed, dealing with unexpected events - all of these are things that a doula can help with. At CBI we make sure you have a thorough grounding in all these areas and more.

 

Those working in postnatal support often say that the toughest part of this work is coping with situations that you feel uncomfortable with, and struggling with the business side of being a doula. We have these both sorted!  As a student you will develop strong communication skills, learning the important skills of reflective practice and effective listening. You will also cover all the business aspects - how to build your client base, paperwork, forms and legal issues, advertising and promoting your business.

There is no doubt, Childbirth International can provide you with the most comprehensive training available!


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