Entry Level Doula Training is a Certification Pathway aimed at educating & mentoring aspiring doulas in the DMV without medical background, about Maternal Mortality Rates, Maternal Health Care Crisis, Institutional Racism, and the stages of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum Period. This vigorous program is offered one time per year during Fall/Winter/Spring (September 2023- May 2024). It includes a combination of Online, Virtual, & In-Person Learning. Part 1 of training will be (September – December) strictly online self-paced learning. Part 2 of learning will be (January 2024-April 2024) Virtual & In-Person Learning. In-Person Written & Hands-On Skills Exams will take place May 2024. Graduation Date is June 2024.

Students will be required to attend weekly virtual or in-person meetings on Sunday’s from 2:00PM – 4:00PM starting January 2024-April 2024.

SCHEDULE A DISCOVERY CALL

Entry Level Doula Training Admission Requirements

In order to enroll in our Entry Level Doula Training Program, you must provide and complete the following below:

1. High School Diploma/GED

2. Must be at least 18 years of age.

3. Schedule a Discovery Call

4. Complete Official Registration

5. Attend Doula Orientation

The student must be able to complete all of the following requirements after their in-person training:

1.Must be available 24/7 to support birth and postpartum clients.

2. Support 4 Birth & 4 Postpartum Clients

3. Complete Childbirth Education Class

4. Complete Basic Breastfeeding Course

5. Obtain CPR Certification

6. Obtain NRP Certification

7. Doula Mentorship Program

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Module 1 : New Doula Orientation

2hrs.

Module 2 : The Black Doula Training Orientation

3hr.

Module 2 : Introduction to Women's Health

2hrs.

Module 3 : Introduction to Maternal-Infant Health

2hrs.

Module 4 : Introduction to Holistic Medicine

4hrs.

Module 5 : History of Midwives & Doulas

1hr. 30min.

Module 6 : Stages of Pregnancy

5hrs.

Module 7 : Prenatal Nutrition

1hr. 30min.

Module 8 : Medicalized Birth

1hr. 30min.

Module 9 : Labor & Delivery Complications

3hrs.

Module 10 : Medical Interventions & Procedures

2hr. 10min.

Module 11 : Integrating Doulas into Hospital Births

1hr. 50min.

Module 12 : Universal Policy & Procedures

1hr. 10min.

Module 13 : Anatomy of the Pelvis

1hr. 10min.

Module 14 : Perineal Tears and Trauma

1hr.

Module 15 : Introduction to the Postpartum Period

3hr. 10min.

Module 16 : Postpartum Complications

1hr. 40min.

Module 17 : Postpartum Mood Disorders

1hr. 10min.

Module 18 : Loss/Bereavement

1hr. 30min.

Module 19: Basics of Breastfeeding

3hrs.

Module 20: Introduction to Entrepreneurship

3hrs.

Module 21: Introduction to Doula Business

3hrs.

Module 22: Doula In-Person Skills Exam

8hrs.

Nikita Johnson

Chief Instructor

Nikita has been working in the field of Obstetrics & Gynecology for over 6 years working in hospitals and clinics. She is a Student Midwife in an Active Apprenticeship, Celebrity Doula/CEO of DMV Birth Doulas, Community Advisor at the Maternal Lab for The Harvard T Chan School in Boston, MA.

Lashea Haynes

Chief Program Facilitator

Lashea has been practicing in the area of obstetrical/perinatal nursing for nearly 26 years. Her clinical and educational experience and expertise span labor/delivery, antepartum and mother/baby areas.

Full Profile

Fall/Winter/Spring Cohort: Now Enrolling

Next In-Person Skills Day: May 11-12, 2024 – at The Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus – Baltimore, MD