Topics Covered
Topics covered are:
The
role and practice of a doula- Prenatal meetings and relationships
- Stages of labor: emotional and physical
- Physiology and anatomy of labor and birth
- Comfort and support measures for labor
- Common obstetrical practices
- Medical birthing and the doula's role
- Assisting in prolonged and/or complicated labors
- Client advocacy, birth plans, communication techniques
- Natural remedies and "tricks" for birthing women
- Birth Art, “coaching,” visualization, birth hypnosis
- Insights into the history of birth in America
- Breastfeeding and initial postpartum
- Starting a doula practice
- CAPPA certification process
Skills
and Information
Maternal Wisdom’s labor doula trainings extensively cover all aspects of labor support, as well as the medical aspects of birthing that are so common in today’s world. Anatomy and physiology are carefully covered. “Tricks of the Trade” is a fun part of this labor doula training. Students have a chance to practice many coping techniques, positions and “coaching” techniques with each other.
Another important component in assisting women in labor that I teach is breathing techniques. I teach a unique method called “the Swiss Method” along with other deep breathing exercises and vocalization tools. My trainings also prepare doulas for prenatal relationships, business skills and hospital interaction and collaboration. New techniques and methods of support are continuously added to enhance the training. Included are Mexican rebozo techniques, massage and acupressure, pelvic opening exercises and movements, herbal and homeopathic remedies, and much more!
The Art of Doula Work
The women trained by me are taught the subtle lessons of "being with women." These include becoming a “birth detective,” which means using many different skills and knowledge bases to gain information about what is going on with a woman in labor and what needs to be done or offered by the doula. Another component of this intimate training is learning to be a facilitator. This is a unique role that is fostered over time and experience. Some tools that Maternal Wisdom students gain in this area are the use of Birth Art, Guided Imagery/Hypnosis, Creating Affirmations, Good Listening Skills and the art of Trusting in Birth.
Comprehensive
Training Materials
Media presentations, small group work, take-home assignments, creative expression and practical applications are all components that make this labor doula training great! Students attending receive two training manuals that are included in the price of the training: a CAPPA manual and a Maternal Wisdom manual, with over 200 pages of valuable information, forms, articles, handouts and more. Students always have time to ask questions, gain clarity on subjects and explore ideas. My training also fulfills CAPPA’s certification requirement of attending a Childbirth Education class due the training's content and length and my certification as a Childbirth Educator.
