This course is open to students enrolled in the Holistic Doula program. Students will progress through the following self-paced learning activities with the support of a Birth Institute instructor.
Time Commitment: Approximately 120-hours
Community Engagement
Students will bring theory to life and gain critical perspective on doula care in the local community by engaging in the following activities.
- Interview a local doula to understand her background, personal philosophy and experience
- Attend a professional doula association meeting or gathering in your area
- Document personal learning and development through a weekly reflection journal
- Observe a 2-hour birth education course with at least 4 clients in attendance
- Complete an adult/infant CPR certification course
Continuity of Care
Upon successful completion of all other requirements for the Holistic Doula program, students will be asked to find three clients within their home community to serve as a student doula. As students progress through each client interaction, they will be asked to submit related assignments and will have an opportunity to debrief and reflect upon their experience with their practicum instructor and online peer group.
- Conduct an initial intake visit, including the client and their spouse or birth partner
- Work with the client and her birthing team to develop a Birth Plan
- Visit/meet the client’s primary care-provider with the client
- Provide continuous presence throughout the birth, including 3 hours immediate postpartum
- Conduct at least 3 postpartum visits
Additional Requirements
Students who opt-out of study abroad as a service project must shadow one or more experienced doula(s) to complete the following requirements in addition to the requirements above:
- Observe prenatal care for 3 clients, including initial intake and development of a birth plan
- Observe 2 births in any setting (hospital, birth-center or homebirth), with continuous presence throughout the birth, including 3 hours immediate postpartum
- Observe 3 postpartum visits
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic doula skills via role-play assessment
- Observe a 2-hour birth education course with at least 4 clients in attendance
Students who do not complete the doula fieldwork practicum during the 8-week foundation course have up to 18-months to complete fieldwork requirements. Service Practicum experience does NOT count toward Fieldwork requirements.
Learn More
To learn more about the Holistic Doula program, please download the Course Catalog or Return to Program Overview.