Community Birth Doula Training & Certification Program
Entrenamiento Comunitario “Doula” De Parto Y Programa de Certification
Shine a light on the journey of support for mothers-to-be and their little ones. Step into the wonderful world of a
Certified Birth Doula. Provide comfort, guidance, and fierce support for empowering birthing journeys. This
32- hour course meets all the criteria to qualify to work as a Medi-Cal Doula in California.
Learn skills to support pregnant women and persons, provide support during labor and birth and help new parents care for their newborns.
During this comprehensive training, you will learn essential skills and knowledge to become a certified birth doula. Our experienced instructors will guide you through various topics such as prenatal care, labor support techniques, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, and much more.
By attending this program, you will gain hands-on experience, build a supportive community, and develop the confidence to provide compassionate care to expectant families. Whether you are already working in the birth field or starting a new career, this program will equip you with the necessary tools to make a positive impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to become a Certified Birth Doula and make a difference in your community.
Help prevent maternal mortality and infant mortality.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
ENGLISH:
4 Mondays: October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2024
8:30 am to 5:00 pm (PDT)
Location:
Mercado La Paloma
Community Conference Room (1st floor)
3655 S.Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90007
INSTRUCTORS:
Taught by Cordelia Hanna, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA
and Carla Michael, MSW, CD, CPD, CLE, CCE, CPYT
For more information,contact Carla Michael, Community and Professional Education Coordinato
EN ESPANOL:
Entrainmiento Nacimiento de Companeras de Parto
Winter, 2025
Llame o envíe un correo electrónico para ser incluido en la lista para recibir una notificación cuando se abra el registro.
ABOUT THIS TRAINING
Improving maternal and infant health outcomes is a critical mission, and our Community Birth Doula Training and Certification Program is at the forefront of this endeavor. We provide comprehensive training in evidence-based, culturally responsive care for expectant mothers and families. Our primary focus is on addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health, ensuring equitable care for all. With a strong commitment to birthing justice, we aim to guarantee that every family receives the essential support they need during this transformative period.
In addition to our doula training and certification program, we also offer staff training for health and human service providers. This training promotes a more compassionate, respectful and empowering approach to maternal and infant care, furthering our mission to enhance outcomes in this crucial area of healthcare.
Join us in making a real impact on maternal and infant health. Elevate your knowledge and skills through our program to contribute to a brighter and more equitable future for mothers and their babies. Join us in elevating your impact in maternal and infant health today!
ABOUT DOULAS
Doulas provide vital support to pregnant women and new mothers during the childbirth process. They offer physical, emotional, and informational assistance, which can be particularly helpful in a healthcare system where medical professionals may not always have the time to offer the same level of personalized care.
Here are some key ways doulas help mothers-to-be:
- Emotional Support: Doulas offer continuous emotional support to expectant mothers. They are there to provide reassurance, encouragement, and comfort, which can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with childbirth.
- Information and Advocacy: Doulas also educate women about their childbirth options and rights, helping them make informed decisions. They can advocate for their clients’ preferences and choices during labor and delivery.
- Physical Comfort Measures: Doulas are trained in various comfort techniques, such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning, to help ease the pain and discomfort of labor. These methods can complement medical pain management options if desired.
- Breastfeeding Support: Postpartum, doulas can provide guidance and support for breastfeeding, which can be a challenging aspect of early motherhood.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Doulas often strive to be culturally sensitive and inclusive, recognizing that different communities may have unique customs and practices related to childbirth.
- Reducing Disparities: Doulas are also advocates for reducing disparities in maternal health care. This is a crucial aspect of their work, as maternal and infant health disparities persist among persons of color in the United States, and doulas can play a role in addressing these issues.
- Modern Twist: While the concept of women supporting women during childbirth is ancient, modern doulas have adapted to the needs and expectations of contemporary mothers. This includes knowledge of medical procedures, hospital protocols, and the use of technology to stay connected with their clients.
What Doulas Do Not Provide:
- Diagnosis or Prescription: Doulas do not provide medical diagnoses or prescribe medications or treatments. They are not qualified to diagnose or treat medical conditions of pregnancy, childbirth or in the newborn.
- Perform Medical Procedures: Doulas are not authorized to perform medical procedures such as conducting vaginal exams, taking vital signs, or checking fetal heart rates. These tasks are the responsibility of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or midwives.
- Make Medical Decisions: Doulas do not make medical decisions regarding pregnancy, childbirth, or newborn care. Medical decisions are made by healthcare providers, including the pregnant individual and their healthcare team.
Doulas primarily offer emotional and physical support, guidance, and advocacy during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Their role is to empower and assist individuals in making informed choices about their birthing experience and to provide comfort and encouragement. They do not replace the role of medical professionals but complement it by providing additional support and information to the birthing person.
Doulas are essential on the pregnancy support team
In recent years, the role of doulas has gained recognition and importance in the field of maternal healthcare. Their services have been associated with improved birth outcomes, reduced intervention rates, and higher satisfaction levels among birthing individuals. Additionally, doulas contribute to a holistic and patient-centered approach to childbirth, enhancing the overall experience for mothers and their families. Doulas work collaboratively with the pregnant woman’s medical or midwifery provider co-facilitating safe and satisfying birth experiences for clients. Doulas are increasingly recognized as valuable members of the maternity care team and contribute to improving birth outcomes, such as lowering the risk for cesarean section.
Is Doula Care covered by Insurance?
Increasingly, HMO and PPO plans are including payment for Doula services. As of January 1, 2023, California’s Medi-Cal plan will include Doula Services as a covered benefit. Certified Doulas may apply for and receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for their services. This training will teach you how to become a Medi-Cal doula and start earning right away.
ABOUT COMMUNITY DOULAS VS. CONVENTIONAL DOULAS
The word “community” refers to doulas who are from particular ethnic communities where perinatal health disparities are highest. In the USA, persons of color are more likely than their Caucasian counterparts to experience poor birth outcomes such as higher rates of premature birth, low birth weight, cesarean section, maternal mortality and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. One of the solutions for addressing these inequities in maternal and infant health are to cultivate doulas from the impacted communities. Community Doulas are distinct from Conventional Doulas in that they are predominately persons of color from marginalized communities. They share similar life experiences, language and other cultural commonalities as the families they serve and this is an asset when providing support to BIPOC communities. In addition, the Community Doula has a longer period of time for which they provide support to their clients. They often begin the relationship in early pregnancy, and extend for several months after the baby is born. Whereas, Conventional Doulas usually start working with clients during the third trimester, provide labor and delivery support, and may or may not provide more than one postnatal visit. They are usually from the dominant racial group (white or caucasian) and most often serve Caucasian, college- educated, privately insured or self-paying clients.In contrast, Community Doulas serve low-income families who have Medi-Cal or Medi-Caid, or as a volunteer, Community Doulas also serve hard-to-reach and marginalized populations, such as adolescents, incarcerated women, those recovering from addiction, those experiencing domestic violence, homeless women, refugee women, immigrants, military families, etc.
Community doulas function like community health promoters; they are knowledgeable and supportive community members, who provide health education and health promotion activities in a specific community.
The difference between a community Doula and a “conventional” Doula is that community doulas are usually from the same background as the persons they serve. They may share ethnic and racial similarities, or have common backgrounds, such as being a teenage mother or a refugee or immigrant. They may share similar life experiences, such as being a member of a particular ethnic group or minority, or have shared aspects of culture, such as language. They may integrate specific cultural birthing traditions into their care, honoring cultural traditions of their clients.
Community Doulas, unlike conventional doulas, work with disadvantaged pregnant persons, often in public health settings, rather than working private practice with privately-insured (PPO) clientele.
Community Doulas may serve vulnerable pregnant people such as those in recovery from drug addiction, incarceration or parole; homeless, refugees or trafficked, victims of domestic violence, or pregnant adolescents in foster care. Community Doulas may serve LBGTQIA+ pregnant persons or recent immigrants unfamiliar with the American healthcare system, helping them to navigate and advocating for their rights and quality of care.
Community Doulas may serve specific ethnic communities. These include indigenous, Latinx and African-American communities, because pregnant persons from these communities experience the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality and Gestational Diabetes in America. There is also a growing need for Doulas from Asian and Native communities.
Community Doulas recognize the institutional and provider biases that exist in the health care system and are working to mediate their impact on BIPOC and low-income birthing persons. Community Doulas help birthing persons to mitigate the negative effects of social determinants of health, specifically racism and classism, and highlight potential ways to ameliorate these stressors. In other words, low-income and people of color report discrimination and mistreatment during pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas can help reduce the stress that pregnant people feel during incidences of microaggressions and racial discrimination. Doulas can help by listening and providing encouragement and tips to reduce anger, anxiety and fear.
The length of time the Community Doula spends with clients is extended, compared to conventional doulas. Community Doulas will meet with clients early in pregnancy, providing support throughout the pregnancy, and provide labor and birth support. The Community Doula will provide several follow-up visits in the clients home throughout the postpartum period and beyond.
RESULTS OF DOULA SUPPORT
Studies have shown that the presence of a doula can:
- Shorten length of labor
- Reduce medical interventions
- Reduce cesarean section
- Reduce use of pain medications
- Increase breastfeeding success
- Improve maternal-infant bonding
- Lower postpartum depression
- Improve overall maternal satisfaction with the birthing experience
ABOUT THIS TRAINING
Prerequisites
No prior experience is needed for this training. You do not have to have given birth to take this training. The only requirement is a fascination with pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, and love of babies and a sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of women and children.
Who Should Attend?
- Anyone interested in pregnancy and childbirth
- Mothers
- Grandmothers
- Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga Instructors
- Prenatal & Postpartum Massage Therapists
- Community Health Promoters
- Home Visitors working with pregnant women
- Case Managers working with pregnant women
- CPHWs
- CNAs and LVNs and RNs
- Students majoring in public health, nursing, medicine or social work
- Aspiring Midwives
- Medical students who want to become OB/GYN or Family Practice physicians
COURSE FORMAT
This class is a rigorous 32-hour course which takes place over four, 8-hour days. We meet once per week throughout the month.
We offer Spanish and English Courses. Materials are available in Spanish (for Spanish courses) and English. We can provide instruction in Spanish if requested,
For best success in this course, being a high school graduate with some college experience is helpful as the ability to read and write at the level of a college freshman or high school senior is required. There are writing exercises and readings and written reports which are required for certification.
TRAINING LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
The hours are 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM each day, with two 15-minute breaks morning and afternoon, and a one-hour lunch break.
The location is: Mercado La Paloma, Community Room (1st floor), 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007 (Downtown Los Angeles, near USC). Free parking at adjacent DMV lot.
COURSE MATERIALS
PowerPoint and 350-page Student Manual and Study Guide will be provided after registration. Manual, Study Guide and PowerPoint are in a downloadable PDF format. Students should bring a laptop or tablet to class for viewing class materials. When courses are offered remotely, Zoom link will be provided 48-hours prior to the course.
TUITION
Regular: $1000.00 per person is the full tuition rate.
Early Bird Rate: There is an early-bird rate of $900.00 per person. Early bird rates begin 3 months prior to the course and end 1 month prior to the course.
Group Registration: There is a group discount (4 or more people registering together) of $750.00 per person. This is deal for agencies who would like this course as a staff in-service, or for four friends registering together. Contact us to request an invoice if you are an agency. We also offer this course as an in-service training for groups for hospitals, clinics, non-profit organizations, etc. carla.michael@motherbabysupport.net to apply and make payment arrangements.
Student Discounts: $550.00 per person. We offer student discounts for student midwives, student nurses, pre-med and medical students, and public health students. School ID required.
Discounts for Graduates of our Postpartum Doula Training: For students who have completed our other trainings discount of $100 is offered. Reduced Tuition rate is $900.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available for low-income BIPOC persons who can commit to working with HMHBA as a volunteer while obtaining three births for certification over a period of one year. After certification, candidates will be qualified for employment with HMHBA. This is available through application and interview only. Please contact carla.michael@motherbabysupport.net to apply or call her at (626) 388-2191 ext. 3.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Certification is offered by Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance. The requirements are as follows, and are due within 6 months of completing the course:
- Participate in skill demonstration exercises and discussions in class;
- After the course, work with three (3) mothers/birthing persons providing labor support;
- Submit three (3) self-reports and three (3) client evaluations of your services;
- Complete required reading list and write and submit summaries of what you learned and how you will put the knowledge into practice;
- Complete Adult and Infant CPR Training; (take within 6 months of course and submit certificate);
- Complete HIPAA Training for Doulas (offered at no charge after training; self-paced);
- Complete Intro to Becoming a Medi-Cal Doula in California Training (offered after training; no charge; self-paced);
RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES
- Fee is $100 annually. Certification is good for two years; to pay renewal fee. Point your phone at the QR code below to make a payment.
- Read a peer-reviewed journal article (written within past 3 years) on any topic related to pregnancy, childbirth, doula support or midwifery:
- Write a 2-3 page summary on what you learned from this article and how you will apply it to your doula practice OR:
- Attend a workshop, training, seminar or conference related to childbirth, doula support, midwifery, lactation, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, maternal and infant health and submit proof of attendance (Certificate of completion) AND
- Write a 2-3 page summary of how you will apply the knowledge to your doula practice.
- Submit one Client Evaluation of your doula services.
- Submit one Self-Report on what you learned at this birth, what you would do differently and how this birth has helped you develop as a doula.
- Send everything together in one email to: Carla Micheal at Carla.Micheal@motherbabysupport.net.
DOULA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
After completing this course, participants will have the opportunity to volunteer with Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance to provide labor doula support to low-income families who cannot otherwise afford a Doula. You may use these experiences towards the requirements to attend three births for certification. You will have the opportunity to be mentored by experienced Doulas. To apply for this program, contact Doula@MotherbabySupport.net or call J. Tranae, Doula Program Coordinator at (626) 388-2191 ext. 2.
RATIONALE FOR THIS COURSE
National and state public health objectives such as reducing cesarean section, maternal mortality and prematurity and increasing breastfeeding rates are impacted by childbirth practices. The over-medicalization of normal childbirth has contributed to poorer outcomes for American mothers and babies than most other industrialized, Western counties. Doula Support is an evidence-based approach to reducing poor outcomes and contributing to better outcomes for moms and babies.
This course will educate maternal-infant health workers about evidence-based maternity care practices, help them gain skills to support their clients in making informed choices in childbirth; and increase their clients’ confidence for normal birthing. Focus of this course is on giving participants knowledge and skills for working with clients from communities where social and health disparities exist. This course focuses on working with low-income families in public health and community settings, with a special emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and Other Persons of Color (BIPOC).
COURSE GOAL
This course will help achieve program objectives for maternal-infant health including lowering rates of prematurity, infant mortality, maternal mortality and cesarean section among clients.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Module One: History and Anthropology of Childbearing
In this module, we take a look at childbearing throughout the ages. We learn that there is a human way of birth that spans all times and places from the dawn of time to the present. We learn that midwives and the upright posture are not only the traditional way of birthing but are scientifically proven to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Module Two: History of Reproductive Rights and The Natural Childbirth Movement in America
This module will focus on the history of reproductive rights in America, with an emphasis on historical eugenic practices inflicted upon women of color. We will also describe the resistance and activism of generations of reproductive rights advocates, midwives, doctors, public health professionals, community doulas and pregnant persons to reclaim childbirth from the medical profession and assert their autonomy and rights when making healthcare decisions.
Module Three: Perinatal Health Inequities and Disparities
This session focuses on the public health perspectives on Maternal-Infant Health and how the medical management of pregnancy and childbirth has contributed to poor birth outcomes such as prematurity, maternal mortality and morbidity, high rates of cesarean section, low rates of breastfeeding. From a human rights and social justice perspective, students will explore the social and historic reasons for perinatal health inequities and disparities and learn how to advocate for better healthcare for their clients.
Module Four: Cultural Awareness
In this session, we will discuss the various aspects of culture and concepts such as racism, prejudice, bigotry, implicit bias, white sensitivity, colorism, etc. and how they impact pregnant persons of color in the maternity care setting. We will also learn strategies for breaking the cycle of prejudice and working across cultures to create healthy birthing outcomes for all childbearing persons and their infants.
Module Five: Communication and Counseling Skills
This session will train participants in counseling and communication skills using The Three Step Strategy. They will also learn about several domains in which cultures differ and learn ways people from different cultures can communicate better.
Module Six: Understanding Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
In this session, participants will learn about the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, what is done in prenatal care and why, and the importance of prenatal bonding.
Module Seven: Evidence-Based Initiatives and Recommendations
In this session, participants will learn about evidence-based initiatives and recommendations for improving maternal care quality and outcomes.
Module Eight: First Stage of Labor
In this session, participants will learn about how the body works during labor and how the Doula can support the birthing person with informational support.
Module Nine: Children at Birth and Sibling Preparation
In this module, we will learn about the benefits and guidelines for siblings attending the birth. We will also learn about guidelines for sibling preparation.
Module Ten: The Sexuality of Childbirth
In this session, we learn about the psychosexual-spiritual nature of childbirth, and how Undisturbed Birth helps the process by releasing the birthing hormones. We also learn about when survivors of sexual abuse give birth, how a doula can facilitate a safe and satisfying birth experience for this special population. We also discuss guidelines for safe sexual intercourse during pregnancy.
Module Eleven: Coping with Labor, Labor Support Methods, and Support Techniques
In this session, participants will learn how to support women through the birth process with non-pharmacological methods of pain relief such as water immersion, position changes, breathing techniques, visualization, vocalization, and comfort measures. They will also learn how to support mothers physically and emotionally in the immediate postpartum period.
Module Twelve: Supporting Breastfeeding
In this session, we will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby, and we will learn about how the breasts make milk, how to establish a plentiful milk supply, and pumping and storage. We will also discuss how to help mothers position the baby at the breast, common problems of lactation and what a Doula can to do to help. In addition, we will discuss obstetrical interventions such as episiotomy and cesarean section and their impact on breastfeeding.
Module Thirteen: Promoting Informed Decision-Making: Choices in Childbirth
This session explores the options that childbearing families have including the place of birth (hospital, home or birth center) and type of care provider (physician or midwife) they choose. The advantages and disadvantages of each choice of birthplace and type of provider are discussed.
Module Fourteen: Medical Interventions for Childbirth
This session explores the medical procedures that are done in childbirth including pain medication options, induction of labor, obstetrical procedures and their advantages and disadvantages and indications for their use. Birth Plans are also described and discussed.
Module Fifteen: Cesarean, Cesarean Prevention and VBAC
In this module, we will discuss the indications for cesarean, and the risks and benefits associated for mother and baby. We will also describe options for planning a family-centered cesarean. We will also discuss the option of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), and how doulas can support mothers with this history.
Module Sixteen: The Amazing Newborn
In this session, participants will learn about normal newborn appearance and behavior and newborn medical procedures. We will also discuss the importance of parent-infant attachment, and several attachment parenting practices including co-sleeping, and Kangaroo Mothercare (KMC).
Module Seventeen: Care of Postpartum Mothers
In this session, the period immediately following birth up to 8 weeks after birth is explored. Physical and emotional changes experienced by new mothers will be described. Methods for educating and caring for postpartum mothers will be taught. Participants will also learn how to identify Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in their clients, and when to refer for professional psychological support.
Module Eighteen: Family Planning and Fertility Awareness Overview (Self-Study Module)
In this module, we will learn about the different methods of family planning and the doula’s role in educating families about family planning. We will learn about Natural Family Planning and contraceptive methods. We will also discuss Intraconception Health and reproductive life planning.
Module Nineteen: Ethics and Professional Issues
In this session, participants will discuss professional issues and principles ethical guidelines for doula work.
HIPAA Training for Doulas
We will provide training on how to protect clients’ privacy and confidentiality. Certification will be offered. This is a requirement for all California Medi-Cal Doulas.
Becoming A Medi-Cal Provider in CA
In this session, we will describe the process for doulas to become Medi-Cal providers registered with the California Department of Health Services.
Closing Circle
In the final session, participants will participate in a closing circle where they will have the opportunity to share what they have learned in the course and how they plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained when working with pregnant clients.
CO-COURSE LEADERS
Cordelia Hanna, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA- Principal Course Leader (English Course), Curriculum Developer
Email: Cordelia.Hanna@Motherbabysupport.net
Cordelia Hanna has been working in the field of maternity care for over 33 years. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Health Education and Promotion/Maternal Child Health from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California and her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Indiana University, Bloomington. Cordelia is currently pursuing her doctorate in Health Psychology at Walden University. Cordelia is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), the gold standard for professional health educators, accredited by NCHEC. She is also an ICEA-Certified Childbirth Educator, CAPPA-Certified Lactation Educator, and ALACE-Certified Birth Assistant who has taught Childbirth Preparation Classes and Breastfeeding Education to hundreds of couples in private practice, clinics, public health, hospital and community settings.
Ms. Hanna is an apprenticeship-trained midwife, who has worked as an Assistant Midwife and Labor Companion/Monitrice in homes, birth centers, and hospitals throughout Los Angeles County and Oregon since 1991.
Cordelia is passionate about promoting indigenous health promoters– breastfeeding peer counselors and doulas and community midwives– to address ethnic health disparities such as low rates of breastfeeding, high rates of prematurity cesarean section, and maternal and infant mortality occurring in communities of color. Cordelia thinks about maternal-child health globally and acts locally. Cordelia worked as Preview Changes (opens in a new tab)a Perinatal Health Educator and Promoter for The Pasadena Public Health Department Black Infant Health Program from 2002-2012, a California Department of Health-funded program to reduce African-American/Black perinatal health disparities. Here, along with her mentor and collaborator the late Ms. Geraldine Perry-Williams, PHN, MSN, CD, CLE, LCCE, she initiated and managed a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and established the very first Community-Based Doula Program for African-American/Black families in Los Angeles County; succeeding in lowering the high rates of infant mortality and cesarean section among Pasadena’s African-American population.
From 2011 to 2019, Cordelia worked with Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promatora de Salud/Community Health Worker Program, providing training on perinatal and lactation education and doula support, for Community Health Promoters/Promatores de Salud working in South Los Angeles, one of the Los Angeles county regions with the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality due to negative social determinants of health.
Personally, Cordelia is a mother of two home-born, breastfed, and family-bedded, attachment-parented children who are now bright and capable young adults. She is a grandmother of two granddaughters and a grandson. Her life partner is from Ghana, West Africa, and they enjoy an international lifestyle spanning two continents.
Carla Michael is an advocate for maternal and child health and a multifaceted professional with a deep-rooted commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.
In addition to her MSW, Carla holds several certifications and qualifications that make her a well-rounded expert in her field. As a Full Circle Doula, she’s passionate about providing holistic support to expectant mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Her dedication to empowering women during this transformative journey is further exemplified by her certification as a certified lactation education specialist, ensuring that mothers receive the guidance and resources they need for successful breastfeeding.
A registered yoga teacher, Carla recognizes the importance of physical and mental well-being during pregnancy and beyond. Her yoga expertise allows her to offer valuable guidance on maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which is especially crucial for expectant mothers.
Carla’s journey towards becoming a midwife reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With a keen focus on maternal and child health, she’s working tirelessly to make childbirth a safer and more equitable experience, particularly for Black mothers and babies.
As a mother of three, Carla brings a personal perspective to her advocacy efforts. Her own experiences have fueled her dedication to creating a world where every Black family has access to the care and support, they deserve.
Her involvement with initiatives like AAIMM (African American Infant and Maternal Mortality) of Los Angeles County demonstrates her commitment to addressing racial disparities and promoting equitable healthcare. Through her work and passion, Carla is making a significant impact in the field of maternal and child health, ensuring that every mother and baby has the opportunity to thrive.
Carla is Manager of our Community and Professional Education and is Program Director, Generating African American Infant and Nurturers’ Survival Initiative (GAAINS) Postpartum Doula Program. Carla co-teaches our professional trainings coordinates our scholarship and certification programs and community perinatal health education classes for expectant parents. She looks forward to sharing her wisdom and experience with you in this training.
INSTRUCTORA DE ESPAÑOL (por entrainmientos en Espanol)
Ines “Augie” Rigual, CD, CPD, IBCLC, LCCE
Email: augiedoula@yahoo.com
Ines Augie Rigual es Doula Avanzada de DONA y está certificada con DONA International desde hace 15 años, habiendo trabajado también en el Comité de Certificación de DONA International. Implementó y supervisó un programa de doulas comunitarias en el condado de Osceola, Florida, durante seis años a través de una subvención del Fondo Onza de Prevención de Florida, habiendo logrado la meta de reducir la tasa de cesáreas en un 14 % durante los primeros dos años en dos hospitales. en el condado A través de este programa comunitario de doulas, brindaron educación sobre el parto y servicios de doulas a las reclusas de la cárcel del condado de Osceola en Florida. Augie se convirtió en capacitadora de doulas de nacimiento en 2013 y ha estado ofreciendo capacitaciones principalmente en Puerto Rico, donde dos de los hospitales ya han capacitado a la mayoría de sus enfermeras de trabajo de parto y parto en un esfuerzo por reducir las tasas de cesáreas del hospital. Estas capacitaciones en hospitales han incluido médicos que han sido educados sobre lo que realmente es una doula y entienden el trabajo de la doula. Se ha capacitado en la República Dominicana, donde un médico obstetra se capacitó y ahora es una entrenadora de DONA Doula para su país. Augie ha estado ofreciendo capacitaciones de DONA Birth Doula en español en otros estados que tienen grandes comunidades hispanas como Utah y Carolina del Norte. Como educadora de parto de Lamaze durante los últimos 18 años, Augie ofrece clases de educación de parto en inglés y español semanalmente para dos departamentos de salud del condado en Florida. En 2010, Augie se certificó como IBCLC y se recertificó en 2015. Estableció el Grupo de Posparto CAFÉ en el Hospital Winnie Palmer para Mujeres y Bebés y este programa se extendió al Departamento de Salud del Condado de Osceola, Florida, donde el grupo todavía se reúne todos los miércoles por la mañana. . El CAFÉ no solo ofrece apoyo para la lactancia sino también apoyo posparto en general y se ha convertido en el lugar donde las mamás sienten que pueden ayudar a otras mamás y sentirse bien consigo mismas. CAFÉ significa Compasión, Apoyo (Apoyo), Fe y Educación. Augie es el especialista en programas de la Coalición Healthy Start del condado de Osceola, Florida.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Carla Michael, MSW, Community and Professional Education Coordinator
Telephone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 or Carla.Michael@motherbabysupport.net
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation must be made in writing by deadline (30 days prior to course). Tuition will be reimbursed less $50.00 administrative fee if notification received by this date. After this date, there will be no refunds. However, in extenuating circumstances such as documented illness or emergency, the tuition is fully transferable to another person or training (this course or another topic); credit is good for the amount of training. If course registering into is higher price, the additional balance will be required. If it is a lesser price, there will not be any refund of balance. Credit will be honored for one year from the training. If not used by that time, the credit will expire.
Special Cancellation Policy for Doulas: If you are “on call” and have a birth during the training, please notify instructor as soon as possible that you will not be attending. The full tuition will be transferred to another person, or different training (this course or another topic) to be used within one year of the training date. If course registering into is higher price, the additional balance will be required. If it is a lesser price, there will not be any refund of balance.