Community Birth Doula Training & Certification Program

Entrenamiento Comunitario “Doula” De Parto Y Programa de Certification

 

 

Be a beacon of light and safe space of support for mothers on the journey of childbirth.

 

Make a difference in the lives of pregnant women and their newborns. Support and advocate for pregnant women through every stage — pregnancy, childbirth, and early postpartum. Become a Certified Community Birth Doula to provide comfort, guidance, and vigorous support, advocacy and empowering birthing experiences. This 32-hour, 4-day course qualifies you as a Medi-Cal Doula in California, certified by Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance.

Learn to support pregnant individuals, assist during labor and delivery, and help new parents care for their newborns. Our comprehensive training is led by experienced instructors, including midwives, advanced doulas, childbirth educators, and public health professionals with over thirty years of experience. The training covers essential topics such as prenatal care, the labor process, labor support techniques, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and The history and anthropology of childbirth and reproductive rights, with a focus on the injustices faced by communities of color, and the role that Community Doulas can play in advocating for Birthing Justice. Help to end maternal and infant mortality and promote respectful, violence-free obstetric care.

This program offers a great chance to expand knowledge, gain practical skills, connect with a supportive community, and build confidence in providing compassionate, respectful, and safe care.

Scholarships are available for low-income BIPOC women, along with apprenticeships and employment opportunities after certification. Whether you’re new to birth work or contemplating a career change, this program equips you to make a meaningful difference. Don’t miss the chance to become a Certified Community Birth Doula and positively impact your community.

 

ENGLISH:

FOUR SATURDAYS, MARCH 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026 | 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (PST)

WE ARE OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOW INCOME BIPOC INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE THIS TRAINING! APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 27, 2026.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP IS FEBRUARY 27.

Click here to complete the application.

REGISTER HERE

Early Bird Rates, Group Discounts, Student Rates, Payment Plans, Discounts for Graduates of HMHBA Courses

Location:

Mercado La Paloma, 3655 South Grand Ave. (Community Room, Ground Floor) Los Angeles, CA 90007 

https://www.mercadolapaloma.com/directions-parking

EN ESPANOL:

Entrainmiento Nacimiento de Companeras de Parto, Los Angeles County, CA

Otoño, 2026

llame o envíe un correo electrónico para ser incluido en la lista para recibir una notificación cuando se abra el registro.

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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 can also offer this course as an in-service 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.The Community Birth Doula Training and Certification Program offers comprehensive, evidence-based, culturally responsive care for expecting mothers and families, focusing on reducing racial disparities and promoting equitable and respectful care.

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!

This exceptional training, guided by caring and knowledgeable instructors—including experienced midwives, doulas, and public health experts—focuses on promoting birthing justice for women of color. I spent a lot of time exploring various doula training programs, and I chose this one because of their strong commitment to addressing the maternal health crisis in our country. In just four days, I gained more knowledge than I did in four years of college! Now, I truly feel ready and excited to start offering my services as a Doula. I wholeheartedly recommend this training—it’s truly the best investment I’ve ever made myself!”. – Adriana C., Graduate of Community Birth Doula Training, 2024.

ABOUT DOULAS

 Doulas ensure families receive essential support, providing physical, emotional, and informational assistance during childbirth, especially in a complex healthcare system, where medical doctors  and nurses don’t 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 and premature births.

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 includes Doula Services as a covered benefit. Certified Doulas may apply for and receive Medi-Cal reimbursement for their services. We will teach you how to become a Medi-Cal doula and support you through the process so you can start earning right away.

What is the Employment Outlook for Certified Doulas?

Increasingly, Certified Doulas are employed by public health departments, community clinics, and public hospitals and, as independent contractors, where they can earn up to $10,000 per month.

ABOUT COMMUNITY DOULAS VS. CONVENTIONAL DOULAS

The term “community” refers to Doulas from specific ethnic groups that experience high perinatal health disparities. In the USA, people of color often face worse birth outcomes compared to their caucasian counterparts, including higher rates of premature birth, low birth weight, cesarean sections, maternal mortality, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). A meaningful way to address these disparities is by cultivating Doulas from these communities.

Here are some key differences between Conventional Doulas and Community Doulas:

Conventional Doulas:

• Care typically begins in the third trimester, focus is on labor and delivery support, and may only have a single postnatal visit; care usually ends at 1 or 2 weeks. 
• Often part of the majority racial group and tend to serve clients who are college-educated, privately insured, or self-paying and are of higher socioeconomic status.
• Are often college-educated, caucasian, and middle or upper class.

Community Doulas:

• Are often from marginalized backgrounds; such as being a person of color or an immigrant, or having been a teenage mother.
• Connect with families through shared life experiences, language, and cultural ties, which helps them provide better support for their BIPOC communities.
• Offer longer-term support, starting early in pregnancy and continuing for several months after birth.
• Dedicate their care to low-income families who have Medi-Cal or Medicaid.
• Serve disadvantaged groups such as pregnant adolescents, pregnant women in correctional facilities, those recovering from addiction, victims of domestic violence, the unhoused, undocumented,  refugees and immigrants.

Community Doulas are community health promoters; they are knowledgeable and supportive community members, who provide health education and health promotion and outreach  activities in targeted communities. Community Doulas are Community Health Workers focused on specific health issues, such as ending infant and maternal mortality and  increasing breastfeeding rates.  

The difference between a community Doula and a “conventional” Doula is community doulas  are typically from the same background as the individuals they support. They might share ethnic or racial identities or have common experiences, like being a teenage mother, refugee, or immigrant. They often share similar life stories, such as belonging to a particular ethnic group or minority, and may incorporate cultural birth traditions into their care to honor their clients’ cultural practices, such as the use of Rebozos during labor, or incorporating African healing traditions for maternal recovery.

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 groups include indigenous, Latinx, and African-American communities, where pregnant individuals face high maternal and infant mortality and Gestational Diabetes rates. There’s also growing demand for Doulas from Asian and Native communities.

Community Doulas recognize the institutional and provider biases that exist in the health care system They are dedicated to supporting BIPOC and low-income birthing individuals by helping to reduce the negative effects of social factors like racism and classism. Community Doulas work closely to find ways to improve these challenges, ensuring mothers-to-be feel more supported and cared for during this important time. 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 incidents of microaggressions and racial discrimination. Doulas are there to listen, offer encouragement, and share helpful tips to support expectant mothers in reducing anger, anxiety, and fear such as mindfulness techniques and affirmations.

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 up to three to six months afterwards.

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

Dates:  Four Sessions: Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026

Hours:  8:30 AM TO 5:30 PM each day, with two 15-minute breaks morning and afternoon, and a one-hour lunch break.

Location: Mercado La Paloma, 3655 South Grand Ave. (Community Room, Ground Floor) Los Angeles, CA 90007 

COURSE MATERIALS

PowerPoint and 365-page Student Manual and 150-Page 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. For in-person trainings, we will provide paper materials. There will be a Pre- and Post-Test administered at this training as part of the certification process.

TUITION

Regular: $850.00 per person Registration Ends on February 27, 2026.

Early Bird Rate: $700.00 per person. Early bird rates begin January 2, 2026 and end on Feb 2, 2026.

Group Registration: $650.00 per person. There is a group discount (4 or more people registering together) of $850.00 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. Contact us for more information.

Payment Plans: $100.00 deposit. Payment of deposit required at registration. Balance is due one week prior to the course. Contact Training@motherbabysupport.net or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 to apply and make payment arrangements.

Student Discounts: $550.00 per person. We offer student discounts for student midwives, nursing and pre-nursing students, pre-med and medical students, and public health students. School ID required.

Bundle Two: $350.00. Register for Heart and Hands Postpartum Doula Training at same time as the Community Birth Doula Training and  receive $500 off of your tuition for this course.

Discounts for Graduates of HMHBA Training Courses: $750.00. For alumni who have completed our other trainings  discount of $100 is offered. Please submit your Certificate of Completion at registration. Email it to: Training@motherbabysupport.net.

Work-Study Scholarship: We have one work-study scholarship available for this course. Must be low-income and provide proof of income eligibility (EBT card or  Medi-Cal card). You may apply if you meet the income requirements, and  do not qualify as a BIPOC. Commitment is 3 hours per week pre-course, 9 hours per day during each day of course, and 3 hours per week for 2 weeks post-course. Interview is required. Contact Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 for more information.

Low-Income BIPOC 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 Training@motherbabysupport.net to apply or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3. Do not register until you have completed the application, and had an interview and receive an email saying you were selected. Applications Accepted from October 15, 2025 to February 27, 2026. Spaces are limited. The recipients of the scholarships will be announced on March 1, 2026.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

1. Describes the major historical milestones in the history of childbirth, describes the impact of historical injustices, racism, micro-stressors, and discrimination on maternal and infant health among women and infants of color and LGBTQIA+ birthing persons and applies strategies to ameliorate stress related to these experiences.
2.  Demonstrates effective communication and counseling skills when working with clients; and exemplifies key aspects of cultural awareness and humility when working with clients across diverse cultures.
3.   Instills confidence in clients for giving birth, breastfeeding and caring for their newborns.
4. Identifies the anatomy of the female pelvis, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, perineum, vagina, labia, and describes the physiology of labor and birth and the role of hormones in labor.
5. Demonstrates labor support methods and techniques such as position changes, use of birth equipment such as hospital beds, birth balls, birth chairs, rebozos, birthing bars, etc, demonstrates pushing techniques and positions for second stage, breathing exercises, visualization, vocalization, use of affirmations, water immersion, energy work, etc.
6. Demonstrates knowledge of the definition, spelling, pronunciation, and proper use of terminology in the prenatal and obstetrical setting. Provides clear definitions of medical terminology used in obstetric patient care to effectively communicate information, observations, risks, and benefits.
7. Accurately describes the benefits and risks of each medical intervention used in prenatal, obstetric, and neonatal care. Discusses informed choices in childbirth based on understanding all options, including the advantages and disadvantages of medical interventions and alternatives.
8.  Addresses barriers to breastfeeding and normal childbirth using the Socioecological Model.
9.  Demonstrates skills to help women breastfeed and have a normal childbirth.
10.  Describes solutions to common problems of breastfeeding which new mothers’ encounter.
11.  Discusses developmental milestones of the first year of a child’s life.
12. Describes the impact of attachment and early adverse childhood experiences on human development.
13. Promotes healthy lifestyles for women before and between pregnancies (pre-and intraconception health).
14.  Describes ways to involve father/partner in supporting breastfeeding mothers and care of newborn and postpartum woman.
15.  Provides non-medical care of full-term and premature newborns and identifies when there is a need for referral to medical professionals.
16.  Discusses impact of perinatal loss on families and demonstrates sensitivity when working with families after a loss.
17.  Describes ways to involve father/partner in care of newborn and postpartum woman.
18.  Describes ways to reduce parenting stress.
19.  Identifies signs of child abuse and neglect and appropriate referral mechanisms.
20.  Discusses the doula’s role in helping clients become a family.

 

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Certification is offered by Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance. Certification is good for two years once achieved.

In-Course Requirements:

• Take the Pre and Post-Course quizzes during the course;
• Participate in skill demonstration exercises and discussions in class;
• Attend all four sessions each day for the entire time (8:30 am to 5:30 pm each day).

The requirements are as follows, and are due within 6 months of completing the course:

• If requirements are not met within 6 months of the end of the course,m candidates will be required to retake the course.
• 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; must be sent on the forms provided.
• Complete required reading list and write and submit three summaries of what you learned and how you will put the knowledge into practice; Cite the reference in APA format. Each book report on a separate 8-1/2 x 11 page in word or PDF document.
• Complete Adult and Infant CPR Training; (take within 6 months of course and submit certificate);
• Compile a Resource List for Clients (This should have complete contact information of agency offering resource and be divided into categories of support (i.e., domestic violence, food insecurity, mental health services, etc. Submit on your letterhead as a word or PDF document you will give out to your clients).
• Complete HIPAA Training for Doulas (offered at no charge after training; self-paced); submit HIPPA certificate.
• 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, or record a 10-minute video 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, or record a 10-minute video 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: Cordelia Hanna at Cordelia.Hanna@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.

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COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY ONE

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: This session will focus on what is done in medical prenatal care and the doulas role during pregnancy. We will learn about how to help mothers with pregnancy discomforts, and healthy nutrition,to have a healthy pregnancy, childbirth and newborn.

DAY TWO

Module Five: 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 Six: Communication and Counseling Skills and Maternity Care Evidence-Based Initiatives and Recommendations

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. We will also learn about initiatives and recommendations to improve maternity care quality and outcomes.

Module Seven: 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 Eight: Understanding the First Stage of Labor

In this session, participants will learn about how the body works in labor, and how the doula can provide informational support through childbirth education.

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 & The Hormonal Blueprint for Labor

In this session, we will learn about the fear-pain-tension cycle and the spiritual and sexual aspects of birth, the role of hormones during labor and birth and the benefits of undisturbed birth. We will also learn about guidelines for  working with women with a history of sexual abuse. We will also learn about guidelines for counseling couples about sex 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.

DAY THREE

Module Twelve: Informed Decision-Making, Advocating for Respectful Care in Childbirth

In this session, we will learn about clients rights to informed consent and informed refusal and the need for respectful treatment during childbirth.

Module Thurteen: Medical Interventions for Childbirth, Pain Medication Options

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 Fourteen: 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 Fifteen: 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.

DAY FOUR

Module Fifteen: 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 and will learn guidelines for working with families after a perinatal loss with sensitivity and cultural competency.

Module Sixteen: 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 Seventeen: 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 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.

OPTIONAL POST-COURSE SESSIONS

Basic Pediatric and Adult CPR for Doulas [IN-PERSON]

In this hands-on 3-hour session, you will learn how to help babies breathe and provide life-saving support to a pregnant mother. Certificate provided is good for two years.. CPR is required for certification and Medi-Cal Doula accreditation.

HIPAA Training and Certification for Doulas [ONLINE-SELF STUDY]

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 [ONLINE- SELF-STUDY]

In this session, we will describe the process for doulas to become Medi-Cal providers registered with the California Department of Health Services.

Joining the HMHBA Doula Team [ONLINE- SELF-STUDY]

In this session, you will learn how to join our team as a Medi-Cal doula. We offer apprenticeships and employment opportunities after certification. We provide graduates of our course the opportunity to volunteer with us while obtaining experience with real-life mothers and infants.

COURSE LEADERS

Cordelia Hanna, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA

Principal Course Leader (English Course), Curriculum Developer

Phone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 1 Email: Cordelia.Hanna@Motherbabysupport.net

Cordelia Hanna has dedicated 35 years to enhancing maternity care and advocating for birthing justice. She earned her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Health Education and Promotion/Maternal Child Health from Loma Linda University in California and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Indiana University, Bloomington. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in Health Psychology at Walden University. Cordelia is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), recognized as the gold standard for professional health educators by NCHEC. Additionally, she is an ICEA-Certified Childbirth Educator, CAPPA-Certified Lactation Educator, and ALACE-Certified Birth Assistant, having conducted Childbirth Preparation Classes and Breastfeeding Education for numerous couples across private practices, clinics, public health locations, hospitals, and community settings.

Ms. Hanna is an apprenticeship-trained midwife who has served as an Assistant Midwife and Labor Companion/Monitrice in various settings, including homes, birth centers, and hospitals throughout Los Angeles County and Oregon since 1991.

Cordelia is passionate about promoting indigenous health practitioners—such as breastfeeding peer counselors, doulas, and community midwives—and has been engaged in various projects, initiatives, and programs for over three decades that address ethnic health disparities, including low breastfeeding rates, high premature birth rates, cesarean sections, and maternal and infant mortality within communities of color. She approaches maternal-child health from a global perspective while actively working at the local level. Ms. Hanna served as a Perinatal Health Educator and Promoter for The Pasadena Public Health Department’s Black Infant Health Program from 2002 to 2012, an initiative by the California Department of Health aimed at reducing disparities in perinatal health among African American/Black populations. Together with her mentor, the late Ms. Geraldine Perry-Williams, PHN, MSN, CD, CLE, she initiated and managed a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and established Los Angeles County’s first Community-Based Doula Program for African American/Black families, thereby significantly decreasing infant mortality and cesarean section rates within Pasadena’s African American community. From 2016-2019 Cordelia lead a Perinatal Support Specialist Course for  Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promatora de Salud/Community Health Worker Program, where she provided training on perinatal and lactation education, as well as doula support for Community Health Promoters/Promatores de Salud in South Los Angeles, a region facing some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates linked to adverse social determinants of health.

Cordelia’s grandmother and great-grandmother both gave birth at home, and she is proud to have had the support of her ancestors when she gave birth to her two children naturally at home with a midwife in Los Angeles’s Echo Park neighborhood. Cordelia  breastfed for 18 months, family bedded, and attachment parented; and her children are now bright and capable young adults. She is also a grandmother to two granddaughters and a grandson. Her husband hails from Ghana, West Africa, and together they embrace an international lifestyle that spans two continents.

Tai Carson, BA, CPSS, CCE,  CPD, CMA

Co-Course Leader

Contact: (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 Email: Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net

Tai Carson is a retired midwife with over 35 years of experience who has attended more than 700 births. She is the Coordinator of Happy Mama Healthy Baby’s Nurturing Roots Postpartum Doula Service for Black Families. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she comes from a diverse heritage encompassing African, Asian, and European backgrounds. With over three decades of experience in maternity and newborn care, as well as general healthcare, Tai currently focuses on postpartum doula support and palliative care. Ms. Carson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services from California State University, Los Angeles, along with an Associate’s Certificate in Counseling Psychology. Additionally, she is a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State, where she worked at a rural primary health clinic. Tai is a certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Perinatal Support Specialist, and Certified Childbirth Educator. From 1999 to 2005, she was the owner/midwife at The Hollywood Birth Center in Los Angeles, where she trained several apprentices and doulas. She has worked in home birth and birth center midwifery practices in Washington, Los Angeles, and Mt. Shasta, California. As a perinatal health educator, Tai served as a trainer for Birth Emergency Skills Training (B.E.S.T.) and co-conducted Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance’s Perinatal Support Specialist Training at Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promotora de Salud Program from 2013 to 2015. “As a woman of color, doula, health educator, midwife and a maternal-infant health advocate, I am dedicated to eradicating health disparities among childbearing women of color in my community. I am thrilled to work on programs aimed at improving perinatal health inequities,” says Ms. Carson.

 Dr. Moraya Moini, MPH, DPPD, CD, CLES, CBE
Guest Lecturer

Contact Information: Email : Consultingphp@aol.com

Phone: 310-795-9320

Dr. Moraya Moini has dedicated over 24 years to enhancing care quality for mothers, infants, and families through respectful, social justice-oriented health policies. She is the Director of Strategic Planning and Partnerships at LA County DHS Women’s Health Programs and Innovation, overseeing countywide initiatives like “MAMA’S Neighborhood,” a mother-centered, relationship-based program supporting mothers from pregnancy to 18 months postpartum. She led the program’s design under the “Strong Start Initiative for Mothers and Newborns” (CMMI funded), expanding services to include home visits (‘MAMA’S Visits’) under Whole Person Care, and continues to develop perinatal and primary care models integrating Medi-Cal streams, such as CalAIM, Doula, Dyadic, and Postpartum services. An author on racial and ethnic health disparities, Dr. Moini has worked locally and internationally, creating strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations to sustain programs. Her policy and advocacy work includes collaborations with UCLA, RAND Health, Charles R. Drew University, First 5 LA, and others, and she co-authored the blueprint for healthy births in LA County (Hobel et al., 2003). She serves on various advisory committees related to maternal and infant health. She earned her PhD from USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy and her MPH from USC Keck School of Medicine. Her bachelor’s is from UC Santa Cruz. She is also the founder of PHP Consulting, specializing in public health policy and research. As a proud Doula and lactation counselor, she remains committed to improving birth outcomes and postpartum care through relationship-centered, cost-effective approaches. She is also a Certified Doula, Certified Lactation Educator Counselor and Childbirth Educator.

 

INSTRUCTORA DE ESPAÑOL (por entrainmientos en Espanol)

Ines “Augie” Rigual, CD, CPD, IBCLC, LCCE

Phone: (321)287-4833 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.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Tai Carson, BA, CPSS, CPD, CMA

Professional Education Coordinator

Telephone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 3  or Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net 

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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.