Increasing Access to Doula Training
Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective (WIDOCC) – a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on advancing maternal health equity and justice by providing culturally competent doula care, education, and advocacy – recently announced a new doula training program for the state of Wisconsin.
The WIDOCC’s training curriculum was developed by Founder Deanna Tharpe and her team of experienced birth professionals. The training includes prenatal education, labor support techniques, childbirth advocacy, postpartum care, and cultural competency. There will also be hands-on learning, interactive workshops, and mentorship as participants aim to become certified doulas.
Tharpe is an advocate for birth justice and reproductive rights.
According to WIDOCC’s site, a doula provides information, physical and emotional support, and advocacy for individuals and their partners during and after the birthing process. Although doulas don’t give medical advice or have clinical duties, doulas provide support and assistance during labor and birth.
One of the goals of the training is to empower aspiring doulas across the state of Wisconsin.
“We’re trying to create one healthy baby and mom at a time,” said Tharpe.
The Benefits of Doulas
According to DONA International, the first and largest doula training and certification organization, here are some benefits of hiring a doula, including clinical benefits, family bonding, and physical support.
- Greater satisfaction with the overall birth experience
- Reduced use of medications
- Improved postpartum mental health
- Increased movement
- Lactation support
- Decreased anxiety
A Look Inside WIDOCC’s Doula Training
Starting in April, WIDOCC will begin its birth doula training that covers basic knowledge to get started as a doula. It is a hybrid course that will examine the political, racial, social, and psychological aspects of birthing and being born beyond basic biology.
Through the training program, Tharpe hopes to build a network of skilled and compassionate birth workers while creating a supportive community.
To sign up for a training doula course click here.