Who is DONA International?

DONA International is the world’s first, largest and leading doula certifying organization. Founded in 1992, the creators professionalized the role of Birth Doula & Postpartum Doulas. DONA provides superior, evidence-based training and preparation courses to guide Doulas in Training to achieve success in certification. Since its creation, DONA has certified more than 12,000 Birth & Postpartum Doulas in more than 50 countries! To learn more about DONA, visit: DONA INTERNATIONAL.

Who is Mother's Care?  That's simple... 

We are! Mother’s Care (MC) has been providing birth and postpartum doula services in South Florida for 25+ years.  We are a full spectrum Birth & Postpartum program that provides Prenatal Education Classes to expectant families, Birth & Postpartum Doulas, training and mentorship for new doulas and so much more! We are one of the DONA-Approved Training Centers for those seeking to become Certified Birth Doulas. 

To learn more about Mother’s Care, take a tour of our website or reach out to us.

No.  Becoming certified is a multi-step process that includes classes, required reading and providing labor support to several clients.  By attending the classes/courses we offer, you will be able to complete 2 required steps! For a full breakdown of the process, visit DONA. 

MC is sponsoring the 2 of the classes/courses required. Our Certified DONA Trainers will be on hand to guide your through the classes we offer.

When you complete ALL the required steps as set by DONA International, you will certified by DONA International as a Birth Doula.   

Becoming certified is a multi-step process that includes classes, required reading and providing labor support to several clients.  By attending the classes/courses we offer, you will be able to complete 2 required steps!

For a full breakdown of the process, visit DONA. 

CLASSES WE OFFER FOR DONA CERTIFICATION

Becoming certified is a multi-step process that includes classes, required reading and providing labor support to several clients.  By attending the classes/courses we offer, you will be able to complete 2 required steps! For a full breakdown of the process, visit DONA. 

The 2 Classes you can attend with us are:

"Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas" Class - Taking the Intro Class is one of the best and easiest ways to satisfy the childbirth education requirement. This class offers educational topics related to common areas addressed in traditional childbirth preparedness classes attended by expectant couples - only it focuses on Doulas and what you need to know.  Pregnancy preparation, routine prenatal testing, the stages and phases of labor and birth, a discussion on evidence-based practices, birthing location and provider options, and the history of US childbirth education are just a few of the many topics covered in this comprehensive class. 

• This class is offered as a 1-day, 8-hour class or a 2-Part Class.
• The 1-day class is offered on a Friday or Saturday.
• The 2-Part class is offered over two weeknights in the evening.
  

Whether you attend the 1-day or the 2-Part class, you will satisfy the childbirth education requirement for birth doula certification. We recommend attending the Intro class BEFORE attending a birth doula training workshop.

*It is highly recommended that you attend the Intro class if you are not an experienced/previously certified doula seeking recertification, certified childbirth educator, licensed/certified midwife, or license/registered nurse or other licensed healthcare professional who specializes in maternity care.

DONA Birth Doula Training Workshop - This class is the official DONA-Approved Birth Doula Training Course course and is mandatory in order to complete birth doula certification.  It includes the core curriculum needed to guide Doulas in Training into becoming DONA Certified Birth Doulas.  We offer the Training Workshop as follows:

• "2-Part, Training Workshop" -  This course is offered over 2 days, 8+ hours per day. It is most often offered on a Weekend (Saturday and Sunday).
• "4-Part, Training Workshop"  - This course is offered on a weeknight in the evening over 2 weeks.  The classes are twice per week. 

SPECIAL COMBINED INTRO & TRAINING WORKSHOP

Want to combine the Intro Class & the DONA Birth Doula Training Workshop?  MC offers Combined Courses! 

• Combine the Intro Class the way you want to take it (1-Day or 2-Part) WITH a Birth Doula Training Workshop the way you want to take it (2-Part or 4-Part)! 

Our Trainers offer over 40 years of combined experience and knowledge of birth and doula work.  We provide a unique perspective to our courses by integrating up-to-date, evidence-based information that addresses our current birth culture.

We don't shy away from important topics like racial disparities in birthing practices and outcomes, the crisis of maternal mortality rates and the impact of traumatic birth experiences.  As a matter of fact, we hit those topics (and many more) head on!  It is our belief that shedding light on these areas in a safe, welcoming and non-judgmental platform will help you to begin to understand how best to help birthing families in our present birth culture.

Your DONA Trainers glean from backgrounds in nursing, education, law and even the creative performing arts to make your training experience fun and interactive.  We also invite Experienced Birth Doulas who make up our MC Team and other qualified professionals to join us as special guests.

To learn more about your DONA Trainer:  Marlo Robinson or Assistant Trainer: Lisi Grullon

The Certification Steps require that all Doulas in Training attend a Childbirth Education course. Attending this class with MC is optional but highly recommended and will allow you to meet the Education requirement.   Designed with the “new doula” in mind, this class focuses on various topics all doulas should know when preparing to work as a Birth Doula. We recommend you take this class BEFORE you attend the Birth Doula Training Workshop.

Topics include (but limited to):

• Anatomy of the female reproductive system; 
• Physiology of pregnancy, labor & birth (Stages & Phases); 
• Definitions of medical terms regarding labor, birth & postpartum;
• Common prenatal clinical procedures and testing; 
• Common labor & birth medical Interventions - benefits & risks;
• Pain medications and anesthesia - their administration and effects on the labor, birth and postpartum period;
• How the birthing location significantly impacts the birth experience and outcome and how Doulas can affect those outcomes;
• Maternal mortality rates, racial disparities & inequalities in maternity care and the impact of doulas;
• How history, traditions, culture & race impact our current birthing culture and outcomes; 
• And much MUCH more! 

This 2 Part or 4 Part Training Workshop is designed to help lay the foundation of knowledge and education participants will need to become expert labor support providers. Being a Birth Doula is a life-long, learning journey.  There is SO much to learn that it can seem overwhelming and confusing when trying decide what topics you should focus on that will give you the best start at assisting laboring clients.  This course is meant to do just that, get you started on the right foot and with a wealth of information!

We'll use everything from evidence-based texts, supplementary literature, videos, and practical skills. You'll also receive training on hands-on comfort techniques and strategies for labor & birth. 

Upon completion of the Training Workshop, registrants will be able to:

• Define the term “doula” and learn how to share its definition with potential clients and other healthcare providers.
• Understand and agree to follow the Scope of Practices and Code of Ethics according to DONA International Standard.
• Identify the significance of birth to a family.
• List and be able to explain the benefits of a doula on obstetrical outcomes and the role of the doula during labor and the postpartum period 
• Explain the benefits and role of the birth doula during interventions such as labor induction, epidural cesarean & VBAC.
• Learn, understand and demonstrate helpful labor positions including breathing techniques, ideas for relaxation techniques, birth/pushing positions and other non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, 
• Learn to recognize the onset of labor, identify progress during labor.
• Learn how to deal with potential challenges faced by doulas.
• Understand the basics of starting a doula business (writing contracts, developing your pay rate, etc.)
• And much MUCH more!

VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON CLASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

We offer our classes in 3 formats:

1. Virtual 
2. In-person
3. Hybrid - combines Virtual and In-person

VIRTUAL CLASSES: Worried about a "boring" online class?  Don't worry, we understand!  That is why we make our classes fun and engaging!  Our virtual classes are live, and interactive. Along with lots of time allotted to ask questions and interact with other Doulas who are taking classes with you, our Virtual classes include:

• Live discussions with experienced Doula Trainers
• Live interactions, activities, and open discussion
• Dynamic Audio and Visual Media Presentations & Videos
• Labor & Birth Simulations that include comfort techniques, breathing and relaxation techniques, position changes and more!

IN-PERSON CLASSES:  In person classes cover the same info offered in Virtual classes, only this time, we are live and in-person with you!  As we transition into a full schedule of In-person courses, this option is offered on a limited basis and with some important conditions you should know:

• We require a minimum number of registrants which is based on time of year the class is offered and the location. Trainings that occur in our Miami, FL location require no less than 4 confirmed registrants.  Trainings that occur in our main location in Pembroke Pines, FL & winter location in Asheville, NC require no less than 6 registrants. If the minimum is not met, classes convert to a Virtual Class or Series.

• The Class Participant acknowledges that in-person events involve risk of injury or sickness, including sickness from COVID-19 and similar viruses.  The Class Participant, on their own behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assigns, agrees to waive and hold DONA International, Mother’s Care Doula Services, Inc. and their representatives, Doulas and Trainers harmless from and against any claims, damages or expenses arising from the In-person event offered by the Trainer, including but not limited to sickness or death arising from COVID-19 or similar viruses.
  

WHAT IS A "HYBRID" COURSE? This is a course that combines Virtual and In-person training. For any In-person training, the same conditions are followed as those mentioned above.

WHICH SHOULD I TAKE?  Contact us! We'll help you figure it out. 

A part of your Birth Doula Workshop and a requirement from DONA International is that your classes include instruction and education on "Hands-on, Comfort Techniques & Strategies for Labor and Birth".  We will provide you with detailed information via active demonstrations, video and discussion on how to meet this requirement during your Training Workshop.

IN-PERSON CLASSES:  In person classes cover the same info offered in Virtual classes, only this time, we are live and in-person with you!  As we transition into a full schedule of In-person courses, this option is offered on a limited basis and with some important conditions you should know:

• We require a minimum number of registrants which is based on time of year the class is offered and the location. Trainings that occur in our Miami, FL location require no less than 4 confirmed registrants.  Trainings that occur in our main location in Pembroke Pines, FL & winter location in Asheville, NC require no less than 6 registrants. If the minimum is not met, classes convert to a Virtual Class or Series.
• The Class Participant acknowledges that in-person events involve risk of injury or sickness, including sickness from COVID-19 and similar viruses.  The Class Participant, on their own behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assigns, agrees to waive and hold DONA International, Mother’s Care Doula Services, Inc. and their representatives, Doulas and Trainers harmless from and against any claims, damages or expenses arising from the In-person event offered by the Trainer, including but not limited to sickness or death arising from COVID-19 or similar viruses.
  

WHAT IS A "HYBRID" COURSE? This is a course that combines Virtual and In-person training. For any In-person training, the same conditions are followed as those mentioned above.

WHICH SHOULD I TAKE?  Contact us! We'll help you figure it out. 

PRICING: Visit our Become a Doula: Pricing Page  

ALL CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE - There are No Exceptions. While classes are non-refundable they are transferable. See below for details.

WHAT IF I MISS A CLASS OR A WHOLE CLASS SERIES? If you are unable to attend a class or class series you are registered to (whether Virtual or In-person), you can request to be transferred into another class at a later time. You have 1 year from the date of your paid registration to be transferred into another class.  If this time expires, you must register again.  You are responsible for the entire payment. No refund or discounts will be issued.   To request a transfer to another class, please contact us as soon as possible, in writing by email.  

• TO CANCEL YOUR CLASS & REQUEST A TRANSFER INTO ANOTHER CLASS DATE: Email us at momsdoula@mcdsonlinedoulas.com.

ARE THERE ANY OCCASIONS WHERE THE CLASS MAY NEED TO BE CANCELLED/RESCHEDULED?  There may be an occasion where, due to a circumstance beyond our control, the class may have to be rescheduled. In the event your class must be rescheduled we will contact you as soon as it is possible.  You will be contacted and offered the choice to join the next scheduled class date.  As our Refund-Cancellation Policy states, there are refunds. Instead, MC has 1 year from the date of your paid registration to transfer you into another class but will make every attempt possible to reschedule you into the closest date available.

IN-PERSON CLASS REGISTRANT MINIMUM - We require a minimum of 4 registrants for Trainings that occur in our Miami, FL location & 6 registrants for Trainings that occur in our Pembroke Pines, FL & Asheville, NC locations. If the minimum is not met, classes convert to a Virtual Class or Series.  As our Refund-Cancellation Policy states, there are refunds or discounts.  If you prefer not to attend the converted Virtual Class, you can ask to be transferred into the next available In-person class that occurs within 1 year from the date of your paid registration or attend a Virtual Class before this time expires.

The MC Mentorship Program has been established to assist Doulas in Training by guiding them through their certification process while also providing experience hours.

• You will be assigned a Mother's Care, Certified and Experienced Birth Doula Mentor who will work with you. Your Mentor will assist and guide as you prepare to work with clients by answering questions, offering support and educational tools and materials.
• We offer options for those who need classes to complete requirements, one-on-one support with a Doula mentor and, when available, clients for you to work with to fulfill the labor support requirements of the DONA certification process.
• When possible,  you might be able to "shadow" your Mentor during prenatal/postpartum visits with her clients if they consent.  "Shadowing" during a birth is NOT guaranteed but we will ask your Doula Mentor's Clients if they will consent to a Doula in Training attending along with their Doula. "Shadowing" a birth cannot be used as one of your required labor support experiences. 

For information on how to register for our Mentorship Program and pricing, please contact us by requesting information on our Contact Form or emailing us at momsdoula@mcdsonlinedoulas.com or calling us at 954.433.CARE

Registering is simple!  Just follow these steps:

STEP 1 - Be sure you review the entire Certification Process and understand what is involved and how you complete the certification process.

STEP 2 - Complete our Registration Form. There you will be able to complete the Form and select from 4 payment options. 

STEP 3 - Upon registering you'll receive a Confirmation Email and a Google Invitation with your the Link you'll use to access your class. Please allow up to 72 hours to receive your Confirmation email & Google Invite.