A birth doula... • recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life; • understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the woman in labor; • assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for her birth; • stays with the woman throughout the labor; • provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions; • facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers; • perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of her birth experience; • enables the woman’s partner to participate at his or her own comfort level.

DONA Approved Birth Doula Workshop The DONA Approved Birth Doula Workshop is an intensive two-day workshop that is one step toward certification as a birth doula with DONA International. This basic birth doula workshop utilizes texts and supplementary literature, videos, overheads, small group activities, hands-on practice and role-play to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills as a birth doula. Attendance constitutes one step in the process to become a DONA certified birth doula. Visit the DONA International web site at www.DONA.org for a complete list of certification requirements.

Upon Completion of This Workshop, Participants Will Be Able To: • describe the significance of birth to women and their families; • define the role of the birth doula; • explain the DONA International Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics for birth doulas; • list the benefits of a continuous birth doula on obstetrical and psychological outcomes based on clinical trials; • describe the emotional and physical needs of laboring women and their partners; • compare specific characteristics of laboring women who are and are not coping well; • demonstrate comfort measures, effective labor support techniques and optimal birth positions for laboring women; • describe the birth doula’s role during a cesarean birth and with the woman planning a VBAC; • define the birth doula’s role when her client has an epidural and during other challenges that may arise during labor; • describe the purpose and advantages of a prenatal visit and postpartum visit with her clients; • describe the birth doula’s role with the family during the immediate postpartum period; • identify how the birth doula assists with breastfeeding and the parents’ understanding of their newborn’s characteristics.

Childbirth Experience Prerequisites Childbirth educators, nurses with labor and delivery experience, midwives or midwifery students and those who have attended another doula training workshop have the appropriate experience to attend this workshop. If the participant lacks this experience, there are TWO OPTIONS to prepare for attendance:

Option A Participants can prepare by attending a childbirth preparation class series that is a minimum of 12 hours or more in length, viewing several birth videos and touring a hospital. Have the instructor complete the Childbirth Class Observation form, which can be found on DONA International’s web site at www.DONA.org.

Option B -- Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas Course This optional one-day course is offered the day prior to the two-day birth doula workshop. This Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas Course is designed for participants without the required background experience as listed above, is approved by DONA International to satisfy the childbirth preparation series observation certification requirement and covers the topics listed below. Participants must schedule a hospital tour on their own.

Birth Doula Workshop Participants Are Expected to Have Adequate Knowledge of: • anatomy of the human reproductive system, including the breasts; • physiology of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding; • definitions of common medical terms relating to labor; • common procedures and tests used during normal birth, including their risks and benefits; • pain medication and anesthesia administration and effects; • cesarean birth indications and procedure; • normal newborn appearance and procedures; • basic relaxation techniques, breathing patterns and other comfort measures for labor; and • benefits of breastfeeding.

Required Reading Prior To Workshop Attendance • The Birth Partner (2001) by Simkin; • The Doula Book (2002) by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus; • (optional) Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide (2001) by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler These texts are available for purchase on-line through the DONA Boutique at www.DONA.org and are readily available at bookstores and can be borrowed from public libraries. Please note that these books are on DONA International’s Required Reading List for Birth Doula Certification.

Breastfeeding Experience Prerequisite DONA International certification candidates must also verify completion of a breastfeeding requirement. Lactation consultants, breastfeeding peer counselors and community breastfeeding educators have the required experience. If the certification candidate lacks this experience, there are TWO OPTIONS to complete this requirement:

Option 1 Candidates must either complete an on-line lactation study program (suggestions are available at www.DONA.org) or participate in a minimum three-hour breastfeeding class or workshop. Have the instructor complete the Breastfeeding Class Observation form, which can be found on DONA International’s web site at www.DONA.org.

Option 2 -- Breastfeeding Course for Doulas This optional three-hour course is offered the evening prior to the two-day birth doula workshop, following the optional Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas Course. This Breastfeeding Course for Doulas satisfies the completion of a breastfeeding requirement for DONA International certification and covers these topics: benefits of breastfeeding; basic anatomy and physiology (let down, supply and demand); infant’s contribution and readiness to breastfeed (reflexes and feeding cues); breastfeeding positions and latch; early breastfeeding challenges (engorgement, nipple soreness, milk supply); and when to make referrals. To prepare, you may wish to read one of the breastfeeding books from the DONA International Required Reading List for Birth Doula Certification, which can be found on the web site at www.DONA.org.

Birth Doula Workshop Registration Information See the News and Events page for a list of scheduled workshops. Early registration is encouraged. Registration fees are $300 for the Birth Doula Workshop, plus $100 for the Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas Course (option B) and/or $50 for the Breastfeeding Course for Doulas (option 2). The registration deadline is one month prior to the scheduled workshop. Late registrations will only be accepted if space is available and will incur a $50.00 late registration fee. Participants will receive a confirmation letter, a map to the workshop location and lodging information (for those who are traveling) no later than one week prior to the scheduled workshop, with the possible exception of late registrations. Continental breakfast, snacks and beverages are provided. Participants may wish to bring a brown bag lunch since the lunch break time is limited. There are ample fast-food restaurants near the Greater Cleveland workshop site, and information will be provided about restaurants in the vicinity of workshops held elsewhere. Refunds will not be granted unless requested at least ten days prior to the scheduled workshop. Send refund requests in writing, postmarked before that date, to Sunday Tortelli, 19006 Stony Point Drive, Strongsville, Ohio 44136 or SunTdoula@aol.com. A $75.00 processing and materials fee will be retained. A registration may be transferred to another participant without penalty up to three days in advance of a scheduled workshop. If The Doula Experience must cancel a workshop, full refunds will be awarded to all registered participants.

Register to Attend Use this link to register by Pay Pal or to find mailing information for checks or money orders. Please also complete and submit the Workshop Registration Form. Register to Attend

Workshop Hours Each day of the workshop begins at 8:30 am. The Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas Course (option B) ends at 5:30 pm and the Breastfeeding Course for Doulas Course (option 2) begins shortly thereafter at 6:30 pm, ending at 9:30 pm. Day one of the Birth Doula Workshop ends at 7:30 pm and day two at 6:30 pm.

Workshop Location In the Greater Cleveland area, the workshop will be held at Womankind Maternal and Prenatal Care Center, 5400 Transportation Boulevard, Suite 10, Garfield Heights, Ohio 44125. Information on the location of a workshop held elsewhere will be provided separately. A detailed map will be included along with the registration confirmation letter.

Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies Breastfed infants-in-arms are welcome at the workshop with the understanding that consideration must always be maintained for other participants in the event that the baby might become distracting. Special arrangements for attendance, such as a companion careprovider for the baby, can also be made to support and nurture breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Bring a Workshop to Your Area If you are interested in bringing a workshop to your area, The Doula Experience offers two options for hosting or sponsoring a workshop that are available to individuals, businesses, organizations or institutions. Contact Sunday for details.