Description
GBDN Community Doula Training Program:
This comprehensive six-month Community Doula Training Program centers the birthing traditions, cultural wisdom, and specific needs of Black and Indigenous communities in Georgia. Through intensive hands-on training and dedicated mentorship, participants will develop the skills to provide culturally affirming birth support while addressing the unique challenges faced by their communities.
Program Structure: The program consists of 6 months of training and 3-6 months of mentorship with experienced Black and Indigenous doulas.
Core Training:
- Traditional birthing practices and cultural healing modalities from Black and Indigenous perspectives
- Modern birth support techniques integrated with ancestral wisdom
- Maternal health disparities and advocacy skills
- Perinatal mood disorders with cultural context
- Breastfeeding support through a cultural lens
- Understanding systemic racism in healthcare settings
- Birth trauma and generational healing
- Business development and sustainable practice building
Mentorship Period: Participants are paired with experienced doulas from their cultural background for:
- Support with prenatal visits, births, and postpartum support
- Regular case reviews
- Community building and professional networking
Program Requirements:
- Attend 72 hours of core training sessions
- Complete all required reading and assignments
- Participate in mentorship program
- Document attended births and postpartum support
Upon completion, graduates receive:
- Professional Doula Certification
- Business startup support: One year free listing on the GBDN Directory
- Discounted continuing education opportunities
- Access to an emerging network of Black and Indigenous Birthworkers
Scholarships:
When funding is available, full and partial scholarships are offered to help reduce the cost barrier for the program. Scholarship priorates are focused on rural Georgia areas. The GBDN extends an invitation to complete this scholarship application to those individuals who understand our mission and core values, and to those who meet the following requirements:
- Must reside in Georgia
- Must identify as African American, Black or Indigenous
- Must be able to attend all in-person and virtual trainings.
- Must be physically able to attend and support birthing mothers
Click here for Application.
