Description
GBDN Community Doula Training Cohort:
This comprehensive 9-month 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 intensive training and 6 months of supervised mentorship with experienced Black and Indigenous doulas.
Core Training (Months 1-5):
- 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 (Months 4-9): 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 required reading and assignments
- Attend monthly community circles
- Document supervised births and postpartum support
- Develop a business plan
Upon completion, graduates receive:
- Professional doula certification
- Continuing education credits
- Business startup support: One year free listing on the GBDN Directory
- Access to an ongoing community of practice
