The number one rule of being a doula is that your clients come first. IDI’s doula training teaches you to keep your opinions to yourself. Chances are if you are thinking about doula training, you already have an interest in birth, babies, and mothers. You may have even done some research and formed opinions about […]
There are Many Unique Ways to Define Doula
How would you define doula? If words like “house elf” or “super hero” don’t come to mind, you may not be seeing the whole picture! At the International Doula Institute, we define doula in our Scope of Practice as: “A professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula […]
Doula Training: What’s in it for Me?
Are you considering starting your doula training? If so, you are likely looking forward to serving others. Naturally, you may also be wondering: what’s in it for me? If you’re visiting this blog to learn more about what the International Doula Institute’s doula training programs have to offer, I assume you have a servant’s heart […]
Cultural Sensitivity and Doula Certification: We Don’t Call Ourselves the “International” Doula Institute for Nothing
After you earn your doula certification, keep an open mind when working with families from different cultural backgrounds. You’ll all benefit. On the heels of the Center for Disease Control’s Breastfeeding Report Card 2016, Romper published an article about breastfeeding around the world. The article summarized breastfeeding practices from six different cultures. Specifically, it reviewed rates of […]
Dads Need Doulas, Too: Why We Offer a Whole-Family Approach to Doula Training
It’s true: dads can suffer from postpartum depression, too. Our doula training will prepare you to support the entire family. During your doula training, you’ll learn that the postpartum period can be a tumultuous time for everyone involved. While mom and baby are receiving the bulk of the attention, dads can feel left out. They may […]
This Viral Birth Video Shows Our Doula Students the Beauty of Birth
Birth isn’t something to be feared. This incredible viral video shows the International Doula Institute’s doula students just how peaceful it can be. It seems to be the norm in our culture to share harrowing stories about birth. Such stories often depict long labors, intense pain, and interventions galore. The underlying theme is that birth […]