What you will learn:
Racial disparities
A systemwide problem and the role a doula plays in helping to create equity Advocacy: organizations: how they are reducing disparities and creating equity globally
Respectful Care for all
why birth is a human rights issue
Evidence and Science
the best practices and the current gaps between evidence and practice
Language matters
our words can shape experiences
The hormonal physiology of childbirth
how doulas can help fill hormonal gaps
The role of continuous support
learning the story of birth
The role and scope of practice for DONA Certified doulas
Social Model to Medical Model of Birth
how this change 100 years ago has offered benefits but also stripped people of their power, respect, dignity and the support they deserve.
Reconnecting the Circle of Support
The emotions of birth: integrating mind, body and soul Prenatal skills for doulas
Comfort measures and positions for labor and birth
Techniques to support posterior labors
Using the traditional rebozo for comfort, massage and more
Bringing respect and love to challenging births – the doula’s role with epidurals and cesarean births. Facilitating a postpartum visit – processing the birth experience
...and so much more!
Debra has taught tens of thousands of doulas, nurses, midwives, physicans and parents around the world. – Don’t miss this unique opportunity to begin or expand your doula practice. This workshop is for you whether you are beginning your path to becoming a doula, want to learn how to support your partner, friend or family through their birth, are a nurse who would like to enhance your comfort skills or are a community doula looking to expand your labor support skills. Our doula workshop brings together people from all backgrounds and experiences to discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist today to ensure everyone has a safe, respectful and gentle birth in any setting.
Why choose Debra’s DONA Workshops?
- Debra is one of the top doula trainers in the world! She has taught tens of thousands of doulas, nurses, midwives, physicans and parents around the world.
- She has a wealth of global knowledge and experience from learning and teaching in over 40 countries around the world!
- She was an integral part of the first community doula program in the U.S. in the South Bronx, NY
- She was the Former Director of the Neighborhood Doula Project in Paterson, NJ
- She Is the current Co-Chair of a global initiative - The International Childbirth Initiative (ICI): 12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care
- 30 years of experience! She has worked as a doula, Lamaze Childbirth Educator and Doula Trainer for over 30 years around the world continuing to gain experience and inspiration from other birthworkers, clients and continually receiving Inspiration and experience
- Doula Alumnus
Debra was very open, direct and respectful to all sensitive topics culturally as well as gender...such an outstanding, insightful understanding [she] brought to my perspective of what it means to execute Doula ship. The most interesting aspect of the last three days in The Doula Training Workshop under your tutelage is the passion and vibes I received from your presentations; the way you motivated input and participation in our individual groups. Everything you said was important and relevant, specifically: The Role and Scope of Practice of Doulas painted a clear picture of the exciting function and responsibilities involved. It was so fascinating to explore The History of Childbirth in the United States. I never realized the lacking and the need for educating those who should know what will work best for mother, child, family and ultimately society.
- Lindsey
I have been to many different workshops and trainings and this has been one of my best experiences. Debra has such a beautiful spirit and her passion for her work is evident. She created a beautiful space for us to be open and vulnerable, to heal, to learn and to love. It was amazing! Learning the numbers behind racial disparities in childbirth in America really stood out to me. As a black woman I am painfully aware of this reality but seeing the numbers made me realize how much work we have to do.
- Natalie Jones
Thank you for creating such an awesome, nourishing, and beautiful space for all of us. Debra's class was transcendent, but I want to acknowledge that the home you have built for families and birth enthusiasts gives me so much hope for the future of MotherBaby care. I am deeply honored to have found you, and even more grateful for the Love and Integrity that you, Debra and your space hold for every person that walks through your doors. Much Gratitude!
- Marie Detering
- Arielle
Thank you for an amazing training! I was totally blown away by Debra. She is truly a gift to the world. Keep your notices coming because I am sure more of our nurses will want to partake in the training as we expand and redesign the Labor & Delivery Unit."
-S
