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
Recovery and Adjustment
Normal physiologic recovery for the mother or birthing parent and the importance of the birth experience and its impact on postpartum recovery and adjustment
Newborn Care
The role of the postpartum doula to the newborn baby
Multiples Care
Supporting families with twins (or more)
Lactation Support
Providing support to the lactating parent and troubleshooting common problems
Family Adjustment
Integrating a new baby into the family
PMADs
Recognizing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
Grieving
How to provide support for a grieving family
...and so much more!
Debra has taught tens of thousands of doulas, nurses, midwives, physicians and parents around the world. - Don’t miss this unique opportunity to begin or expand your doula practice. 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, physicians 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 birth workers, clients and continually receiving Inspiration and experience


I would HIGHLY recommend the Birth Doula training with Debra Pascali-Bonaro. She is an expert in the field and it is a privilege to learn from her. For all aspiring doulas - Birth Day Presence is a gem. Efficient, organized, informative, meaningful, awe-inspiring, and fun.
- Arielle


Thank you for creating such an awesome, nourishing, and beautiful space for all of us. Debra's class was transcendent - I want to acknowledge the home you have built for families and birth enthusiasts gives me so much hope for the future of care.
- Marie Detering

I thought Debra tackled difficult topics (like racial discrepancies in maternal mortality) and more taboo topics (like masturbation during labor as a pain relieving tool) in a confident and practical manner.
- D


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. Learning made me realize how much work we have to do.
- Natalie Jones

FAQ
BIPOC Scholarships
Presence and Debra Pascali-Bonaro offers 4 partial scholarships for DONA Approved Birth and Postpartum Doula Trainings. These scholarships are meant for people who would not otherwise be able to attend the training because their financial resources are limited. If you have the means to pay for the full training, or if you have limited resources but do not identify as BIPOC, payment plans are available.
In childbirth, systemic racism is the root cause of disparities leading to higher maternal mortality rates for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Doula support from people from the BIPOC community improves outcomes and makes a difference in more positive birth experiences. Doulas are an essential part of collaborative, respectful quality care. We offer 4 partial scholarships for individuals who identify as BIPOC and have shown:
A commitment to addressing racial and/or social justice
Have a financial need for scholarship assistance
Will use doula skills to support their community
If you feel that you meet the above criteria, please submit a short essay or submit a 1-min video addressing the questions below. Here are some questions to consider as you write or speak. Please submit to support@birthdaypresence.com.
- Why do you want to become a Birth or Postpartum Doula and what do you hope to gain from this training?
- In what capacity would you like to serve birthing people and their families?
- How do you see yourself creating change through birthwork?
- How will this scholarship help you with your future goals?
- Do you identify as BIPOC?
Scholarships submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded until filled.