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Recertification

Recertification

As professionals dedicated to excellence and impactful care, we understand that learning is a continuous journey and we’re so happy to invest heavily each month in newsletters, webinars, new courses, program updates and more to serve you as our alumni. This month’s blog shares an important reminder about staying relevant, effective, and confident in our roles: recertification.

When Doula Canada became an approved vocational school years ago, we undertook that for students to be able to use RESPs to pay for their education. One of the requirements of that program and of many other provincial and state doula associations was a requirement for recertification to be part of the organization’s standards. This requirement has been in place since 2017 when this was first introduced. See FAQ item posted here. This requirement however has not been enforced administratively and was up to individual doulas to submit their Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 

We’re now introducing a more formal way for us to track and support alumni with this process. 

What does recertification entail?

Trust us when we say we want this to be EASY. No one wants a complicated and convoluted recertification process. We will require only 2 things for recertification: 15 CEUs and an up-to-date CPR/First Aid.

THERE WILL BE NO FEE FOR RECERTIFICATION AT THIS TIME. The earliest date we will require recertification is December 2025, one year from now.

Why is Recertification Important?

There has long been debate about many aspects of our profession, credentialing in general and of course the professional aspects of being a “profession” at all! As leaders who’ve been working in the field for over 20 years we’ve seen a LOT of change. Similar to modern midwifery, the doula profession has experienced a conflicting balance between wanting the work to be accessible for families but also wanting to maintain independence from the colonial and capitalistic aspects that formal regulation brings. Ultimately it always calls for a trade-off or balance of priorities, needs and desires. As we look to the United States and see more and more states covering doula services through Medicaid, the future is pretty clear: our profession is trending in the direction of expansion. This means more doulas and more coverage, and more structure.

How Can I Get CEUs?

Have you noticed that Doula School offers our alumni FREE monthly webinars? Each webinar is worth 1 CEU and they are hosted almost every month of the year! This is a cost effective way to get your CEUs. We also launch new courses each year, giving you the chance to learn a new skill AND gain valuable CEUs. And of course you’re always welcome to take courses from other organizations that offer something you’re wanting to learn about. We will also have other simple ways to get CEUs at no cost. We will be launching a recertification guide in the coming weeks and it will give you lots of information about how to get everything done. Please note that if you unsubscribe from our newsletters  you won’t receive important information about webinars or recertification notices. You can resubscribe here on the website.

When do I need to recertify by?

We are giving all students one year to complete these steps. You are welcome to submit earlier if you prefer (and are due for recertification) but it will not be REQUIRED until December, 2025 for those who certified before December 2022. 

If you certified after December 2022 then count 3 years from the time you certified for your due date. See more info in the FAQ about how to calculate your recertification period. 

 

FAQs

Why does Recertification Matter?

Staying Current with Industry Standards

The field we work in is dynamic and continually evolving. Recertification ensures you are up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and trends. This not only elevates your own practice but also upholds the standards doula clients expect and deserve.

Strengthening Your Professional Skills

Recertification often involves engaging in advanced education, workshops, and reflective practice. These opportunities allow you to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills, ultimately making you a more effective and informed practitioner.

Building Credibility and Trust

Clients, peers, and employers value those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continued education. Recertification reflects your dedication and passion for ongoing improvement, reinforcing your credibility within the community.

Networking and Community Growth

Recertification often provides an avenue to reconnect with peers, share insights, and grow as part of a collective. This network is invaluable for support, growth, and even collaborating on new initiatives.

Adapting to Emerging Needs

As professionals, we serve a diverse range of needs that may evolve over time. Recertification helps us stay informed and prepared to meet these needs with competence and empathy.

Renewing Your Commitment to Excellence

Recertification is more than fulfilling a requirement; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care and expertise to clients. We are here to support you every step of the way, with resources, guidance, and opportunities to make this process enriching and rewarding.

What is recertification?

Recertification is a way to ensure that our doulas and educators are maintaining their high level of knowledge and skills by showing proof of continuing education, even after their program is complete.

Why do we ask you to recertify?

We want to ensure that our doulas and educators are viewed as leaders in their field, and having organization-wide policies that show that our alumni are regularly continuing their education allows us to demonstrate our high standards. This policy also keeps us on par with other professions, such as Registered Nurses, Massage Therapists, Paramedics and Social Workers, which will allow us to keep moving the profession forward in recognition of the value of our work.

How often do I need to recertify?

We ask that you recertify every 3 years. You will receive notification when you are approaching your recertification deadline. If you graduated between January 1st and June 30th, your deadline will be June 30th of your recertification year. If your graduation date was between July 1st and December 31st, your deadline will be December 31st of your recertification year.

What if I don’t want to recertify?

If you don’t want to recertify then don’t! Quite simply there is nothing more ‘doula-y’ than doing what you want (after all, isn’t that what we help all our clients to do?). If you no longer feel value in certification or recertification then ignore our reminder emails and carry on!

LABOUR DOULA | VIRTUAL TRAINING| MARCH 25 -26

Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for two days of virtual learning!

Client-centred and trauma-informed this workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical two-day “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.

All sessions are closed-captioned.

Sessions are recorded for DTC internal purposes only.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).

*Those who register for the Dual Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula) will take part in 2 separate virtual trainings.

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in 3 separate virtual trainings. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

A $ 250 fee applies if a student does not attend a workshop that they have registered for.  No exceptions will apply.  If you cannot attend please email two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event.  All students must participate in an online or in-person to qualify as a component of their certification under DTC.

By registering for this training, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Your presence at the live webinar in its totality, agreement to be recorded, and present during the session with your camera on.  No partial credit can be awarded.

Training Information & Eligibility:
You have read through the Resources & Policies at www.doulatraining.ca, including but not limited to our Cancellation Policy, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Harassment & Discrimination Policy, and Complaint Policies & Procedures prior to registering.  You acknowledge that all materials are taught in an online format and that the online training is a part of the full course, including modules, quizzes, practicum, and exam.

There are no age or educational pre requisites for taking this program and DTC works with providers across many countries, with only limited exceptions.  If you are a provider outside of Canada or the United States we recommend that you contact any local doula associations to ensure that our programs can be used for any required authorization.

Professionalism:
You will show up on time and be fully present for each live session that you attend, acting in a professional manner.  You will reach out to our faculty or any staff if any unexpected issues arise.  You agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of accessible learning, self-care, and compassionate treatment of peers and DTC staff.  The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or other trainees, or for any reason that does not represent the policies of DTC.

Accommodation: 
Doula Training Canada follows the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).  We ask that if you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to take your training with us online, please email us with special requests at least fourteen days before the scheduled training.  If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact your instructor and/or DTC staff immediately and we will work with you to discuss the best possible solution.

Confidentiality:
You are asked to respect the confidentiality of other trainees and our staff during your time with DTC.  Confidentiality with clients will be discussed by your trainer/s.  Trainees who observe a problem with another trainee are asked to bring the problem to the lead trainer for the specific session or DTC administration, as per the set policies and guidelines.   Similarly, if a staff member acts unprofessionally we ask that you email DTC administration as soon as possible.

Preparedness for doing your own work:
Throughout your training you will be expected to participate in working through the online training activities as representative in the role of doula support or perinatal support.  You are responsible for your own scheduling, discipline, and follow through on projects and module expectations outside of this training session.  In registering you recognize the set amount of time that you have access to the program and agree to work towards completion in the timeframe set forth by DTC and its vocational expectations.  Mentoring can be accessed by emailing our staff at info@doulatraining.ca and we are always prepared to assist you if you communicate your questions or needs.  Each program at DTC may have a slightly different timeframe and we encourage you to review these details prior to registering.

Evidence-Based Research for Birthworkers | APRIL 25 @ 6:30 PM

This 90-minute webinar will show you how to compile evidence-based research and summarize it for your client’s specific needs. We will cover turning client issues and concerns into research questions, creating good keyword searches, and strategies for making research accessible to non-medical people.
This is a vital topic for birthworkers because comprehensive, evidence-based information is a huge part of how we support our clients to have a positive, empowered experience.
Become an expert in helping your clients separate the wheat from the chaff in a vast field of information.  Using case studies, and Q&A, birthworkers will leave with concrete tools to help clients fill gaps in their knowledge, distinguish credible scientific literature from misinformation, and present academic research in a way that anyone can understand.

Perinatal Educator | VIRTUAL | February 18, 2023

Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for your online educator training!

Client-centered and trauma-informed this workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical one-day “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.
All sessions are closed-captioned.
Sessions are recorded for DTC internal purposes only.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in 3 separate trainings for each of their registered streams. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

$250 fee applies if a student does not attend a workshop that they have registered for.  No exceptions will apply.  If you cannot attend please email two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event.  All students must participate in an online or in-person to qualify as a component towards their certification under DTC.

By registering for this training, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Your presence at the live webinar in its totality, agreement to be recorded, and present during the session with your camera on.  No partial credit can be awarded.

Training Information & Eligibility:
You have read through the Resources & Policies at www.doulatraining.ca, including but not limited to our Cancellation Policy, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Harassment & Discrimination Policy, and Complaint Policies & Procedures prior to registering.  You acknowledge that all materials are taught in an online format and that the online training is a part of the full course, including modules, quizzes, practicum, and exam.

There are no age or educational pre requisites for taking this program and DTC works with providers across many countries, with only limited exceptions.  If you are a provider outside of Canada or the United States we recommend that you contact any local doula associations to ensure that our programs can be used for any required authorization.

Professionalism:
You will show up on time and be fully present for each live session that you attend, acting in a professional manner.  You will reach out to our faculty or any staff if any unexpected issues arise.  You agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of accessible learning, self-care, and compassionate treatment of peers and DTC staff.  The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or other trainees, or for any reason that does not represent the policies of DTC.

Accommodation:
Doula Training Canada follows the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).  We ask that if you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to take your training with us online, please email us with special requests at least fourteen days before the scheduled training.  If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact your instructor and/or DTC staff immediately and we will work with you to discuss the best possible solution.

Confidentiality:
You are asked to respect the confidentiality of other trainees and our staff during your time with DTC.  Confidentiality with clients will be discussed by your trainer/s.  Trainees who observe a problem with another trainee are asked to bring the problem to the lead trainer for the specific session or DTC administration, as per the set policies and guidelines.   Similarly, if a staff member acts unprofessionally we ask that you email DTC administration as soon as possible.

Preparedness for doing your own work:
Throughout your training you will be expected to participate in working through the online training activities as representative in the role of doula support or perinatal support.  You are responsible for your own scheduling, discipline, and follow through on projects and module expectations outside of this training session.  In registering you recognize the set amount of time that you have access to the program and agree to work towards completion in the timeframe set forth by DTC and its vocational expectations.  Mentoring can be accessed by emailing our staff at info@doulatraining.ca and we are always prepared to assist you if you communicate your questions or needs.  Each program at DTC may have a slightly different timeframe and we encourage you to review these details prior to registering.

Categories
indigenous doula Labour Doula Lifestyle Mentorship Volunteering

Ecuador Doula Immersion 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563461638717{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]It’s here!

A group of doulas, including a number from Doula Training Canada, have started the journey to Ecuador to volunteer and learn as doulas.

A few of our members joined Group One with Wombs of the World and we cannot wait to hear more about their adventures, while others will be embarking for their Group Two experience tomorrow.  Learning and adventure and support await!

Shaunacy, our life-long learning Director, will be joining Group Two and has posted the “must-have’s” of packing for a two week doula immersion program.

Follow along over the course of the next few weeks as we post pictures, experiences, and all our Ecuadorian learning fun!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563461705782{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Suggestions for packing for a two week doula volunteer trip:

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”118340″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563462276545{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • Super comfortable shoes.  You will be doing a lot of walking during clinic hours and your time exploring the country you are volunteering in.  Comfortable shoes = packing item numero uno!
  • Journal and pen.  You are certainly going to want to take some time to write down your experiences.  It’s a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day and carve out some time for yourself.
  • Cards with birth/ doula related sayings in the native tongue of the country you are visiting.  This will help you feel more confident in approaching persons who may not speak the same language as you.  It is also respectful to try to speak their language first and can really open up body-to-body trust when speaking isn’t the primary form of doula support.  Having these in Tanzania helped me huge when trying to remember Swahili.
  • Snacks.  I often bring cliff bars and my favourite herbal teas.  If you are a picky eater, or want to eat often, then having a quick “grab and go” snack in your bag is a great idea.
  • A bag big enough for awesome things.  When you travel abroad you often have some exploring days that bring you to artisan markets.  Having the space to grab up a few amazing items for home is a good idea.  Or plan to bring old clothes and leave them there to create space!
  • A doula name badge.  Many immersion programs (like our amazing friends at Wombs of the World) request that you wear a name tag that says DOULA on it during clinic days.  Have fun and create something with your picture, name and DOULA on it.  You may also want to add some of those doula sayings mentioned above onto a lanyard with this badge.
  • Photocopies of your passport, travel documents, and locations you will be staying.  This will help you feel prepared and safe for anything that may pop up (good travel tip in general!).
  • Lastly… an open mind!  Packing and preparing for two weeks away can feel overwhelming when you are heading to a country that you haven’t visited before, and maybe working in environments you are not fully aware of.  Keeping an open mind and remembering that you are there to learn not save is super important.  The opportunities that volunteer immersion programs provide are long-lasting and profound.  Going with an open mind, a lust to learn, and a heart full of compassion is what should fill most of your packing time!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563462371907{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Interested in learning more about volunteer support as a doula?

Check out Wombs of the World (a great example of a professionally organized option) and feel free to email info@doulatraining.ca at any time with questions![/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
Mentorship Uncategorised

Looking to Learn? How Knowing Your Learning Style Can Help You Succeed!

Looking to learn!?
Have you been out of school for a bit?
Well good news!
Knowing your learning style can make things a whole lot easier.

I’ve been immersed in the birth world now for over 6 years now, as an Educator, Doula and Mentor.   I remember working towards my doula and my educator certification and found myself spending countless hours staring at a page of words and not retain a thing.   When I found myself in a classroom I would find I only retained a small percentage of what I was being taught.  I was frustrated.  Here I was, mid thirties…FINALLY knowing what I wanted to do with my life and I was terrified!  Scared of “class work,” worried about failing tests, and not feeling I would able to get the accreditation to further my career.

Before beginning my journey I had been a stay at home mom of three, running a day care and working part time at a restaurant.  I didn’t leave a book smart career to become a doula… I left “mom” mode, meal prep and nursery rhymes…my brain was on overdrive most days!   My own self doubt nearly prevented me from moving forward!

But I’m so glad I did move forward.  Eventually I learned to walk the walk and not just talk the talk!

My recipe for success was having the right support alongside me and taking the time to learn what my learning style was.

Take a look at the learning style graphic above…did any of them grab your attention? How do you find out which one you are? Here’s a good reference:

https://www.thoughtco.com/three-different-learning-styles-3212040

and a bit more about different types: https://www.udutu.com/blog/what-are-adult-learning-styles-and-how-do-they-affect-elearning/

Many of us are a combination.

Let me share some tidbits that worked for me, and can maybe help you on your learning journey as well:

  1. Change up your work space:  Maybe on one day you will work best outside, in the basement, at an office desk, or in a library.  Once I even worked in my trailer while camping!  Key points: recognize that you need to avoid interruptions and it may take awhile to get into your groove.
  2. Doodle and/or listen to instrumental music: I needed to keep my hands busy or stimulate another sense to help me retain info.  Sound familiar?
  3. On that same note: I needed to handwrite my study notes. I got in a bad habit of typing everything on my computer or iPhone – it just wasn’t the same! There may be a a huge mental disconnect when you do that.
  4. Move: Stretch, get fresh air, work at a standing desk, sit on an exercise ball.
  5. Dedicated time and accountability: If I didn’t get work done first thing in morning or late at night, it wasn’t happening – I’m a squirrel – everything in the middle distracted me (hence needing different work spaces from time to time).  Schedule your work as an appointment and stick to it!  Buddy up with someone – there were times I would completely and mentally shut down because I would second guess an answer or project.  I needed a few different people on standby to walk me through something or be my “butt kicker.”  We have lots of buddies at Doula Canada!

So, in my examples above, which learning styles did you connect with?  A little bit of all of them right?!

Take a moment and identify what works for you.  See what learning style you think you might be.  Look back at the times you needed to learn something – what worked, what didn’t?

When you are struggling, buddy up!
You are not alone and simple tweaks to your daily habits can break bad habits and keep you moving closer to your goals!  We are here to help!

Jump into our closed Doula Canada Facebook group or our Learning Centre forums and ask a question, send us an email, call us on our toll free number, and…

Stay tuned for more information on a mentorship opportunity with Doula Canada (details coming in October)!

About the author:

Helena McMann has been a Certified Doula and Educator for over 6 years.
She is currently an an Admin Support Person and Student Mentor for Doula Canada.
To date Helena has supported over 200 families through her work as a doula and educator.
We’re a big fan of Helena and all the wonderful things she does for our community!

 

Categories
Certification

To Certify or not to Certify? That is the Question.

 

 Guest author: Sondra Marcon.  DTC alumni and instructor. Doula with Sisterhood Wellness Collective in Toronto, ON, Canada.

So, you have taken Doula Training Canada’s workshop.

You love birth or the postpartum period (come on!  Who doesn’t love bellies and babies?!).  You love client-centered care, supporting the birthing person physically and emotionally, and helping them voice their needs to their care providers is your jam.

​You are engaged and excited.

Picture

Then as often happens on route to certification. Life gets in the way.  You stop reading, you can’t seem to find the time to finish the paperwork or take that final course. Maybe you start to doubt yourself and your ability to do this work. Completion of your requirements for certification gets farther and farther away. You begin to wonder if certification is even worth it?

​You can do the work of a doula without being attached to an organization or bound by their scope of practice. Currently in Canada, there is no registering body that you need to be a part of to actively work as a Labour or Postpartum doula.

Picture

So why Certify?

Completing the training workshop is exciting, but let’s get real, it is only part of the process.

  • It expands your knowledge base. By completing the requirements you learn more, and are challenged to think critically about the material you are accessing.

Let’s face it. You can only cover so much about labour, birth and postpartum in a 2 day workshop.

  • You are encouraged to continue learning. Knowledge and information about birth and postpartum is constantly evolving. Continued learning is vital, however it is also easy to become complacent in what we know if we are not reminded to keep growing.
  • Eventually, likely sooner than later, Doulas will be forced into regulation in Canada. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it will make doula care more accessible to all. However, this does mean that if you are not certified, it will be illegal to practice and you will not be able to get insurance to cover your liabilities.
  • Having that piece of paper to frame and put on your wall is cool. It is a reminder to yourself of all you have accomplished. It is also peace of mind for your clients.
  • Scope of practice = boundaries. They are important. They keep us all safe
  • It is a ready-made tribe. Here at Doula Training Canada our certifying students have access to a wonderful community online, that shares information, supports one another, and generally just rocks. If you choose not to complete your certification you lose access to this community.
  • Mentorship; The Instructors and certified doulas in the Doula Training Canada community are amazing. Reach out. Ask questions. Ask for support.
​I have to admit I am biased. I love the Doula Training Canada Community. I never want to leave it behind.  I will however, confess it took me longer to certify then I would have liked. Life got in the way. However here I am saying, just do it. Find a way. It is totally worth it.

Learn more about DTC

Categories
Childbirth Educator

Childbirth Educators: A Cool Career

Impact. 

If I were asked to choose one word summarizing the role of a Childbirth Educator, this is the word I would choose.  Impact.
Installing confidence in new parents as they make plans and transitions towards becoming a family is one of the highlights of a Childbirth Educators career.  In this role a educator is able to work alongside their clients to help them mitigate the choices and challenges they may face in labour, birth and early parenting.  A Childbirth Educator has the opportunity to provide clear, well-researched, and relevant information that impacts a new family’s life in perpetuity.  Wow.  How awesome is that?!

Skill.

Childbirth Educators bring a diverse skill set to their courses, which benefits their prenatal course registrants.  Not all of our skills and experiences are the same, and one does not necessarily need to be a parent to become a fantastic Childbirth Educator.  A passion for birth and parenting, research-oriented initiative, and drive are all qualities that successful Childbirth Educators possess.  Do you love teaching?  Awesome!  Do you love people?  Even better!  Do you have a passion for birth and parenting related topics?  Perfect!

Challenging.

I use to be obsessed with the show “Mythbusters.”  There was something so gratifying in gambling on whether a myth would be busted or ratified.  Challenging myths and exploring evidence-based opportunities available to new parents is a big part of a Childbirth Educators role in the classroom.  We are the “mythbusters” of the modern-day childbirthing world who breakdown the walls of conformity between accepted and expected.  Ooooo… I sense a t-shirt tagline in the making!

Fun.

Name one other profession in the world that can get 10+ adults giggling simultaneously over topics like mucous plugs, leaky breasts, and sphincters.  None!  Childbirth Educators take the uncomfortable and make it cheerful.  We replace fear of childbirth with fun and fact.  We normalize the not-talked-about, we expose the eclipsed, clear up the cryptic…. And we can teach people all sorts of wonderfully fun positions for pushing a baby out too!

Why Certify?

Deciding to certify as a Childbirth Educator diversifies and developments your skills in pedagogical communication, research methods, lesson planning, marketing, business practices and much more.  A well developed CBE program will boost your confidence AND set you on the right path towards registering those first few families.  It is a commitment that qualifies you to take your passion for birth and parenting and transform it into a journey of a lifelong career.  A career with tremendous reward.  A career with tremendous impact.