Doula Training Center
DTC was the first doula training formed in Southern Oregon specifically to address the needs of our community and support doulas through the Traditional Health Worker pathway. We currently stand as the most expansive and comprehensive training in the state that includes on-going post-training mentorship.
What is a doula?
A Doula is a non-medical professional who provides non-clinical support during various points in a person’s life. There are a variety of doulas, such as birth, postpartum, bereavement, death, and full-spectrum doulas. In Oregon, doulas can apply to become state approved as Traditional Health Worker Doulas, which enables doulas to accept Medicaid for their services.
How does one become a doula?
Doulas have existed since the beginning of time. However, only within the last few decades have doulas gained more recognition as a profession. You don’t need to have prior experience in perinatal health or have experienced childbirth yourself to become a doula. A training will provide an overview of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time and how you can support families best during this transitional time.
How does one work as a Doula?
Doulas can work in a variety of ways. Most common, doulas are independent and work on their own with a another doula as a back-up support. Most recent, doulas work as contracted providers under a doula hub/agency. Some hospitals also have either paid or volunteer positions.
We are committed to ensuring that our students meet the priority communities defined by the Traditional Health Worker program so that families receiving services have equitable access to culturally, linguistically, and life-experience congruent doula care.
We acknowledge the added inequities experienced by Black, Indigenous, Latina/e/o/x, and the Global Majority of birthworkers and ensure that our training ties in the diversity of birthing practices and upskills the technical and systemic aspects of this work. Our post-training mentorship is intended to provide individualized, continued guidance and support to doulas as they integrate their services into their community.
Our training is founded on Oregon-specific research, rooted in community-based lived and working experiences, embraces cultural and trauma-informed practices, and uplifts the fidelity of the Traditional Health Worker Doula model.
Why choose Doula Training Center?
► We are approved by the Oregon Health Authority and hold the most extensive training in the state.
► The curriculum is research founded, comprehensive & evidenced-based.
► Our facilitators are experts in the field and blend shared experience learning, diverse perspectives, and factual information.
► We are honest, realistic and faired priced; providing individualized mentorship -at no cost- post-training
Are all Doula trainings the same?
Short answer: No!
There are over 100 doula trainings in the nation. While there may be overlapping topics, like anatomy and physiology, training organizations vary in philosophy, length of training, certification process, mentorship and cost.