Doula Education Training Program (EXT)
About the Doula Education Training Program
RWU Extension School (EXT)'s 20-hour Doula Education Training empowers you with the expertise, tools, and cultural awareness to guide and support individuals through the profound journey of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and beyond. Whether your passion lies in birth care, offering comfort during pregnancy loss, or advocating for your community, this training equips you to create meaningful change and champion holistic health. Embark on your path as a doula, making a positive difference in the lives of families during one of life’s most pivotal experiences.
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Doula Education Training Program Facts
Format
In-person
Schedule
May 18, 20 & 22 (See course schedule breakdown below for more information)
Time Commitment
20-hours
Cost
$1500
Registration Process
No application is required to enroll in this course. To register, click this link:
Pay and Register for Doula Education
Doula Education Training Program Overview
- Develop Core Doula Skills: Equip participants with essential skills to support birthing individuals, including birth plan development, labor support techniques, and postpartum recovery care.
- Provide Emotional and Educational Support: Train participants to deliver guidance on infant care, breastfeeding, mental health, and emotional support to birthing individuals and their families.
- Foster Advocacy and Empowerment: Build advocacy skills that enable doulas to assist families in making informed decisions regarding their care and navigate healthcare systems effectively.
- Promote Cultural Competency: Prepare participants to communicate sensitively and ethically with diverse populations, respecting cultural and individual preferences.
- Prepare for Certification Requirements: Fulfill the 20-hour educational component required by the RI Certification Board for Certified Perinatal Doula qualification.
- Encourage Holistic Well-Being: Promote practices that enhance the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of birthing individuals during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Meet the Instructor
Stephanie Beaupré
Stephanie Beaupré is a board-certified perinatal doula, advanced registered yoga teacher (RPYT 500), and childbirth educator with nearly two decades of experience in perinatal care. As an instructor for the Roger Williams University Doula Education Training Program, she teaches childbirth education as a core component of this professional doula training. Her work spans birth, antepartum, and postpartum support, as well as the development of evidence-based perinatal education programs, including diverse birthing populations. Stephanie supports students throughout their learning in the program.
Certificate of Completion Vs. Certified Perinatal Doula Status Explained
- Certificate of Completion
- Certified Perinatal Doula status in Rhode Island
Successful participation in this 20-hour Doula Education Training program confers a Certificate of Completion at the end of the training, verifying that participants have completed the required instructional hours, met program participation requirements, and received formal instruction covering the topics outlined in the curriculum overview above. This training fulfills the 20-hour education requirement toward the Certified Perinatal Doula credential issued by the Rhode Island Certification Board, which is an additional credential.
Completing a doula education program, such as this 20-hour program, is often the first step for individuals who want to pursue additional credentials within the field such as the Certified Perinatal Doula (CPD) credential issued by the Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB). The CPD credential may require several components, including:
- Completion of 20 hours of doula education training
- CPR certification
- ServSafe certification
Participants interested in becoming certified should consult the Rhode Island Certification Board for the most current certification requirements.
Practicing as a Doula in Rhode Island
Certification is not required to practice as a doula in Rhode Island, and many doulas begin working after completing a 20-hour doula training program. However, some employers and programs, such as Medicaid reimbursement for doula services, may require additional credentials such as the Certified Perinatal Doula (CPD) designation.
Important Notice
This program is intended to provide the required education and foundational skills for individuals interested in becoming a doula. Completion of this program does not grant professional certification, as additional steps may be required to obtain certification through the Rhode Island Certification Board.
Completion does not guarantee employment, and the program does not provide job placement services. Participants are responsible for seeking and securing their own professional opportunities after completing the training.