Required Readings

The reading materials are critical to gain competency in each topic.

SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companions provide holistic pregnancy care that supports the mother and unborn (fetus) for a healthy outcome. This week you will learn the signs of pregnancy, normal pregnancy discomforts, creating a birth plan, birth visioning, the prenatal diet, what is “soul food,” infant mortality prevention, reproductive anatomy, domestic violence in pregnancy, herbs and more.

Read:

Birth Visioning & Birth Plan p. 12-23.
Infant Mortality, p. 93, 29-32 , p. 40-54.
Domestic Violence & Pregnancy, p., 155-175.
Female Anatomy, p. 65-81, 176-179.
Healthy Back & Pregnancy Posture, p. 132-148.
Prenatal Care, p.72- 74, 81-85, 259-265 & 366.
Normal Pregnancy Discomforts, p.82-86.
Blood Pressure Reading, p. 62-64
Nutrition, p. 93-115,116-131. 147-154
Herbal Use, p. 128-133

Assignments

Topic: Infant Mortality Prevention

Every state in the nation has its own individual infant mortality rate; based on race. Your assignment for this topic of immortality is to research the infant mortality rate in your state by race (statistics). The year must be between 2016 and 2018. Do your best. Include your First name and the first letter of your last name in your topic title. If you choose to use a graph found online, include the source in your post.

Post: Create a new topic in forum “My State: Infant Mortality Rate”.
Due: December 16, 2021

Respond to at least one other discussion post.

Discussion: Creating A Birth Plan

As an SMC Doula, you must be able to explain the purpose and benefit of each item to your clients. You must know its purpose and how it will improve the perinatal experience

Assignment 1: “Create A Birth Plan.” Page. 12-23 in your training manual provides an extensive birth plan. This formula provides the details that should be included in a comprehensive birth plan. Select seven categories and pick one item per category, and explain why you chose that item, and how it will benefit your pregnant client. List one item per line.
Post: Create a new topic in the forum “Creating A Birth Plan”
Due: December 16, 2021

Topic: Creating A Birth Plan

As an SMC Doula, you must be able to explain the purpose and benefit of each item to your clients. You must know its purpose and how it will improve the perinatal experience

Assignment 2: “A Birth Essay, reference Slide #15 from the presentation “Creating A Birth Plan.” In the voice of the “client”, write a birth essay that contains all the information from slide #15. Read a “Birth Essay,” on Page 199, by Lowe, A. & Zimmeran, R. (2009), in “A Doula Guide to Birth” for an example of a birth essay. Put your name at the top of the document.
Upload: Save in PDF format and upload to Topic “Creating A Birth Plan“
Due: December 18, 2021

Discussion and Album: Doula Walk and Talk

Assignment: Due to COVID-19, you have the option of a virtual interview in-place in-person interaction (walk and talk). Ask a friend or family member if they know what a doula is and after hearing their response, explain the six benefits of a doula.

Acceptable Entry Formats for uploads: MP4, (Video)
Recording Length: 60 sec (min), 3 min (max)

Album: Upload your video to Group Album: “Doula Walk and Talk”. Please do not create a new album.
Discussion: Create a new topic (include your name in the subject) and upload your video to Group Discussion: “Doula Walk and Talk”. Include a short description of your video. *Essay Option: If recording your interview is not possible, summarize your experience in essay format (250-300 words)

Due: December 18, 2021

Respond to at least one other discussion post. Due December 18, 2021

Topic: Nutrition

Keep a 24-hour food diary. Write a 250-500-word essay on what you learned about your food culture.
Upload: Save in PDF format and upload to Week Two Topic: “Nutrition“
Due: December 18, 2021