Become An SMC Full Circle Doula
This is a 4-day (32 hours) in-person doula training to earn your dual certification as a labor and postpartum doula.
- DECEMBER 7- 10, 2023 | Portland, OR
Earn Your Dual Certification As Birth and Postpartum Doula
Taught By Proven Professionals
Certified, progressive and inspirational midwives and doulas from across the nation, this training will give you the foundation and skills needed to be a confident, effective and a professional doula.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Graduates
This training was everything you could dream of. It was so down to earth and really allowed us to have discussions to aid understanding. The hands-on aspect made me confident that I was ready to start the next day. It was awesome. Thank you,”
My experience with SMC full Circle Doula Training was phenomenal. The trainers were knowledgeable and easy to follow. The information I received was life-changing. My eyes have been opened to so many new possibilities for helping my family and community. |
Taking the SMC Full Circle Doula course will be marked as another unforgettable experience in my life. The course provides a wealth of knowledge from beginning to end. Thank you, Mama Shafia and care team.
Installment Payment Options
One Payment
One Easy Payment of $1,323 (After $ 300 Discount)
Two Installments
Two Payments – $1,000 now, then $673 in 2 weeks. (Includes $50 Processing Fee)
Three Installments
Three Payments – $801 now, then $481 every 2 weeks until complete. (Includes $50 Processing Fee)
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a 4 day, 32-hour in-person provisional doula training for labor and postpartum doulas. The training is the first requirement to be certified as an SMC Full Circle Doula Companion. This is a culturally competent training that honors the legacy of the 20th Century African American midwife to improve birth outcomes, increase breastfeeding, and build leadership.
DAY 1 – Thursday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM: Orientation, Introduction, SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy, African American Midwives, Documentary Viewing, Birth Plan, and U.S. Doula History.
DAY 2 – Friday, 9 AM – 6:30 PM: Prenatal Care, Signs of Pregnancy, Pathways to Prenatal Care, Nutrition, Herbs, Infant Mortality Prevention.
DAY 3 – Saturday, 9 AM – 6:30 PM: Labor and Delivery, Signs of Labor, Comfort Measures, Cesarean Section Prevention & Support, and VBACK.
DAY 4 – Sunday, 9 AM – 6:30 PM: Postpartum and Infant Care, Breastfeeding, Creating a Doula Business, Certification Requirements, Next Steps, and Final Quiz.
On Day 1, there is a 30 minute break for lunch and two (2) 10-minute breaks. On Days 2-4, there is a one-hour lunch break and three (3) 10-minute breaks.
Unique Topics Covered Include and Expand Beyond:
- African American birth traditions and postpartum rituals
- Public health in maternal and infant health
- Improving birth outcomes
- Reducing maternal morbidity
- Learning the causes of maternal mortality
- Honoring the legacy of the 20th century African American midwife
- Supporting fatherhood/partners and family
- Belly binding
- Postpartum baths
- Herbs and nutrition
- Medical terminology
- SMC Doula Scope of Care
- Advocacy and empowerment
- Systemic Racism in Birth
- Professionalism and leadership
- Midwifery model of Care
You will receive your hard-copy training manual on your first day of training.
Bring your water bottle and an exercise mat or large towel to lay on. You can also bring a pillow for comfort and a blanket.
We encourage you to bring snacks, lunch, and eat a hearty breakfast.
- SMC Full Circle Doula Philosophy, an abstract by Shafia Monroe Download PDF — 10-pages
- The Doula Guide to Birth, by Ananda Lowe and Rachel Zimmerman
- Listen to Me Good, Life Story of an Alabama Midwife, by Margaret Charles Smith and Linda Janet Holmes
These materials are available on Amazon or possibly through your local library.
All the above books and materials should be read before the first day of class.
© 2023- SMC Full Circle Doula Birth Companion Training, LLC