Description
Physiology of pregnancy;
How the maternity care system is organised in the Netherlands / protocols and guidelines;
Required reading list – to be read before the Foundation Training:
- The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennel, Klaus and/or Dutch book: De Doula by Saskia Bruyn and Thea van Tuyl
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin (also available as audio book)
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin 5th edition
- Heart and Hands by Elizabeth Davis
- The Labor Progress Handbook By Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta – 4th edition / to read before the Advanced Training
- Heart of the Doula by Amy Gilliland / to read before the Advanced Training
Recommended reading list:
- A-Z For a Healthy Pregnancy and Natural Childbirth by Jacky Bloemraad-De Boer – 2nd edition
- Birthing From Within OR Ancient Map for Modern Birth By Pam England
- Doulas and Intimate Labour / Boundaries, Bodies and Birth by Angela Castañeda
- Give Birth like a Feminist by Milli Hill (available in Dutch from fall 2021 onwards)
- Praktische Verloskunde by Marianne Prins, Jos van Roosmalen
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn, the Complete Guide, 5th edition, by Penny Simkin et al
Topics covered in the BiA Doula Foundation Training – Level 1 include:
- Role of the doula
- Communication
- Physiology of childbirth
- Hormones of Birth
- Mechanics of birth
- Phases of birth & how to support as a doula
- Role of the doula with partners, family members, children
- Immediate postpartum
- Informed consent / informed choice
- Self Care (for birth workers)
- Internship and Certification process
- Steps for starting your doula business
Hands on techniques include:
- Intention / Touch
- Counter pressure, stroking
- Acupressure
- Positions for labour and birth
- Role play
- Active listening
- Reflection / interaction
