Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many hours a week should a student expect to spend on the course?
Students can expect a minimum of 2-4 hours of work each week. This will consist of a combination of online classes (that will be offered live and recorded for your convenience) as well as reading and assignments. Most assignments are open-ended so there is opportunity for each student to dive deeper into the work if they choose. Students work at their own pace. This requires students to be disciplined with time management in order to not fall too far behind. Our goal is to have students complete the coursework by the end of the semester so that they are ready to take on their new career.
2. Will you partner with locations to offer live training seminars?
Yes. The live training seminars will be offered across the United States, and whenever possible, take into consideration where the online students are located. However, you may need to travel to attend a live training.
3. What type of situation would someone only take the course and not the live training?
Many doulas have already trained and/or certified with other organizations. Often times these newly-certified doulas feel they need more guidance. Others may choose to take this course as a continuing education opportunity to expand their current services. The academic content of the course by itself is much more extensive than other traditional doula training programs which is beneficial even to the seasoned doula.
4. I have taken a doula training through another organization but I don't feel fully prepared to be practicing on my own. Will this class help me?
Absolutely! In fact, this was the whole reason Doula School was created. Many new doulas are so excited to receive their certifications, but feel so unprepared to step out on their own. New doulas often try to reach out to seasoned doulas within their local community in hopes of shadowing. They are disappointed to find out that shadowing a doula rarely works (for a variety of very good reasons). This is where Doula School can fill in those gaps. We help new doulas feel part of a community, while learning a tremendous amount.
6. Will I be a certified doula?
Yes. Students who complete all of the coursework and attend the live session will be certified through Family Trees Birth Programs. Doulas who are certified through our program receive the credentials CD(FTBP).
7. Is this course just for birth doula work or do you offer postpartum doula training too?
This course will prepare you to serve mothers both prenatally and postpartum. Students may choose to focus on one or both areas, but often times doulas will find there is a great deal of overlap between the two. It is important that the doula be competent in both areas.
8. What other expenses should I be aware of?
Students will begin to build their own lending and learning library. Students will also begin to collect tools for birth work. This can be done at the students own pace and budget. Items will include books, DVDs, teaching tools such as a model pelvis and doll, comfort tools, etc. At a very minimum, students need to have access to the books and DVDs - which can be purchased, borrowed from a library or friend, or rented, and access to a computer and internet service.
Extra expenses are at the student's discretion.
Students can expect a minimum of 2-4 hours of work each week. This will consist of a combination of online classes (that will be offered live and recorded for your convenience) as well as reading and assignments. Most assignments are open-ended so there is opportunity for each student to dive deeper into the work if they choose. Students work at their own pace. This requires students to be disciplined with time management in order to not fall too far behind. Our goal is to have students complete the coursework by the end of the semester so that they are ready to take on their new career.
2. Will you partner with locations to offer live training seminars?
Yes. The live training seminars will be offered across the United States, and whenever possible, take into consideration where the online students are located. However, you may need to travel to attend a live training.
3. What type of situation would someone only take the course and not the live training?
Many doulas have already trained and/or certified with other organizations. Often times these newly-certified doulas feel they need more guidance. Others may choose to take this course as a continuing education opportunity to expand their current services. The academic content of the course by itself is much more extensive than other traditional doula training programs which is beneficial even to the seasoned doula.
4. I have taken a doula training through another organization but I don't feel fully prepared to be practicing on my own. Will this class help me?
Absolutely! In fact, this was the whole reason Doula School was created. Many new doulas are so excited to receive their certifications, but feel so unprepared to step out on their own. New doulas often try to reach out to seasoned doulas within their local community in hopes of shadowing. They are disappointed to find out that shadowing a doula rarely works (for a variety of very good reasons). This is where Doula School can fill in those gaps. We help new doulas feel part of a community, while learning a tremendous amount.
6. Will I be a certified doula?
Yes. Students who complete all of the coursework and attend the live session will be certified through Family Trees Birth Programs. Doulas who are certified through our program receive the credentials CD(FTBP).
7. Is this course just for birth doula work or do you offer postpartum doula training too?
This course will prepare you to serve mothers both prenatally and postpartum. Students may choose to focus on one or both areas, but often times doulas will find there is a great deal of overlap between the two. It is important that the doula be competent in both areas.
8. What other expenses should I be aware of?
Students will begin to build their own lending and learning library. Students will also begin to collect tools for birth work. This can be done at the students own pace and budget. Items will include books, DVDs, teaching tools such as a model pelvis and doll, comfort tools, etc. At a very minimum, students need to have access to the books and DVDs - which can be purchased, borrowed from a library or friend, or rented, and access to a computer and internet service.
Extra expenses are at the student's discretion.
