Birth It Forward Academy
Doula Mentorship
Hands-On Learning and Doula Mentorship.
Welcome to Birth It Forward Academy. This 6 month apprenticeship will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful doula. You will work with at least three Advanced Doulas who will guide you through this hands-on learning experience with real clients, expansive continuing education opportunities, and networking events. Finding new clients is hard. Facing birth and pregnancy questions that weren’t covered in your training can be scary! You don’t have to do it alone. Birth It Forward Academy will provide you with both education and hands-on experience working with clients with a mentor doula by your side to support you.
Birth It Forward is a nonprofit dedicated to serving pregnant and early postpartum families regardless of their financial status. Through our academy, you will have the privilege of working with some of the strongest and most resilient clients the KC Area has to offer.
Pricing
Mentorship + CPR Bundle
— For an All-Inclusive training
Receive all required training for your Applied Doula Practitioner Certificate in one place.
Learn more about what’s included.
$550
Mentorship Only
— for students who already have CPR Certification
CPR certification is a graduation requirement for your certificate. However, we provide this option for those who are already CPR certified or those who wish to obtain their CPR certification independently outside this program.
$500
Payment plans are available however, the fee must be paid in full prior to the start of your doula mentorship.
We understand financing can be challenging, so we offer scholarships once per apprentice. All apprentices can apply for a scholarship when applying for the program. Scholarships are awarded based on need and availability.
What’s Included?
01
Work in a team with experienced doulas
Gain hands-on experience as an apprentice in a doula team for a minimum of two clients. These interactions total four prenatal appointments, two births, two perinatal appointments, and regular client chat communications.
02
Work with real clients
Take the wheel as a primary doula for at least one birth. Don’t worry, your advisor will still be available to you virtually for questions you have along the way!
03
Complementary access to hybrid Childbirth Education class.
Get evidence-based childbirth education and be familiar with the classes that your clients are taking.
04
Evidence-Based Doula Focused Continuing Education
Complementary library of virtual doula continuing education courses. Classes include NICU preparation, PMD support, how to support breastfeeding, and many more. Apprentices will also be required to attend at least one Non-Pharmacologic Support for the Laboring Patient: A Hands-On Learning Experience class held in partnership with HCA.
05
Birth it Forward Conference
If held during your apprenticeship, you receive free attendance at the annual Birth it Forward conference, hosted every summer. Otherwise, you will receive free access to the previous year’s recordings.
06
Advocacy Training
Develop advocacy skills, including working with medical staff, while fully supporting their client’s wishes and not overshadowing their voices.
07
Numerous Networking Opportunities
Meet other doulas in your community by attending events such as Book Club, Doulas Know Squat Lifting Club, ASL Club, Member’s Meetings, and more!
08
Applied Doula Practitioner Certificate
Upon graduation be awarded with an Applied DOula Practitioner Certificate
09
Additional Learning Opportunities
Birth it Forward has regular ongoing learning opportunities that are catered to the needs of our student doulas, both virtually and in person. Specific topics can be requested!
Learning Topics Covered
- Childbirth Education
- Non-pharmaceutical comfort measures
- Lactation
- HIPPA compliance
- Doula scope of practice
- Advocacy Training
- And much more!
Get started with a doula mentor!
Get started by filling out our application form. Or schedule a phone call with a Birth It Forward representative to discuss the program. We will contact you once your application is received to walk you through the next steps.
We are committed to providing you with the best possible education and experience. Our program is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a doula. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to working with you!