Doula Training for Qualifying New Yorkers
Doula Training For Qualifying New Yorkers
From Passion To Profession: Tuition-Based Doula Training For New Yorkers Passionate About Birth Support
Updated January 24, 2024
Brooklyn, NY – In March 2023, Kingsborough Community College was awarded $110,000 to offer a one-time free doula training to qualified applicants as part of the Healthcare Career Credentials (HC2) Pilot program, funded by the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, Young Men’s Initiative (YMI). The College partnered with Restore Forward Institute | Black Women’s Blueprint to provide training through its Workforce Development division. The training was part of an effort by New York City and New York State to reduce racial inequities in maternal health and support families in the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. The free 15-hour program was offered in May 2023.
In the fall of 2023, the doula training transitioned to a 48-hour tuition-based program that has since served 90 New Yorkers. The program added a comprehensive Maternal Health module developed by Dr. Peggy Roberts, founder and CEO of Trust Women’s Healthcare and partnered with DONA International to provide the DONA International Approved Birth Doula Training Certificate, the DONA Childbirth Education certificate and the DONA Lactation Education certificate. Upon successful completion of the program students can pursue a doula certification from DONA International. DONA International is the first and the largest evidence-based doula certification organization in the country. Kingsborough's course serves as the first step in qualifying for certification. For DONA Birth Doula Certification, students must also support, attend, and provide documentation for three qualifying births (separate from the Kingsborough training). Kingsborough's course provides guidance about the certification process.
Doulas are professionally trained birth assistants who provide emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Doula support has been shown to improve birth outcomes, with fewer birth complications and lower rates of low birth weight, which are leading causes of infant mortality. People who have doula support are also more likely to breastfeed, less likely to experience postpartum depression, and report greater satisfaction with the birth experience.
To apply, visit bit.ly/kcc-doula and submit your completed application. Questions about the training can be directed to Alissa.Levine@kbcc.cuny.edu.
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From Passion To Profession: Tuition-Based Doula Training For New Yorkers Passionate About Birth Support
In March 2023, KCC offered a one-time free doula training to qualified applicants as part of the Healthcare Career Credentials. In the fall of 2023, the doula training transitioned to a 48-hour tuition-based program