DMV Birth Doulas, LLC
International Black Doula Institute
Nikita Johnson
Midwife Apprentice, Certified Labor & Delivery Surgical Technologist, Certified Birth Doula(BAI), Doula Trainer, Doula Preceptor, Patient Care Technician, Placenta Encapsulator, Certified Nursing Assistant, Labor Coach
The International Black Doula Institute is the first black owned independent doula training organization traveling throughout the United States to educate birth workers, nurses, doctors and Ob/Gyn professionals in efforts to help decrease the rising Maternal-Mortality rates. We've trained over 150+ doulas, nurses, and Ob/Gyn health professionals. Our robust curriculum is unique and geared towards addressing the disparities of black birthing people. Our doula training program offers Pregnancy & Childbirth Doula Training, Postpartum Doula Training, Placenta Encapsulation Training, Bengkung Belly Binding Training, Doula Business Courses, Mentorship, and Continuing Education.
Doula Training Curriculum
and Requirements
As of March 2021, Our doula training is offered as a bundle. We’ve found that doulas can better support their clients with knowledge and education from the birth and postpartum aspect. This will likely increase the doula's ability to proactively respond to a birthing person who may be experiencing a complication from birth. Our doula retreats are all-inclusive and offered three times a year. The retreat is a combination of multiple training sessions and classes offered together as a three day in-person workshop. Virtual options are available at the same cost. Our doula retreat will include:
Pregnancy & Childbirth Doula Course:
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The Anatomy and Physiological changes affiliated with Pregnancy and Childbirth.
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Benefits of Holistic Practitioners.
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Prenatal Nutrition
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Anatomy of the Reproductive System.
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Anatomy of the Pregnant Body
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Introduction to Human Anatomy and Development.
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Normal Childbirth
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Stages of Labor.
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Medicated/Unmedicated Birth
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Surgical Birth
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Challenges and Complications of Pregnancy and Birth
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Informed Consent.
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Maternal Mortality Statistics.
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Advocacy, Labor and Delivery Medical Procedures.
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Hospital Equipment and Supplies.
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First Latch after Birth.
Pregnancy & Childbirth Doula Certification
Pre-Reqs & Certification Process:
*All books and course work must be purchased and completed two weeks prior to the start of training.*
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Complete Lamaze “Prepared for Pregnancy Online Course”
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Complete Lamaze “Labor Pain Management Techniques for Comfort & Coping”
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Purchase recommended books
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Battling Over Birth: Black Women and the Maternal Healthcare Crisis
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The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions (5th Edition)
Pregnancy & Childbirth Doula Certification Process:
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Attend In-Person or Virtual Doula Training
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Pass Doula Exam
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Support 3 Birthing People
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Submit Two Page Summary about the Recommended Books
*Students that pass the exam will receive a “Temporary” Certified Doula Certification that will remain valid for two years until all requirements are completed. If requirements are not met within the two year time frame, you will have to pay for the course again and complete steps 1-4*.
Postpartum & Newborn Doula Course:
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Physiological Changes affiliated with the Postpartum Period.
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Involution of the Uterus.
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Newborn Interventions.
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Vaccinations.
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Baby-Led Initiation.
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Onsets of the Menstrual Cycle.
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Postnatal Nutrition.
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Advocacy during the Postpartum Period.
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Postpartum Pain Management.
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Healing and Recovery Process.
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Postpartum Complications.
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Mood Disorders and Postpartum Depression.
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Care of the Newborn.
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Bottle Feeding & Complications.
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Formula Feeding.
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Holistic Birth Control Methods.
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Vaginal Steaming.
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Postpartum Belly Binding.
Postpartum & Newborn Doula Certification Pre-Reqs & Certification Process:
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*All books and course work must be purchased and completed two weeks prior to the start of training.*
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1.) Purchase Recommended Books
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Nurturing the Family: The Guide for Postpartum Doulas
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The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Postpartum & Newborn Doula Certification Process:
1.) Attend In-Person or Virtual Doula Training
2.) Pass Doula Exam
3.) Support 3 Postpartum People
4.) Submit Two Page Summary about the Recommended Books.
*Students that pass the exam will receive a “Temporary” Certified Doula Certification that will remain valid for two years until all requirements are completed. If requirements are not met within the two year time frame, you will have to pay for the course again and complete steps 1-4*
Placenta Encapsulation Course:
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Placental Development
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Placental Expulsion
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Mechanisms of Placental Expulsion
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Placental Variations
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Placental Grades
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Placental Circulation
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History & Science of Placental Ingestion
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Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
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Concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation
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Scope of Practice of Placenta Encapsulators
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Policies and Regulations for taking a Placenta from a Hospital
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STD’s & It’s Effects on the Placenta
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Placental Calcification
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Safe Handling and Disposal of Human Tissue
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Sanitary Measures and Supplies
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Equipment and Supplies for Placenta Encapsulation
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Demonstration of the Complete Placenta Preparation Process
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Waivers & Contracts
Placenta Encapsulation Certification
Pre-Reqs & Certification Process:
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*All books and course work must be purchased and completed two weeks prior to the start of training.*
1.) Complete “Biologix Bloodborne Pathogen Online Training”
2.) Purchase Recommended Books
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Powerful Mamas DIY Placenta Encapsulation Guide + Bonus Items: A How-To Guide for Raw, TCM and Basic Heated Methods of Placenta Preparation
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DIY Placenta Art: Photos + Prints + Cord Keepsakes
Placenta Encapsulation Certification Process:
1.) Attend In-Person Or Virtual Training
2.) Pass Placenta Encapsulation Exam
3.) Encapsulate 3 Placentas
Lactation/Breastfeeding Class:
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Anatomy of the Breasts
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First Latch
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Secured and Unsecured Latch
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Benefits of Breastfeeding for Birthing People and Baby
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Nutrition for Lactation
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Referral to a Breastfeeding Specialist, Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC
Lactation/Breastfeeding Class Certification Process:
*This is NOT a certification course but a continuing education class required to become a Birth and Postpartum Doula. Trainees will receive a certificate of completion for breastfeeding education.
Doula Business Course:
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Business Registration
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Obtaining EIN & Tax ID Number
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Contracts, Waivers & Payment Plan Agreements
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Doula Apps & Client Management Systems
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Social Media Content
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Social Media Strategies
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SEO & Directories
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Client Acquisition
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Networking
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Partnerships and Business Relationships
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Prenatal & Postpartum Visits
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Doula-Client Communication
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Legal Team & Fees
Doula Training Dates, Pricing & Locations:
August 20-23, 2021 9:00 am - 7:00 pm - $795 - Charlotte, North Carolina
November 5-7, 2021 9:00 am - 7:00 pm $795 - Baltimore, Maryland
April 22-24, 2022 9:00 am - 7:00 pm $795 - Dallas, Texas
August 26-28, 2022 9:00 am - 7:00 pm $795 - Baltimore, Maryland
November 4-6, 2022 9:00 am - 7:00 pm $795 - Hampton Roads, Virginia