So you want to become a Doula?

Are you that go to friend when someone has experienced loss? Have you wondered what is next to help others on this grief and healing journey? Have you supported and attended a birth and helped assist a family through burying their baby? You don't know it, but you are already a Doula. Are you still on the fence about becoming a Doula?

Join Us Now

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Week 1 - Fertility/Prenatal/Birth

    • Week 1 Survey

    • Welcome to Sisters in Loss Birth and Bereavement Doula Training!

    • Childbirth Education Videos

    • Week 1 - Live Presentation PDF

    • Week 1 Workbook

    • Week 1 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 1 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 1 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 1 Live Video - Cohort 4

    • Week 1 Quiz
  • 2

    Week 2 - Medical Support in Pregnancy

    • Week 2 Live Presentation PDF

    • Week 2 Workbook

    • Business of Being Born Film - Movie Watch and Review for Certfication

    • Week 2 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 2 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 2 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 2 Live Video - Cohort 4

    • Week 2 Quiz
  • 3

    Week 3 - Non-Medical Support in Pregnancy

    • Week 3 Assignment - Calling Local Hospital to ask Questions

    • SIL Doula Birth Plan Example

    • SIL Doula Labor & Birthing Positions Guide

    • Week 3 Workbook

    • Week 3 Live Presentation PDF

    • Week 3 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 3 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 3 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 3 Quiz
  • 4

    Week 4 - NICU & Postpartum Physical Health

    • Week 4 Assignment - What does black maternal health mean to you after watching this video?

    • Week 4 Workbook

    • Week 4 Live Presentation .pdf

    • Week 4 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 4 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 4 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 4 Live Video - Cohort 4

    • Week 4 Quiz
  • 5

    Week 5 - Grief & Postpartum Emotional Health

    • Week 5 SIL Live Presentation .pdf

    • Week 5 Workbook

    • Week 5 Assignment - Death by Delivery - Movie Watch and Review

    • Week 5 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 5 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 5 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 5 Live Video - Cohort 4

    • Week 5 Quiz
  • 6

    Week 6 - Establishing your Doula Business or Non Profit

    • Week 6 Assignment 1: To complete your Doula Business Contract

    • Week 6 Assignment 2 - Online CPR Class (Free Course)

    • Sample Birth Doula Contract

    • Grow-Your-Birth-Business

    • Week 6 SIL Live Presentation .pdf

    • SIL Week 6 Doula Training Workbook

    • Week 6 Live Video - Cohort 1

    • Week 6 Live Video - Cohort 2

    • Week 6 Live Video - Cohort 3

    • Week 6 Live Video - Cohort 4
  • 7

    Certification Requirements and Materials

    • Recommended Books for 1 Page Book Report - Select 2 Books to read and complete report on

    • Business of Being Born Movie Review - 1 Page Review of Movie

    • Death by Delivery Movie Review - 1 Page Review of Movie

    • Final Certification Submittals - Book Review

    • Final Certification Submittals - Movie Review

    • Final Certification Submittals - 3 Births/Losses Support

    • Final Submittal First Aid - Infant First Aid

  • 8

    Resources and Forms

    • Sample Bereavement Loss and Emergency Birth Contract

    • Letter of Medical Necessity - Needed for HSA/FSA Doula Reimbursements

    • Sample Postpartum Pricing Plans to add to your Birth Contract

    • Other Birth Plan Examples - Twins and Cesarean Births

    • Packing List for Hospital or Home Birth

    • Birth Plan Examples

    • Labor Birth Position Guide

    • Pre-Conception Questions

    • Prenatal Reading List - Books to Recommend for your clients

    • Acupuncture and Pressure Points for Labor Pain Relief

    • Hospital Letter for SIL Doulas

    • Videos on Black Maternal Mortality

See what the Sisters in Loss are saying

Unpacking own losses and healing

Kayanna Moreland-Law

When I came across the Sisters in Loss group 2 years ago, I would have never thought I would be taking a Birth and Bereavement Doula training class. I was still dealing with my own losses; how can I help someone else? Since my training, I have unpacked my own hurt and started the healing process. I always told God I would be scared to get pregnant again after my losses because I didn't have the tools, but He provided those tools with this Birth & Bereavement Doula training. God's timing is perfect, and I will no longer be afraid of becoming a mother on this side of earth. Thank you, Erica, for creating this platform.

Full Circle Moment

Anesha Stanley

Taking this course was a full circle experience for me. Becoming certified equipped me for what I am called to do and I feel confident in my new role as a doula. Having experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, I'm humbled that God has empowered me to return to the birth scence, where the enemy attacked me and my purpose, to now support and educate my clients have a self determined birth without fear.

Supporting birthing people through delivery and bereavement

Jasmine Mason-Moore

The birth & bereavement Doula training was GREAT!! I have a better understanding of how I can support the birthing person & family during the delivery. I feel confident with the skills I have learned to continue to support families with one the most memorable parts of becoming a parent.

So much knowledge on how Black birthers are treated during childbirth

Regina Anderson

This is the best investment of your and money. Learning how you can help other women through their journey, each course is worth it.

Worth the InvestmentThis course is healing, inspiring and informative. As someone who has experienced pregnancy after loss, I had not realized how emotionally and spiritually uplifting it would be to participate in this training. What I was most impressed by was the information shared related to preparing families for birth at any trimester. This was very helpful to me personally and professionally in my efforts to support other families who have experienced loss and pregnancy complications. Although, the class covered the full spectrum of birth scenarios, it was especially helpful to get this education, as it is something that seems unique to this program. Ms. McAfee has a teaching style that is warm and engaging, and the curriculum was inclusive of all essential aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Further, there was consideration of all birthing parents and families. This is definitely a training worth the investment!

This course is healing, inspiring and informative. As someone who has experienced pregnancy after loss, I had not realized how emotionally and spiritually uplifting it would be to participate in this training. What I was most impressed by was the information shared related to preparing families for birth at any trimester. This was very helpful to me personally and professionally in my efforts to support other families who have experienced loss and pregnancy complications. Although, the class covered the full spectrum of birth scenarios, it was especially helpful to get this education, as it is something that seems unique to this program. Ms. McAfee has a teaching style that is warm and engaging, and the curriculum was inclusive of all essential aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. Further, there was consideration of all birthing parents and families. This is definitely a training worth the investment!

Goal for over 20 years that I have finally achieved!

Sisters in Loss & Bereavement Course was a goal that I have stated for well over 15 years, to have the opportunity to be apart of the workshop was an answer to my vision board. I have served families for 20 years, this opportunity will definitely provide me the ability to continue to serve and support my people and all minorities (as well as any family having a baby). I believe in getting Back-to-the -Basics, this to me is us returning to a nurturing role for families. I appreciate all the information I been able to obtain being apart of this workshop and connection to Erica. Thank you for the opportunity and consistently keeping us informed on so many things related to being a Doula. You are God sent and I thank God for YOU!!!

Instructor

Doula Educator

Erica Freeman

Hey Sis! I’m Erica, the Founder and Head Sister of Sisters in Loss, a black infant and maternal health company and foundation where Black Women replace Silence with Storytelling around Pregnancy and Infant Loss and Infertility. I started Sisters in Loss when I was searching for a podcast and community of black women with shared experiences around miscarriages and infertility. After experiencing a stillbirth at 39 weeks and miscarriage at 18 weeks, I know the pain and healing that comes with life after loss. Through the powerful stories and testimonies of dynamic, resilient black women, the Sisters in Loss has grown into a infant and maternal health and education company and foundation consisting of an online community, magazine, podcast, and childbirth education through doula training and certification. I work intensively with black women on their grief and healing journey as a Grief Specialist and Doula Trainer by giving them the tools they need to become more resilient, confident, and joyful no matter life's challenges, circumstances, and hurts. Join the Sisters in Loss Community, starting with the “My Loss Story” episode to follow my journey to motherhood and meet many other black moms who have experienced loss and infertility. About Sisters in Loss Sisters in Loss is dedicated to replacing silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility of black women. The stigma and shame that comes with sharing loss stories prevent black women from achieving the healing they need to thrive in their new normal. Sisters in Loss holds space to present loss and infertility stories in a resourceful culturally acceptable way to assure black women they are not alone on this journey. Join the Sisters in Loss Community at www.sistersinloss.com

FAQ

  • Who can participate in this training?

    Anyone of any race, experience level and profession can join this course.

  • I'm not a doula yet, is this course for me?

    Yes, this course will teach you how to become a doula. This course is also for doulas at all experience levels to teach them about bereavement principles and help strengthen doula business.

  • I can't make it to a live session, will I receive the recording?

    Yes, absolutely! All recordings will be added to your Thinkific account.

  • How long will I have access to this course?

    You will have lifetime access to this course.

  • What is your refund policy?

    You can request a full refund up to five business days after confirmation that your purchase has been completed, provided the course has not started. SIL will process the refund due to you as soon as possible and, in any case, within 30 calendar days of the day on which you requested it.

  • How much time should I commit to this course a week?

    You should commit 2-5 hours a week for the course reading, materials, assignments, and quizzes.