Naturopathic Doula Course

MODULE 1 - DOULA BASICS

In this module, we specifically go into your role as a doula, statistics & the benefits associated with doula-assisted births. We discuss the importance of current politics around labour & inaccurate preconceptions about childbirth, and how to navigate relationships with primary healthcare providers such as Midwives and OBs. Here we also explore the concept of Fearless Birth and the power of the mind-body connection prior to, during, and after labour. Finally, we talk about the physiology of labour.

MODULE 2 - PREGNANCY

In module 2 we delve right into how you can support a woman through pregnancy and prepare her mind and body for labour from the initial consultation up to the birth itself.  Prenatal nutrition, supplementation, testing, and interventions are also discussed. We also talk about creating a Birth Plan, along with addressing clients’ fears and anxieties.  Plans for labour preparation (including acupuncture preparation), miscarriage prevention, and labour induction techniques are provided in this module. We also discuss techniques, tools and remedies you can use to treat common pregnancy concerns.

MODULE 3 - LABOUR & CHILDBIRTH

Module 3 focuses on your support through labour and the birth.  We talk about the stages and phases of labour, emotional challenges of labour, how to recognize labour and how to know when to attend. We discuss all of the tools you can use to support the labouring woman and how to navigate specific challenges during labour. We also examine the current research around pharmaceutical and naturopathic interventions including those used for labour augmentation and pain management.

MODULE 4 - POSTPARTUM

In module 4 we discuss your role immediately postpartum and in the days following the birth. We discuss postpartum challenges, support for mom and baby, nutrition and supplementation, and how you can treat common postpartum concerns using naturopathic modalities. Breastfeeding is also discussed in detail in this module.

MODULE 5 - SELF CARE & THE BUSINESS OF BEING A DOULA

In this final module, we talk specifically about the business of being a doula and how you can prepare yourself for births. Setting up your appointments, marketing yourself, creating connections within the community and practitioners are all discussed here. We will also go through some cases together at this time.

BONUS MATERIAL

Each module includes BONUS videos and documents that support the things we discuss. These templates, examples, and documents can be shared with your clients and used to build your own doula practice. They also act as a great reference for you during the birth where protocols may not be readily available when you need them most.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• manage perinatal cases effectively utilizing proper assessment techniques, standard diagnostics, and treatment

• integrate naturopathic philosophy, theory and principles with evidence based medical knowledge in caring for pregnant, labouring and postpartum women

• effectively care for women in pregnancy, labour, childbirth and postpartum using naturopathic therapeutic modalities including botanical medicine, acupuncture/acupressure, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, clinical nutrition and counseling

• effectively recite the benefits and risks to conventional and naturopathic interventions used during pregnancy, labour/childbirth, and postpartum

• understand your role as a childbirth assistant and navigate relationships with other birth professionals

• recognize the stages and phases of labour, and understand the unique emotional and physical needs of labouring women, as well as VBAC and those with history of abuse

• assist a woman in preparing her Birth Plan and her body for labour using acupuncture, neutraceuticals, herbs and homeopathic remedies

• effectively assist labour and delivery in a home, birthing centre or hospital setting

• avoid or reduce the use of unnecessary interventions (e.g. Pitocin, epidural, forceps, cesarean) during labour and childbirth and offer innovative, natural and safer alternatives

• assist a woman with breastfeeding and first latch

• market yourself effectively as a doula in your community

Feedback

“This course is an amazing complement to your license as an ND. I have already booked 2 births since completing her course a month ago, and attending my first this coming Spring. My income has already doubled this month, PLUS I am getting to do something I really love” - M.P. (Toronto, ON)

“I love how she lists everything needed in the birthing bag! And even gives protocols on what to do in certain situations. Thank god for this course! I am spoken to so many friends who have taken it and they recommend this course above all others! Thank you Dr. Jessica” - M.G. (Kitchener, ON)

“Jessica was very responsive to all of my questions after completing the course” - S.D. (Toronto, ON)

“I just love how honest and down to earth Jessica is. She is such a natural, tells us about her personal experiences, and makes everyone feel welcome” - M.H. (Vancouver, BC)

“There is so much information but everything is laid out so easily. It was fun, engaging and I was hooked from the very first module” - B.N. (Ottawa, ON)

“I feel so confident in my ability to attend a birth after taking this course” - K.D. (London, UK)

Dr. Jessica Dupont, BSc.H., ND (Course Instructor)

Dr. Jessica Dupont has been teaching the Naturopathic Doula Course since 2014, and is the owner of Naturopathic Doula Group (previously York Region Naturopathic Doulas). As a naturopathic doctor and birth doula, Dr. Jessica has attended 500+ births and has experience working cooperatively with midwives, obstetricians, family physicians and nursing staff to assist women and their partners before, during and after the birth of their child. Dr. Jessica is a mother herself and recognizes birth as a vital, yet vulnerable, & empowering experience in the life of a mother and family. She maintains a practice which focuses in hormonal regulation, fertility and perinatal care in King City, Ontario and is a published author.

Dr. Jessica is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and the University of Ottawa (Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours, Biopharmaceutical Science). She is a member in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors (APND) and Pediatrics Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP).

This is the ONLY Naturopathic Doula Course offered online, and the only course that offers a module entirely on the business of being a doula and how you can grow your practice.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The purpose of this course is to integrate your naturopathic education with the art of assisting women and their partners emotionally and physically through pregnancy, labour, childbirth, and postpartum.  By the end of this course, you will be able to support a woman through childbirth with confidence and ease in a home, birth centre and hospital setting.

MISSION

My soul purpose is to educate and empower other practitioners so that they too can enjoy the raw, sacred experience of supporting a woman through the most beautiful experience of her life. My mission is to encourage women to believe in their innate ability to birth their baby naturally and approach childbirth with strength, trust and confidence.

WHO CAN TAKE THE COURSE?

This course is a wonderful addition to the ND program, and allows you to practice as a doula even before becoming licensed as an ND.  Therefore, ND Candidates (3rd and 4th year), along with licensed Naturopathic Doctors, are welcome to take the course, but should have a general knowledge of homeopathic remedies and acupuncture points. Licensed Homeopathic Doctors and Acupuncturists are also welcome to take this course.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE ENTAIL?

This course is specifically accessed online, so that you can enjoy learning from the comfort of your own home, PLUS have continued access to the program. You have the freedom of taking the course at your own pace at any time that suits your schedule.

The course is divided into 5 separate modules totalling 6 hours of video material. Each module is summarized below for your review.   In addition to this material, you will also have access to educational videos, documents and other materials for your reference and for you to use as part of your doula business.