Full-spectrum doulas are non-medically trained community birth care workers who offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy. They provide informational, emotional, and physical support to people that are trying to conceive, are pregnant, desire an abortion, have experienced a loss, or in postpartum. A full-spectrum doula provides this support throughout the reproductive life experience. There are many types of doulas as well as definitions. The fact that full spectrum doulas provide more than birth and postpartum support remains the same.

A professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or the addition of a new baby. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. Postpartum doulas identify early signs of depression and provide a variety of needed resources.

Meaning the Seven Principles (Kiswahili) … is to remember and access the African in us and to use it, not only to come into the fullness of ourselves but also to increase and sustain African and human good for the well-being of the family and community.

The Nguzo Saba framework becomes the critical support that acts as value-orientation and value-grounding stimuli with essential personal and social growth standards. This framework sustains ongoing support for the mother, baby, and family during pregnancy and beyond.

Our students are trained to serve their clients as effective and engaged partners in the evolution to change birth and reproductive justice health culture locally, nationally, and globally. Joining our team means you are on the cutting edge of changing the health disparities and inequities in the community where you live, work, and serve. This training is available for experienced doulas as well as new doulas.

All of the necessary materials for the classes are included in your enrollment fee. Upon registration students receive a workbook, textbook, and handouts. Students may choose to bring their own note pads and or writing utensils.

Direct instruction coupled with group discussions will include but not limited to; reproductive justice, and birth justice, trauma informed care, perinatal and infant health disparities, bereavement and loss, career development, labor, delivery, infant and postpartum care. Students are taught in a pleasant learning environment by professionals in their field. Mentoring support, continued education, and the opportunity to build relationships with one another. The curriculum meets the State of Illinois Medicaid doula billing requirements, which allows doulas to be compensated for services delivered to moms receiving state assistance.

A minimum of 3 additional study hours per week are required outside of the instructional hours. Students are encouraged to review information taught in class in preparation for the certification exam. Please note: In order to meet the state requirements 40 contact hours are required.

Full Spectrum Birthing Assistant (Doula): $1,200

Postpartum Care Specialists (Doula): $500

We offer payment plans for those who are able to pay the full amount but need time to pay. We do require payment in full by the sixth-class module for Full Spectrum Birthing Assistant. Third module for Postpartum Care Specialists.

When possible, scholarships and or reduced fees are offered. Please inquire at the time of registration about this opportunity.

Upon completion of the required coursework and exam you will receive your certification and become a member of the BA NIA Inc. network. Once in the network your information will be shared with individuals seeking birthing assistants or postpartum services. In addition, the Ancestral Seeds Certification Program meets the State of Illinois Medicaid doula billing requirements. In order to maintain these credentials, you will need to receive continuing education credits every two years. As a BA NIA network member, you will receive these courses at a discount.