Sankofa Full Spectrum Doula Training & Certification Program
As of 2024, Black Mothers In Power has trained 47 individuals to become Doulas through our Sankofa Full Spectrum Doula Training & Certification Program, with 16 of them achieving certification.
This program offers training and certification twice a year, in January and July, with two unique tracks:
The General Doula Training & Certification Program, designed to equip participants with the foundational skills to provide holistic support for birthing people.
The Doula Mentorship Program, which provides additional hands-on guidance and experience for those pursuing doula work as a career.
General Doula Training and Certification Program
This is for individuals that have never been a part of a Doula program. The Doula Training is for 3 days and the certification process takes 10-12 months. The program consists of mandatory workshops, trainings, book clubs, and mentorship.
The cost of the training and certification process is $1200. Full and partial scholarships could be available. There are options for payment plans.
Doula Mentorship Program
This is for Doulas that have completed any training program within the last 3 years and need assistance with getting births to become certified. The certification process takes 10-12 months, the Doula will receive a mentor, participate in Doula Skills Day, and have the option to participate in book clubs, workshops, & trainings. To become certified, a Doula will need to complete 3 Births, 3 Postpartum care clients and pass an exam.
The cost of the certification process is $600. Full and partial scholarships could be available. There are options for payment plans.
We accept applications all year long.
Becoming a Mentor
A major component of the program is mentorship. A mentor is a past trained BMIP Doula. It is a volunteer position with a stipend.
Mentors facilitate the Doula Skills Day. Doula Skill Days provides a safe space for Doulas to practice skills by exposing them to possible situations they may encounter. Mentors will hold monthly group and 1:1 mentorship opportunities. The mentors will also help to lead the BMIP Book Club.
BMIP Doula Skills Day
Trained, experienced Doulas will portray the roles of birthing people to help Doulas in training practice:
-Pain management techniques
-Counter pressure techniques
-Identifying labor symptoms & signs
-Packing their Doula bag
-Communicating with birthing people, their families, and other support people, etc.
There will be real life scenarios, opportunities to work in small groups for hands-on practice, and open Q&A. The goal of Doula Skill Day is to prepare Doulas in training adequately during their training time period to feel more confident in accepting clients to eventually become certified Doulas.
Doula Skills Day is open to all Doulas in the community. It is free for BMIP Doulas in training. There is a $10 cost for BMIP member Doulas and $20 for non-BMIP member Doulas.
BMIP Book Club
The BMIP Book Club is a platform that brings together Doulas to engage in meaningful discussions about topics related to self-care and maternal health. This is once a month, but the book selection is every other month. Through curated readings, interactive discussions, and insights, the club aims to promote awareness, share knowledge, and foster a community of individuals dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes.
It is free for BMIP Doulas in training. There is a $10 cost for BMIP member Doulas and $20 for non-BMIP member Doulas.