Your FAQs About Full-Spectrum Doula Training Answered
In our 2020 wrap-up, we shared that we had the honor of working with 617 students, in 3 cohorts, in our Full-Spectrum Doula Training last year. Our next full-spectrum training starts in March 2021, and we would love for you to join us!
This expansive, 12-week online training provides doula education for all stages of a birthing person's life. Our training is a good fit for both new and experienced doulas, and it offers a deep dive into the vast topics under the reproductive justice umbrella.
In this blog, we will answer some of our frequently asked questions about the program and about becoming a full-spectrum doula.
What is a full-spectrum doula?
A full-spectrum doula is a non-medically trained (though they may have other, separate but overlapping clinical training) care worker who offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from preconception to birth to abortion to miscarriage to adoption and so on.
BADT’s lead course content creator and teacher, Jenna “JB” Brown, wrote a piece in 2018 about what full-spectrum doula work means to him. They say:
“To me, a full spectrum doula is also comfortable serving anyone in need of service – regardless of gender identity, relationship status or dynamic, religious beliefs, history of personal traumas, preferences in regards to a no, low, or high-intervention labor, preferences in regards to breastfeeding, approach to parenting, and so on.” They also asked that the following clarification be added: comfort is relative, AND just because you can serve someone doesn't always mean you should.
The history of full-spectrum doula work precedes the more mainstream use of the term, as midwives, activists, and other community care workers have served in this role for friends, family, and folks in their community across history and across cultures.
What if I cannot afford the training?
We offer payment plans for folks who are able to pay the full amount but need time to pay.
Additionally, we offer full and partial scholarships for our trainings during each enrollment period. Keep an eye on our email newsletters (sign up at the end of this page!) and IG, as there is a limited window for scholarship applications for each course. Note: Folks who have already enrolled in a course are not eligible for scholarships.
How long is the training and what does it involve?
The 12-week course happens live via Zoom. Weekly classes and masterclasses are live and interactive for folks who are able to attend. Additionally, all live offerings are recorded and transcribed. Thus, if you can’t attend live or want to watch again, you’ll have ongoing access to all course content for one year.
The course includes weekly lessons, materials, and assignments, as well as a reading list, which is required for those that pursue certification. Additionally, each cohort has a private online community to learn, build community, and network. As a BADT doula-in-training, you will also submit documentation of doula support you offer in your community, should you choose to certify with us.
You will have a whole year with the materials to certify (if you choose to do so), plus the option of a 6-month extension.
What are the benefits of choosing BADT for full-spectrum training?
Our offerings are expansive, inclusive, diverse, and always growing and evolving. Starting this year, we are offering continuing education courses to ensure the integrity of BADT doulas’ ongoing study. This year we are offering such a Birth and Disability and Abortion Doula Training.
BADT also offers a directory for full-spectrum doulas, as we are honored to include the graduates of our programs. The value of your listing on the directory is included with your training enrollment.
Additionally, doulas who train and certify with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings are certified for life! That means without ongoing fees or annual memberships.
I’m in! How and when can I sign up?
Most of our courses are offered during limited enrollment periods. For example, full-spectrum starts up again in March and September 2021. Some courses, such as our Childbirth Educator course and Six Doula Business Essentials, are pre-recorded and available on-demand so that you can start at any time and move at your own pace.
As always, keep an eye on our email newsletters and IG for reminders and announcements.
Engage with BADT
Whether you are ready to sign up for a course (or two or three) with BADT, we encourage you to connect with our work and values. You can explore our core values as an organization in this blog series. As a full-spectrum training organization, we are committed to engaging our community in all the work, in all the ways. We are so glad you are here, and we are grateful for the ways you show up in and for this space.