Hands of Light offers an extensive 6-month distant learning program for women aspiring to be Labor Supports, Doulas, Montrices, or Birth Assistants. This program meets one weekend a month, including some Fridays - NOVEMBER through MAY from 9:30am–5:30pm and includes a 3-day DONA workshop. There are no classes in December. The course work combines intellectual, contemplative, artistic, and experiential disciplines. It is believed that through these the process of creative development will be initiated and, therefore lead the student to a path encouraging confidence, awareness of others, recognition of their spiritual path and a greater understanding of what a supportive guiding role they will play in the birth process.

Our belief is that a Doula should develop a relationship with her client prior to birth. We feel that this gives her greater insight into the emotional and psychological issues that affect labor. This program gives the student the necessary skills to see a client during pregnancy for nutritional, preventative, and emotional support. It gives her the knowledge to answer a client’s questions or be able to guide her to appropriate referrals. Students learn how to give gentle, supportive guidance through the labor process, be a strong patient advocate, and help women transition through difficult spaces in birth. Students also learn how to care for the mother and baby emotionally and physically for the first six-weeks postpartum. Students will learn appropriate resource referrals, the ability to recognize complications, an introduction into appropriate complementary and preventative therapies, and how to develop their own business.

PRE-REQUISITES - none

This program requires a strong commitment to self-study. Students should expect to spend 15 hours a week of independent study.

Estimated cost of books and materials: $175

Students are required to have a current infant and adult CPR. Students are evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Graduates of the Holistic Labor Assistant program receive a Certificate in Labor Support and after attending 3 births and childbirth educator series are eligible to apply to DONA for national certification. Most graduates have their own Doula service working in the hospital or home, doing labor support and/or postpartum care. A few graduates work for a physician or a hospital.

Students who graduate from this program within the past 2 years may apply for advance standing into the Traditional Midwifery Program. In order to receive credit for any courses a student must receive a grade of B- or better. At the time of application a student will be required to take an additional test for each course wishing to be transferred. Only * courses may be considered for advance standing.

holistic labor assistant course descriptions

Reproductive Anatomy

Female reproductive system, bony pelvis and terminology. Fetal development, fetal pelvic relationship, anatomy and physiology of the placenta.

Nutrition

The dietary approach to nutritional needs in pregnancy.

Prenatal Issues

An introduction to routine prenatal care and assessment.

Counseling & Communication*

Emotional and psychological needs of the birthing couple, counseling and communication skills; Death & Dying – how to help parents cope with loss – miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, and a less than perfect baby.

Doula Business Practice *

Organization, public relations, referrals, responsibilities to the community, marketing, legalities, charting, accounting, taxes.

Mechanism & Assessment of Labor & Birth*

The study of the way the baby adapts itself to the maternal pelvis. Assessment skills will be taught with an emphasis on the normal process, findings, and outcomes.

Labor Support*

Students will learn the stages of labor, labor enhancement and comfort techniques, pain managment, how to work within a hospital setting, including the role of the support person and advocate for both normal and difficult labors and birth. The pros and cons of hospital procedures, including chemical pain management.

Complementary Therapy Guest Lecturer*

HOL brings in a guest lecturer to discuss topics of concern in complementary health care.

Postpartum I *

Care, needs and concerns of mother and baby in the first 6 weeks, family dynamics, adjustments, and concerns, the watchful eye of the Doula in the first week postpartum, ability to recognize postpartum complications, referral resources.

DONA Training Weekend *

Pregnancy Massage *

Emphasis on the importance of touch in pregnancy & childbirth for the release of emotions and tensions.

Women’s Ways of Knowing*

The exploration of empowerment in women and how social structure affects perception. This course will encompass readings and projects that encourage self-awareness and personal development.

Homeopathy

An introduction into the use of homeopathy in labor, delivery and the postpartum period.

Aromatherapy

An introduction into the therapeutic use of essential oils in labor, delivery and the postpartum period.