We are shaking up the Doula Model! 

The Continuum Doula preparation course is totally unique as we have workshops included from other birth professionals throughout the week.
These may include:

• How to set up and run a Maternal Journal session 
• Birth anatomy and physiology with an antenatal teacher
• Creating a 'Beaded Birth line' to use with clients
• Exploring everything placentas, prints, tinctures, smoothies and more (with a real placenta!)
• Infant feeding top tips with a breastfeeding counsellor & and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)
• Understanding the midwives role and birth emergencies with an independent midwife 
• The politics of Parenthood. Understanding the NHS system, being inclusive and culturally competent and more with an MVP representative
• Learning how to take a good antenatal/birth/postnatal picture, with a professional birth photographer
• Co-Creating Care is an exciting and challenging introductory workshop exploring positionality, intersectionality and some of the inequalities and biases marginalised people may face on their birthing/parenting journeys. 
• Attachment awareness workshop with an early years expert!
• What’s in your Doula bag (knowing your boundaries with alternative medicine, cultural appropriation)
• We also have lots of drop in local birth workers, midwives and Doulas coming to share their knowledge! 

We are fully accredited and part of the Doula Uk family! Read about who Doula Uk are here! https://doula.org.uk/​

Additional extras

There are also 'add on' options available at additional, reasonable costs such as:

• Morning Yoga specifically designed with Doulas in mind ​(when available) 
• Head shots for your website. This is done with our photographer and can be done at various points. ​(when available) 
• Birth trauma therapy (available in person in the evening, afterwards and online)
• Film/group activity nights 
• Reasonably priced website design
• Access to local massage therapists 

Here is an over view of what you may expect on the week long
​Doula preparation course (10-5pm each day):

DAY ONE

Foundations 

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• The history and role of the doula- the Continuum way
• Our language
• Stepping out of expert role
• Recognising our triggers and bias, being trauma informed
• Listening in action
• The reflective Doula
• A maternal journal session with a focus on self-care
• Critical thinking questions 
• Quiet time for daily reflection in workbook 

DAY TWO

Pregnancy and Birth

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• The Continuum Doula approach in pregnancy 
• Antenatal visits- ideas and structures
• Including the partner/family- Ideas for practice
• Life 'on call' 
• Making and using a Beaded Birth line
• Birth Physiology and Active birth workshop
• ​Critical thinking questions
• Quiet time for daily reflection in workbook 

DAY THREE

Postnatal 

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• The Continuum Doula approach in the postnatal period, being attachment aware
• Postnatal visits- ideas and structures
• Supporting the whole family in transition to parenthood
• Exploring Perinatal mental health 
• Navigating the NHS structures- who to contact etc?
• Placenta workshop
• Critical thinking questions
  
• Quiet time for daily reflection in workbook 

DAY FOUR

Infant feeding 

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• The Continuum Doula approach to infant feeding 
• Supporting your client with feeding decisions
• Knowledge base 
• Signposting & working along side HCP's
• Birth Emergencies workshop with an independent midwife
• Critical thinking questions
• Quiet time for daily reflection in workbook 

DAY FIVE

Business and Salt Bowl 

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• The Continuum Doula approach to running a Doula business  
• Contracts, agreements, fees insurance & more
• Understanding the DUK mentorship pathway   
• Safeguarding, lone working & social media guidelines
• Setting up your business with the HMRC
• Co-Creating Care workshop exploring: positionality, intersectionality inequalities and biases
• Critical thinking questions
• Closing ceremony. Group salt bowl  and setting of intentions