Men and Masculine-Identifying Doula Training

Summary: Black Women’s Blueprint administers a culturally relevant information and resource center committed to solutions that make a real structural cultural change that benefit communities and people. Black Women’s Blueprint facilitates training, collaboration and communication steeped in social justice movements and integral to the continued strength and sustainability of the work of organizers, activists, and organizations. In growing partnerships, strengthening relationships, and convening to identify promising practices and emerging trends, Black Women’s Blueprint’s approach to structural cultural change lays the foundation for trainees to better tap the transformative power of moving beyond “cultural competency” to interrupt inequity and create structures that produce and sustain justice.

Description of Doula Certification Program: This doula training is an intensive series of workshops that combine lectures, hands-on skill development, role-playing, group discussions & activities, guest speakers, and much more. We recruit, train, and support people of color and allies as community-based doulas and we provide holistic, culturally affirming doula support to birthing people of color throughout their full reproductive experience to address the inequalities in parental and infant health outcomes. Together with our partners, we train, educate, and support people in communities experiencing marginalization due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, and language. 

The curriculum for training men as doulas within a feminist and womanist framework aims to break gender stereotypes while promoting inclusivity and empowerment in the field of birthing support. This program recognizes the historical exclusion of men from traditional roles in childbirth and seeks to challenge those norms by emphasizing empathy, active listening, and understanding the unique experiences of pregnant individuals. The stages of becoming a doula include comprehensive education on reproductive justice, maternal health disparities, and culturally sensitive practices. Practical training covers emotional support, comfort measures, and advocacy during labor and childbirth. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of men engaging in traditionally feminine healing practices to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate birthing experience for all.

Curriculum:

Module 1: Introduction to Feminist and Womanist Perspectives

• Understanding gender biases in childbirth
• Historical exclusion of men in birthing spaces
• Intersectionality in reproductive justice
• Genealogy of Birthwork     
  • Traditions of Birth
  • Granny Midwives
  • Histories of Midwives and Genealogies
  • Ritual, Health and Culture in Birth Work
  • Cultural aspects of maternal health
  • Indigenous practices that sustain the perinatal period

   

Module 2: Reproductive Justice and Maternal Health Disparities

• Analyzing disparities in maternal healthcare
• Advocacy for equitable birthing experiences
• Cultural competence in doula practice

Module 3: Emotional Intelligence and Active Listening

• Developing empathetic communication skills
• Recognizing and addressing emotional needs
• Creating a supportive and non-judgmental space

Module 4: Comfort Measures and Pain Management

• Hands-on techniques for physical comfort
• Integrating holistic approaches to pain relief
• Adapting to individual preferences and cultural considerations

Module 5: Advocacy and Informed Decision-Making

• Understanding informed consent
• Advocating for the birthing person's choices
• Navigating medical environments and procedures

Module 6: Cultural Competence and Sensitivity

• Respecting diverse cultural practices and beliefs
• Addressing implicit biases in doula work
• Ensuring an inclusive and affirming environment

Module 7: Practical Training and Role-Playing

• Simulated birthing scenarios
• Applying learned techniques in real-life situations
• Receiving constructive feedback and guidance

Module 8: Professional Ethics and Boundaries

• Establishing clear professional boundaries
• Addressing potential challenges and conflicts
• Upholding the values of feminist and womanist doula care

Why It's Important:

Engaging men in the traditionally feminine healing practice of doula work is essential for dismantling gender norms and promoting inclusivity. Men, equipped with a feminist and womanist framework, can contribute to the re-humanization of childbirth by fostering empathetic, respectful, and culturally sensitive support. Their involvement challenges stereotypes, promotes gender equality, and ultimately enhances the birthing experience for all individuals involved. By embracing diverse perspectives in doula care, we move toward a more equitable and compassionate approach to reproductive health.