Postpartum doula training coming to Boyne City in October 2023

the four-day training will run 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13-16, 2023

The Great Start Collaborative of Charlevoix, Emmet, and Northern Antrim Counties is launching the second phase of its doula initiative: postpartum training.

The collaborative has worked over the last year to bring doula training to Northern Michigan, decreasing obstacles for those wishing to become professional doulas and filling a growing need for doula services, which are now covered by Michigan Medicaid in addition to private insurance and private payment.

The new four-day postpartum training will prepare participants to serve postpartum people and their immediate family in the six months following pregnancy, labor and delivery, said Savanah Cool, collaborative director.

Cool said that upon completion, participants will be DONA International trained postpartum doulas and will have received the training and education necessary to become Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) certified doulas. After receiving MDHHS certification, doulas will be able to begin the process of enrolling with Medicaid Health Plans which will allow them to receive reimbursement from Michigan Medicaid for services provided to Medicaid recipients.

“With each new family members comes a significant point of transition. Whether stepping into parenthood for the first time, or adjusting to parenting multiple children, the early postpartum period is a vital time for bonding and healing,” said Cool. “Families are strengthened when they are supported in this transition, helping balance the load, and having a safe space to share successes, struggles, or concerns as they lean into their new roles and new identities. Parents deserve support, and postpartum doulas are prepared to provide it.”

The four-day training will run 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13-16, 2023, and full participation and attendance are required. The cost of attendance is $760. With financial support from Hestia Women’s Giving Circle and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, financial scholarships may be available to those facing financial barriers.

“Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby,” said Cool. “Doula services have been shown to positively impact social determinants of health, support birth equity, and decrease existing health and racial disparities. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.”

If you are interested in registering for the doula training; would like to learn more about the training; are interested in applying for financial assistance; or would like to learn more about Michigan’s coverage of doula services, visit: https://greatstartcollaborative.org/events-training

What is a doula?

Doulas are non-clinical, trained professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant individuals during the prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum periods helping them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby. In addition, doula services have been shown to positively impact social determinants of health, support birth equity, and decrease existing health and racial disparities. Doulas can have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.

Caption: Participants in the spring doula training, held in Boyne City, became certified doulas upon successful completion of the course. The next step in local training is for postpartum doula care.

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