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You are here: Home / Doula Certification / Cultural Sensitivity and Doula Certification: We Don’t Call Ourselves the “International” Doula Institute for Nothing

Cultural Sensitivity and Doula Certification: We Don’t Call Ourselves the “International” Doula Institute for Nothing

September 21, 2016

Cultural Sensitivity and Doula Certification: We Don't Call Ourselves the "International" Doula Institute for Nothing

After you earn your doula certification, keep an open mind when working with families from different cultural backgrounds. You’ll all benefit.

On the heels of the Center for Disease Control’s Breastfeeding Report Card 2016, Romper published an article about breastfeeding around the world. The article summarized breastfeeding practices from six different cultures. Specifically, it reviewed rates of breastfeeding initiation and the percentage of babies that continue to be exclusively breastfed. Additionally, it investigated how some widely held practices and beliefs of each culture may influence these statistics.

For example, in India and Sierra Leone, colostrum (the nutrient-dense milk that’s produced in the first few days after birth) is considered to be dirty, or even poisonous. There’s also a long-standing belief in Sierra Leone that breastmilk is also not enough food for baby. The rate for babies that are exclusively breastfed are in India and Sierra Leone were on the lower end at 46% and 11%, respectively.

In contrast, breastfeeding is common and widely accepted in Peru. Mothers are able to nurse their babies in public without the fear of being shamed. Similarly, Norway’s generous maternity leave and high percentage of “baby-friendly” hospitals have likely led to the country’s high rate of breastfeeding success.

This article illustrates an important point:

If you’re not taking someone’s cultural beliefs into consideration, you’re not looking at the whole picture.

At the International Doula Institute, learning about cultural sensitivity is an important part of our doula certification program.

An early assignments in our doula certification program asks students to interview people from two cultures different from their own. During the interview, the students are prompted to ask how cultural beliefs shaped their interviewees birth and postpartum experiences. Often, there is a direct link between the interviewees cultural beliefs, whether practical or traditional, and how they choose to raise to birth and parent their children.

After receiving your doula certification, this will be important to keep in mind. If you’re working with a families whose cultural beliefs differ from yours, take time to understand why they do the things the way they do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Listen carefully.

Often, you will find that your clients will have as much to teach you as have to teach them.

getphound
Author: getphound

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Tracy tells us,
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Patricia shared, 
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared, 
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us, 
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says, 
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us, 
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says, 
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”

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