With many doula trainings and doula certification programs out there, it can be hard to choose a program. That’s why the International Doula Institute Certification program is completely transparent with its curriculum, contributors, and course instructors.
Choose a program which includes comprehensive curriculum. A good program includes true professionals. As doula certification is not regulated, anyone can build a website and launch a program. In fact, anyone including someone who has never attended a birth!
The founder of the International Doula Institute certification program, Aliza Juliette, is an experienced doula, instructor, and founder of the elite Main Line Doulas organization. Not only does she bring her experience as a doula and business owner, but she also enlisted the help of several additional professionals.
Aliza Juliette – International Doula Institute Certification Creator
As the owner of Main Line Doulas, Aliza worked with elite doulas in the greater Philadelphia area. Knowing that doula certification is not regulated, she saw a need for more doulas to be trained at the highest level. After all, every family seeking a doula should be confident in their doula’s skills and support.
Not satisfied with the potential for low standards in doula training, it became her goal to raise the bar for the next generation of caring and competent doula care available in the US, Europe and beyond. This led to Aliza founding the International Doula Institute certification program.
She was the head of curriculum development for several online schools before founding IDI. She incorporates her extensive knowledge working with elite doula clients, and her unique skills from managing a large doula team to IDI’s curriculum.
Aliza has made the International Doula Institute’s curriculum a high-level training, ensuring up-to-date evidenced based information and techniques are taught. In fact, IDI’s curriculum is regularly updated with new information as birth trends, research, etc., are published.
Dr. Shilpee Aggarwal, BSC, PhD – Qualified Nutritionist
At the International Doula Institute, we know there is more to doula work than simply understanding labor basics. There are several components in a comprehensive training including understanding nutrition.
Nutrition influences prenatal, birth, and postpartum health. As non-medical supports, doulas can provide basic nutrition information to their clients. They can also use their knowledge to refer clients to registered dieticians as needed.
Dr Shilpee obtained her BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool. Recognizing her passion for nutrition she went on to gain her MMedSci in Nutrition from the University of Sheffield. She then achieved a PhD in Nutrition from Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh.
She brings her PhD level nutrition knowledge to our doula certification programs as well as our unique nutrition certifications.
Maria Silver Pyanov, CPD, CCE – Childbirth Educator Instructor
Having supported prenatal and postpartum families since 2007, Maria brings unique perspective and knowledge to the International Doula Institute certification program for both doulas and childbirth educators.
Additionally, as a certified postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, trained birth doula, community doula, and volunteer, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to her curriculum development. Having worked with families from many demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds, she ensures our doulas are prepared to support any and all growing families.
Maria believes all pregnant people and their families deserve equity in medical care and birth support. Her strong beliefs and experience working with families comes together to ensure IDI doulas are ready to provide dignified support for all.
Donna Sinnott, BBA, IBCLC, CD, CPD – International Breastfeeding Institute
In addition to the work at the International Doula Institute, Aliza has founded our sister program the International Breastfeeding Institute.
To ensure this program is recognized by major, global organizations, she enlisted the expertise of internationally certified lactation consultant Donna Sinnott. In fact, with over 25 years of experience in lactation and holding the gold standard lactation certification (IBCLC), Sinnott provides invaluable support for both the International Breastfeeding Institute and the International Doula Institute certification programs.
She is not simply one holding certifications and no longer providing hands on, up-to-date support. She continues to work in a hospital with a 92% breastfeeding initiation rate. Whether you plan to provide only doula services or want to add certified breastfeeding counselor to your credentials, Sinnott’s expertise will prepare you to truly support your clients.
Melissa Bancoff – International Doula Institute Certification Instructor
Melissa Bancoff has been providing support as a birth and postpartum doula instructor for several years. She also brings her expertise as a teacher and holder of a master’s in Multicultural Education from Eastern University.
Melissa also has experience working in media. Also, she brings her unique teaching experience, degree in multicultural education, and media experience to IDI to ensure our curriculum and instruction are accessible for all students. As a global doula certification, accessibility, representation, and cultural awareness are vital to our programs.
Other Incredible Contributors
In addition to the founder, instructors, and curriculum developers above, IDI enlists input from several other doula, healthcare, and parent support professionals.
Other contributors include:
- Neonatologist
- Midwives
- Nurses
- Professional organizers
- Registered dieticians
- Social workers
- Disability advocates
- And more!
So, are you ready to obtain a high-level doula certification to equip you for working in nearly every doula situation? Register today and begin your new career!
Author: Aliza Juliette Bancoff
Aliza Juliette Bancoff is a well-known doula and doula trainer who has been providing doula services to families for over a decade. She is the founder of Main Line Doulas, a doula group providing doula support in the great Philadelphia area for the last decade, the International Doula Institute, which provides online doula training and lactation training and certification programs and the International Breastfeeding Institute which provides lactation training and certification. She is the co-founder of United Birth, a company devoted to increasing access to doulas across the country to make the perinatal time safer both physically and emotionally. “Every birthing person deserves access to quality doula support. And we are working to make that a reality across the country. The work we are doing to get doulas to every birthing person will decrease the black infant and maternal mortality rate significantly by 2030.” Says Bancoff. Aliza is known for her compassionate and empowering approach to doula work, and she has been featured in numerous media outlets, including United Nations Maternal Health Report, Parent Magazine, CafeMom, theBump and many more. Aliza's journey into doula work began when she gave birth to her first child and felt a strong calling...