Providing exceptional care means recognizing that every family’s experience is shaped by unique cultural, historical, social, and personal factors. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for Birth Workers course equips birth professionals with the knowledge, self-awareness, and practical tools needed to provide respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive support to every family they serve.

Required for all International Doula Institute certifications, this comprehensive course explores how historical events, systemic inequities, and social determinants of health continue to influence pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding experiences today. Students are encouraged to examine their own perspectives, better understand the diverse communities they serve, and develop strategies for providing equitable, compassionate, and client-centered care.

Throughout the course, you’ll explore topics including:

• The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in birth work
• Historical events that continue to influence maternal and infant health
• Systemic racism and disparities in birth outcomes
• Cultural humility and avoiding the “savior” mindset
• Accessibility and supporting parents with disabilities
• Supporting individuals in clinical settings who identify as neurodiverse
• Communication across cultural and language differences
• Supporting Deaf and hard of hearing families
• Understanding classism and social barriers to care
• Inclusive care for LGBTQ+ individuals and families
• Religious diversity, discrimination and respectful client-centered support
• Community resources and continuing education for lifelong learning

This course is designed to help birth workers move beyond awareness and into meaningful action by fostering empathy, strengthening communication skills, and promoting inclusive, evidence-informed care. Whether you’re supporting clients during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or lactation, you’ll gain practical knowledge that helps create more positive, respectful, and empowering experiences for every family.

Like all International Doula Institute courses, this program is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to complete the coursework whenever it fits your schedule.