Doulas fulfill an important role as a trusted source of information with emotional and physical support before, during and after childbirth. Fanshawe's innovative Doula Studies certificate program, the first-of-its-kind in Ontario, takes an evidence-informed and reproductive justice approach to doula training to prepare graduates for a rewarding career supporting families across their reproductive journey.

Your Learning Experience: Students will develop the specialized knowledge, skills and experience to grow their ethical, culturally safe and client-centred doula practice. You’ll begin by studying anatomy and physiology, as well as the emotional, physical and cultural aspects of pregnancy and birth required to provide families with information and support during pregnancy, childbirth newborn care, and loss. You’ll also be introduced to business management/entrepreneurship concepts and strategies, including business ethics, contracts, marketing and sales techniques and personal financial management. The Doula Studies program also hosts a series of free, weekly community drop-in sessions for new and expectant parents. Guided by our expert faculty, the sessions are a great learning experience for our students to provide childbirth education, feeding support, infant care questions and more! As unregulated health care professionals, a doula’s role involves advocacy, education, counselling, collaboration and negotiation to provide physical, emotional and informational support to individuals and families across the full spectrum of their reproductive choices. Delivered over two 15-week terms, the Doula Studies program offers hands-on experience and an evidence-informed curriculum that emphasizes the dynamic role of the doula supporting people within a complex and multi-dimensional health care system and communities to prepare graduates for a rewarding career collaborating with health care teams. For graduates interested in continuing their education in health care, Fanshawe's doula training provides students with the recommended year of post-secondary studies.