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Become a
Birth Worker

A LITTLE ABOUT DOULAS...

​​What Does a Full Spectrum Doula Do?

 

"A full spectrum doula is a non-medically trained community care worker who offers support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from preconception, to birth, to abortion, to miscarriage, to adoption, to postpartum.

 

Full spectrum birth workers actively practice being open and aware of the diverse reproductive needs and experiences people have, in light of their identity, background, preferences, lived experiences, and so on.

 

While this doesn’t mean full spectrum doulas will say “yes” to every client, it does mean that they prioritize being accessible, inclusive, and culturally appropriate. When (not if) there’s a client that is not a good fit or the doula doesn’t have the capacity or skills to serve the client, they do their best to make an appropriate and vetted referral.

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The history of full-spectrum doula work precedes the more mainstream use of the term, as midwives, activists, and other community care workers have served in this role for friends, family, and folks in their community across history and across cultures. One of our favorite books "Revolutionary Mothering" honors this lineage."

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- Sabia Wade

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Kinkeeping as a Doula

 

Birth is more than just a medical event. It's a physiological event that also can incorporate ancestral and cultural practices.

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As our culture is constantly exploited and appropriated around the world, and our identity constantly erased, Black Americans have faced an ethnocide for centuries. And yet, our Black birth workers... Granny Midwives, current midwives, doulas and birth workers in every aspect of the work hold our ancestral and cultural practices in reproductive and birth work.

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Many birth workers find that they are the kinkeepers in their families and community. Often taking on the invisible labor to strengthen intergenerational relationships, maintain family cohesion, assist family communication, and protect emotional health. Regardless of age, kinkeepers hold our families and community together.

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YOU GOT TWO OPTIONS...

Option 1: Just take the training

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You're first option is to enroll in the BLKBRY Full Spectrum Doula Training. By taking our training, you'll be able to also become a Washington State Certified Birth Doula and be able to bill to Medicaid. The trainings take place over a two month period, and will announce when registration is open on our website and on social media. You can also register to take only one training or take the full course.

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Option 2: Apply to enroll in the BLKBRY Doula Program​

 

This is a scholarship opportunity. We have 5 spots available each cohort. Here are the benefits and requirements for enrolling in the program:

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Benefits:

  • Receive a scholarship that covers the cost of BLKBRY's trainings/class (only)

  • Mentorship and Case Study Sessions

  • Practice Development and Sustainability Support

    • HIPAA Compliance Client Management set up and Telecommunications​

  • Referral / Doula Matching.

 

Requirements:

  1. Must attend monthly meetings.

  2. Must partner with BLKBRY, LLC and BLKBRY Community for 2 years. 

  3. Must participate in local chapter for doulas of color

  4. Must be able to attend trainings in-person.  

  5. Must volunteer once a year with a local organization because we believe in giving back and investing and supporting our community.

  6. Must participate and be willing to work in community-based projects to develop our next steps with the program.

  7. You will be a part of a formal study about Black Maternal Health in the Puget Sound, Wa - you will be a contracted partner with the BLKBRY.

  8. Must pay $50 application fee : This covers administrative fee for the background check.

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Finalists

  1. Finalists will be interviewed by a trusted committee of Black Doulas and Community Workers.

  2. Must complete a background check. 

 

You're first option is to enroll in the BLKBRY Full Spectrum Doula Training. By taking our training, you'll be able to also become a Washington State Certified Birth Doula and be able to bill to Medicaid. The trainings take place over a two month period, and will announce when registration is open on our website and on social media. 

What does the training consist of?

Full Spectrum Doula Training

CPR Infant and Adult

Chronic Stress on Black Bodies

Policy and System Change

Bereavement and Loss

Abortion Training and Simulation

Size/Weight Inclusive Birthing

Disability Inclusive Birthing

Supporting LGBTQ+ Birthing People

Black Maternal Mental Health with WA Therapy Fund

Black Father Education and Involvement

Substance Use while Pregnant and Parenting

Lactation for Doulas

Baby-led Feeding

Complications and the Signs Prenatal and Antepartum

Supporting in OR Cases

Infant NICU Support

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