Courses
Doula Studies-2024/2025
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-1230 | Historical Context-Reproductive Culture | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the historical, cultural and situational factors influencing reproduction locally and around the world. Students will examine from multiple perspectives the influences and consequences of the medicalization of birth on maternal and newborn outcomes. Course content will also critically reflect on the emergence of the professional doula and the regulation of midwifery care within North America. | ||||
| HLTH-1231 | Anatomy & Physiology of Reproduction | 3 | ||
| This course introduces basic anatomical and physiological concepts related to reproduction. Topics will include embryology, anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, immunology and basic medical terminology. | ||||
| HLTH-1232 | Preparing for Birth 1 | 3 | ||
| This course examines pregnancy and the process of labour and birth for the labouring person, partner and doula. Students begin to learn how to accompany families throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. | ||||
| HLTH-1233 | Postpartum 1 | 3 | ||
| This course focuses on identifying the needs of new families as they transition into the postpartum period. Cultural context of newborn care and socio environmental space of the family are examined. Skills, strategies and resources to become responsive to the emerging needs of families in transition are developed. | ||||
| HLTH-1234 | Self & Others | 3 | ||
| This course focuses on understanding interpersonal relationships in order to effectively navigate the complex and multidimensional world of the health care system. Students critically explore their personal beliefs, values and assumptions, about themselves as part of a family, culture and different communities. This course enhances interpersonal communication as the learner becomes more self-reflective, learning to nurture supportive relationships while setting professional boundaries. | ||||
| WRIT-1048 | Reason & Writing 1 for Health Sciences | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce health sciences students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| HLTH-1236 | Practicum 1 | 3 | ||
| First term practicum enables students to develop an understanding of breadth and depth of the role of the doula. Throughout the course, students are assigned different observational and practical experiences. They have opportunities to attend community placements with a variety of practitioners who engage with families during the perinatal period. They begin to apply the concepts learned in the classroom to the practical environment. Placements are comprised of a combination of in home, institution, community, classroom and lab based experiences. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HLTH-5026 | Birth Topics-Adv | 3 | ||
| This course prepares student to identify, understand, analyze and discuss various medical and pharmaceutical interventions available during pregnancy, labour, and birth. The students will practice the skills required to synthesize and translate this knowledge to their clients. | ||||
| HLTH-5021 | Postpartum Topics-Adv | 3 | ||
| This course focuses on postpartum adjustment and the spectrum of postpartum outcomes. Students explore postpartum topics including infant feeding decisions, post-abortion support, loss and grief, mental wellness and nutrition. Students apply critical appraisal skills regarding information sourcing for client support and community referrals. | ||||
| BUSI-1228 | Intro to Business - Full Spectrum Doula | 3 | ||
| In this course, students and faculty collaborate to discuss the diverse knowledge and skills that will assist Doulas in starting and operating a full-spectrum doula business. The course will guide students to explore various topics, including business marketing, business logistics such as scheduling, developing social media content, inter/intra-professional collaboration, the role of a doula, professional behaviours, reflective practice, and cultural humility. Students will have the opportunity to decide how to construct a business plan and evaluate issues surrounding entrepreneurship and owning one's own business, such as legal matters, ethics, risk, and market space. Together students and faculty will critically examine the meaning of an online presence and how to create a welcoming space for all bodies and families. | ||||
| HLTH-1240 | Supporting Transitions | 3 | ||
| A doula's scope of practice within the context of supporting the transitions of people from conception through pregnancy to postpartum is explored in this course. Taking a closer look at the complexity of reproduction in contemporary society, students examine how conception changes family dynamics. The transition to the role of doula is undertaken and explored. | ||||
| HLTH-1241 | Practicum 2 | 6.7 | ||
| Second term practicum enables students to deepen their understanding of the breadth and depth of the doula's role. Students are assigned different observational and practical experiences. They have opportunities to attend community placements with a variety of practitioners who engage with families during the perinatal period. They continue to apply the concepts learned in the classroom to the practical environment. Placements are comprised of a combination of in home, institution, community, classroom and lab based experiences. | ||||
| HLTH-1271 | Grief, Loss & Death | 3 | ||
| Since doula work often involves supporting people through loss, this course prepares student to accompany individuals, families, and communities experiencing loss, and the grief these events bring about. Students will have opportunities to critically reflect on theories of death, grief, and loss across various cultural contexts, and apply their learning to the full-range of reproduction options and outcomes. Students learn to identify their role as part of a larger care team, working with family members' healthcare providers, and community organizations supporting end-of-life. In addition to topics such as stillbirth and miscarriage, this course engages with a full-range of loss topics, such as abortion, child apprehension, trauma and violence, maternal death, and loss/denial of community as a result of oppression and exclusion. | ||||
| HLTH-1272 | Information & Evidence-Doula Practice | 3 | ||
| This course prepares students to become critical consumers of information and research. Students learn how different ways of knowing support a doula's thoughts and actions within a doula's scope of practice. The influences of social media and other online information upon doula practice are explored. As well, students are introduced to basic forms of research so they understand research is an important part of their ongoing commitment to developing the doula profession's knowledge base. | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 12 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||