*****Doula Training FAQs*****

Do I need any healthcare experience?

No experience is required, only being 18 years of age or older. You’ll have to complete the required reading and get your Blood Borne Pathogens certification online from The American Red Cross. The training is 3 days, 18 hours total and you’ll leave certified!

What is the required reading?

Required Reading BEFORE class:

The Birthing Partner by Penny Simkin (Only the orange pages)

Doula Workbook (Sent once balance has been paid)

**We will discuss during training.** 

Additional Requirements BEFORE class: 

Create a resource list of AT LEAST two of each local providers:

Chiropractors, Lactation Consultant, Massage Therapist, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga classes, Mental Health Care Providers, Breastfeeding Support Groups, Acupuncturist, Pelvic Floor Therapist. 

Bloodborne Pathogens Training, American Red Cross has an online option.

I’m located in a different state. Can I still attend?

Absolutely! The certification is valid in all states!

How much is the program?

The price is $799 and includes two workbooks, a yearly planner, notepad and pen. You’'ll also be added to our Doula Directory!

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! Half down will reserve your seat and you can pay the remainder however you want as long as it’s paid two weeks before class starts. If you decide to move forward, just contact us and we’ll invoice you for the deposit. You’ll receive your workbooks via mail once the balance is paid.

Do you offer virtual class?

Yes! Virtual classes are provided several times per year. Click the “Book Now” tab to see the upcoming schedule.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will ONLY be available if registration is canceled at least 14 days before the training date. There will be no refunds issued after the 14 day window. Participants who can’t attend may transfer their payment to a future class. You will have one year from original training date to attend the new workshop or all fees will be forfeited.  

If I can't attend the workshop I registered for, can I attend a different workshop date?

Yes.  As long as you attend within one year, you are welcome to transfer your registration to another workshop date.  

Is The Doula Academy affiliated with any agency?

No. We are an independent certification agency. Our focus is providing a seamless training experience that aligns with traditional training methods. We don’t require certification births, etc. Becoming a Certified Doula shouldn’t be complicated. If you’re looking for continuing education, it would be up to that organization if they accept any specific courses.

*****Bengkung Belly Binding Training FAQs*****

What is Bengkung Belly Binding?

Bengkung belly binding is the art of wrapping a postpartum women's belly for physical support and to help the recovery process after childbirth. This belly binding technique uses a long strip of cloth to wrap around the abdomen from the hips to the ribcage. Women are traditionally wrapped as soon after birth as possible, ideally on day five and then worn for 40 days or longer as needed. The Bengkung belly binding technique is rooted in Malaysian culture however various countries and cultures around the world use a form of belly binding to help support the healing process.

How much is the program?

The price is $499. Cloth Belly Bind included! You’'ll also be added to our Belly Binder Directory!

Required Reading:

Seven Sisters for Seven Days by Michelle Peterson.

Zuo Yuezi - An American Mother’s Guide to Chinese Postpartum Recovery by Guang Ming Whitley. 

**We will discuss during training.** 

Required Coursework: Send a one page report to this email explaining the benefits and history of the Bengkung Belly Bind.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will ONLY be available if registration is canceled at least 14 days before the training date. There will be no refunds issued after the 14 day window. Participants who can’t attend may transfer their payment to a future class. You will have one year from original training date to attend the new workshop or all fees will be forfeited.  

If I can't attend the workshop I registered for, can I attend a different workshop date?

Yes.  As long as you attend within one year, you are welcome to transfer your registration to another workshop date.  

*****Ultrasounds FAQs*****

What is an elective prenatal ultrasound?

We offer elective 3D, 4D & HD prenatal ultrasounds to provide a positive bonding experience for the family members with the unborn baby. We feel that realistic surface images provide a connection between the parents and baby that can be beneficial to the whole family. We make no claims that 3-D as used in this examination is performed to better assess the baby for abnormalities. A routine ultrasound examination should have already been performed to assess the gestational age of the fetus and to evaluate for fetal anomalies as well as the basic components of fetal anatomy recommended for screening.

Does this take the place of an ultrasound at my doctor’s office?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Women seeking an elective prenatal ultrasound with The Doula Academy must already be receiving treatment with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and have already undergone a medical, diagnostic ultrasound ordered by their provider to confirm their due date, screen for fetal anomalies, and to look for any other pregnancy related issues. Please note, at no time is this exam to be used in place of a complete diagnostic ultrasound. We do NOT offer diagnostic ultrasounds.

Is it safe? Are there any risks to me, or my baby?

Extensive studies over 30 years have found that ultrasound has not been shown to cause any harm to mother or baby. Routine scanning of all pregnancies is now normal throughout the United States. In 3D/4D scanning exactly the same type and intensity of ultrasound is used as with conventional 2D scanning.

3D, 4D and HD Ultrasound both utilize sound waves to look inside the body. The technology is similar to radar. A probe placed on the body emits sound waves into the body, listens for the return echo and generates an image. HD ultrasound will be similar to a conventional scan in terms of exposure.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, appointments are necessary for all of our services.

 How long does the 4D ultrasound take?

It will depend on the package you select. Please allow additional time for photo printing, gift shopping, and photo opportunities of you and your family!

How far along should I be before I have a 4D ultrasound?

If you plan on having only one 4D ultrasound examination, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 26th and 34th week of the pregnancy. However, excellent images of your baby can be obtained anytime after about 22 weeks of pregnancy. Many mothers obtain more than one 4D ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their second and third trimesters.

 Will I always get a beautiful picture of my baby?

Sometimes if the baby is persistently looking face down, i.e. towards your spine it may be difficult to see the baby’s face. Every baby scans differently, depending on its gestational age, position, amount of fluid, and mother’s condition. We promise to make every effort to obtain the best possible images of whatever parts of the baby that can be seen.

 Can I bring my family and friends?

Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the elective 4D ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. Our room can accommodate 3 additional guests. Please let us know in advance how many people will be attending.

 Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?

Yes, in most cases we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby. We can’t however guarantee that the baby will cooperate during your session. Certain factors such as body tissue content, developmental stage and fetal position all affect the ability to determine sex.

 Is the 4D ultrasound covered by Insurance?

At this point, insurance does not cover the costs of our ultrasounds. Since this is an elective procedure and is not intended to be a replacement for your doctor ordered ultrasound, you will need to pay the cost of this ultrasound as an out of pocket expense. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and Amex. No cash. Schedule online today!

What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform the 4D ultrasounds?

We offer 2D, 3D/4D and iLive Ultrasounds with our state of the art Mindray DC 70 X-Insight machine! 

 How much does it cost?

We have packages to fit just about anyone’s budget. Package options are listed on the website.

What is your refund policy?

No refunds are available.