Doula Studies Fanshawe College

Overview

Throughout the Doula Studies  Graduate Certificate offered at Fanshawe College 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!

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

This Fanshawe College program is aligned with IRCC's Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2699. Please consult the IRCC website to verify current Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) alignment.

Career opportunities:

Graduates of Fanshawe's Doula Studies program will have a strong foundation of evidence informed knowledge, reproductive justice, practical skills and valuable lab and field placements to prepare them for a rewarding career helping families across the full spectrum of their reproductive journey. Most doulas are self-employed so graduates will be prepared to develop and manage their own business. Given the comprehensive nature of the program, graduates will be able to work as a full-spectrum doula, birth doula and a postpartum doula. Graduates will also be prepared to work in:

• clinics
• health units
• infant feeding clinics

• social service and community centres providing childbirth education workshops, postnatal care workshops, and loss support groups

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Doula Studies program:

• Self-Employment: Be your own boss by growing your own successful doula business.

• Birth and Postpartum Doula: Provide support to families prenatally, during birth and the postpartum period.

• End of Life Doula :Help a person navigate through the unfamiliar territory at the end of their life while helping family members and friends tocare for their loved one.