Center for the Childbearing Year

Doula Training Scholarships Available

Please Note: Currently, we have used up all scholarships funds. We have a number of grant proposals pending and are hopeful that we will be able to re-fund the scholarship program in the fall. Please check back with this site periodically for updates

Doulas are self-employed community health workers who provide individualized care for pregnant women and their families throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum periods. After training, scholarship recipients gain experience at births by participating in the Doulas Care Program , an established outreach and referral service that matches student doulas with teenagers and other low-income, high-risk pregnant women in communities throughout southeastern lower Michigan.

Amount of Scholarships

Scholarships cover the full cost of the training.

Applicant Qualifications

For Birth Doula Training

Demonstrate financial need
Be at least 18 years old
Be a high school graduate (GED acceptable)
Be a resident of one of the following Michigan counties: Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Genesee, Livingston, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, or Monroe (no exceptions)
Be available for all days of the training
Be willing to work towards Professional Doula Certification
Commit to participate in the volunteer Doulas Care Program and provide free services to 5 women that includes: 3 prenatal visits, birth support, and 3 postpartum in-home visits. Services must be completed within 18 months of finishing the training.
Have transportation available
Have demonstrated an interest in working with pregnant women or new mothers and their babies
Be available to attend an additional two-part Volunteer Orientation Training at no cost. This training is required for all Doulas Care Program volunteers. See below for a description of the training and a schedule for 2005.
Priority given to individuals with limited economic resources or from communities in need of more volunteer doulas.

For Postpartum Doula Training:

Demonstrate financial need
Be at least 18 years old
Be a high school graduate (GED acceptable)
Be a resident of one of the following Michigan counties: Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Genesee, Livingston, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, or Monroe (no exceptions)
Be available for all days of the training
Be willing to work towards Professional Doula Certification
Commit to providing 50 hours of free postpartum services to low-income families in need. Hours should be completed within 18 months of finishing the training.
Be available to attend an additional two-part Volunteer Orientation Training at no cost. This training is required for all Doulas Care Program volunteers. See below for a description of the training and a schedule for 2005.

Training Dates and Application Deadlines

Birth Doula Trainings for 2005:

November 11-13 (application deadline 10/14)

Postpartum Doula Trainings for 2005:

October 21-23 (application deadline 9/23)

Doulas Care Volunteer Trainings

With Lisa Kane Low & Patty Brennan & Guest Speakers
Free to Doulas Care Volunteers; pre-registration required

Part I: Program Orientation: This training serves as an introduction to the Doulas Care Program and attendance is required before client referrals will be made. Topics covered include: program guidelines, standards of practice, policies and procedures, use of forms with clients, resources available on-site, how and when to make a referral, and volunteer benefits and support. A customized Doulas Care tote bag, binder of resources, and delicious snacks are provided to volunteers who attend this training.

Thursday, 6:30-9:30pm on
          May 12, 2005
          July 14, 2005
          September 8, 2005
          December 8, 2005

Part II: Being in the Community: Outreach Worker Training. This specialized training should be taken as soon as possible after entering the volunteer program and is designed to help volunteer doulas be effective in their interactions with pregnant women who have limited resources or who are at social or medical risk. Topics include: the volunteer doula’s role as a community outreach worker; accessing community resources; assessment of risk factors; the importance of referrals; working with teen moms; cultural awareness; establishing boundaries with clients; lessons learned in the field; and more. A customized Doulas Care t-shirt, a $25 stipend, and food are provided to volunteers who attend this training.

Saturday, 9am-4pm, September 24, 2005

How To Apply

Please click on one of the Scholarship Application links below and fill it out. Your application can be emailed to us, dropped by our Center in person, or mailed to:

Center for the Childbearing Year
722 Brooks St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

or email to:
Email: Patty@Center4CBY.com

In order to be considered for a scholarship, applications must be in our hands by 5pm on the deadline date. Confirmation of receipt of your application will not be made automatically, however you can follow-up with email (preferable) or a phone call if you like. You will be notifed in writing of your status within one week of the deadline date. If you do not regularly check your email, it is best that you leave the email address on the application blank. If you are turned down for a scholarship, you will have a limited-time opportunity to still register for the desired training at the posted early registration discounted fee. Your notification letter will explain the terms.