Knowing how to effectively execute the doula’s advocacy role can be one of the most satisfying aspects of the doula’s career and one of the most important for increasing positive long-term birth memories for the clients she serves. The key elements of mastering the doula’s advocacy role are: A firm understanding of what is within and out of scope for a DONA doula, practicing daily diplomatic communication skills, developing empathy, understanding one’s own trauma exposure response and effectively increasing one’s trauma exposure resilience.
DONA International is the oldest, largest and most respected doula association in the world. Our founders are among the foremost experts on doula care, and DONA International certification is a widely respected measure of quality and professionalism. We support doulas by providing quality training and meaningful certification. DONA International certification sets the bar for doula education and professional development and it indicates to families that a doula has achieved a high level of training and professionalism. To that end, DONA International is committed to providing high-quality, relevant continuing education opportunities – both in person, through advanced doula trainings offered by our world-class trainers and through webinars such as this one. Enjoy! It is an exciting time to be a DONA International doula, a member of the premier doula association in the world.
BA, CD(DONA), CD(PALS), ICCE, LCCE, BDT(DONA) Kim James is a DONA International and PALS Doulas certified birth doula as well as a DONA approved birth doula trainer working at the Simkin Center/Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. She is also an ICEA and Lamaze International certified childbirth educator teaching at Parent Trust for Washington Children/Great Starts where she sits on the Education Committee. Kim also volunteers her time on the Lamaze International membership committee and serves as DONA's Washington State Representative. Her daughters are 9 and 16 years old.
