Two courses can have almost the same syllabus.
On paper they look identical. In the room they are nothing alike. Let me tell you why it makes a difference for anti-racist doula training
The difference is the framework: the lens every topic is taught through. Content tells you what a doula does and Framework tells you who the doula is doing it for, what the system is doing to that person, and what you are going to do about it.
A content-led course teaches you the signs of pre-eclampsia whereas a justice-led course teaches you the signs of pre-eclampsia, and then asks why a Black birthing person reporting those signs is more likely to be told to go home and rest. Then it teaches you what to say when that happens, and how to escalate.
A content-led course teaches postnatal support as a checklist, but a justice-led course asks who is at the door after the birth, who is being watched, and why. In over twenty years at the bedside, I have watched Black families find social services involved faster than white families in the same circumstances.
A content-led course has a session on cultural competence and a justice-led course has culture running through every single session, because culture is present at every birth, every postpartum, every feeding choice, every loss, and every interaction with health professionals
You can pick up extra content anywhere. You cannot unlearn a lens that taught you racism was an optional extra.
That is why, when choosing UK doula training, the framework matters as much as the content. Arguably more.
Choose the lens before you choose the course.
Next: What to look for
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What’s happening in birth, what the reports aren’t saying loudly enough, and when the next cohorts open.
Abuela Doulas recognises that as well as doing the work, they need to support the work of others. With that in mind, here are some links to support not only us, but other organisations that we are involved in.
