Beyond the training info, there’s just something about seeing something twice that sometimes really helps to put it together. So, here’s a handful of the most frequently asked questions, so that you can double check (and, so that you can rest assured that others have wanted a double check, too.)
1. There’s a lot offered in the classroom. Can I just do the training materials themselves and exams?
Yes, you can download the semester files onto your computer, for your viewing, and use the Student Checklist page to send in your work. This works well for students who need a few extra weeks beyond the training session, too.
2. Are the discussions or meetings required?
Again, you can refer to question 1 for this one. There are many different learning styles, and so we aim to come alongside you in whatever your academic and emotional needs and life structure is. Everything in the classroom is for your benefit. It is recommended to participate, as it adds to your learning, but it is not required.
3. I sent my exam via the .net email. Did it work?
No, you will not need to send or direct any email via the .net account. That is exclusively as part of your student login.
4. How will I know if I’m doing well?
Because I cannot teach you every quality required to be a strong SBD doula, you are subjected to a few experiences in your training session intended to elicit the same or similar psychological and emotional responses as you might face in your role as a doula, to allow you space to explore your reactions to these experiences. You are not graded on these things; they are for your benefit. This is a self-paced course, within a group setting, allowing you dialogue. If you’d like feedback to your work, just check the box as you turn in your exam. I will also respond to your exams if I see any area that would benefit from being expanded on, but the majority of my responses to students seeking feedback are purely to positively reinforce your great work.
5. I found a broken link or a need for a link (such as the B.E.S.T. materials for students seeking nursing contact hours). How can that be fixed?
Thank you so much for helping me. This training is what it is because we all give to it. You can please use the Student Resources link (with the password provided in the classroom) to help updating any links.
6. Can we start a facebook group?
If you’d like to have one just for your class session, yes. The guidelines for starting one are outlined in the classroom. Please check there before starting one.
7. I don’t want to bother Heidi, but I have another question?
It’s not a bother. We’re all in this together. But, if you’d like an answer you’re not finding, we have a Doula Advisory Team who you can email at any time and connect with for additional support. Sometimes it’s nice just to know you’re part of a team, and that if you’d like to talk to someone else, that option is available to you. Remember too, that if you take a peek in the following week’s folder, you’ll find a page that has a few helpful hints for your exam questions.
8. I feel like I’m falling behind. It’s impacting me emotionally and I just don’t know what to do?
Because this is a self-paced course within a group, as others post where they are in the training, it can provoke feelings of intimidation or inferiority. Rushing ahead is discouraged, as outlined in week 4’s password file, but not turning in work within the recommended weekly construct just happens. It really does. We do have a retake option if you’d like to completely enroll in another session, but if it’s just that you feel you’re needing a few extra weeks beyond the training session, just let me know. We’ll work it out. I want you to succeed, and I want you to know that we’re in this together.
9. I’m in between having completed the full training and getting my final projects turned in. How can I feel like I accomplished all that I have so far?
Some students wait to take the training until they’re almost done with their two books, so they turn everything in fairly quickly at the end of their training session. If this isn’t you, and you’ve finished your session and are getting started on your books, let me know if you’d like a letter of completion for the coursework, and I’ll email that to you.
10. Can you explain to me again about the final projects?
Beyond the 8 chapters of the training session, there are two book reviews and a community project. You’ll choose two books from our reading list, and write a 1-2 page report on each book. You might include things like: what it was about, what you gained from it, what it is intended to provide, and maybe anything you felt was left out.
Your community project is, at it’s simplest, a collection of resources you’ll offer to the families you serve. So you might have different sections, for pregnancy, birth, NICU, lactation, and bereavement. You might section off pages of your business website, or create a brochure. However you feel is the best presentation for you and the clients you’ll serve, is what you’ll turn in.
11. There’s great incentives to becoming an SBD doula (the scholarship and sponsorship options, for example), but now that I’m an SBD doula, are there any more incentives or growth opportunities?
Emphatically, yes! I want us to continue to walk together. You’ll receive some already in your graduate package, from time to time we have things like incentives or giveaways exclusively for SBD doulas. Because you never have to recertify with stillbirthday, you always have the most updated revised training materials accessible to you in the Doula Bridge, and, we also offer In Service Meetings and Virtual Workshops which you might utilize as refreshers along your professional journey, we have a growing list of resources accessible to any provider here at the website in our Provider Care section, and, you can contact Heidi with any ideas on more ways stillbirthday can support you on your journey.
