Manitoba Association for Childbirth and Family Education

Required Reading for Doulas

In order to maximize the benefit gained from the Doula training, it is imperative that all students come to the training course with a good base knowledge. This will enable all of the participants to ask educated questions, which in turn will benefit the entire class.

Below is a list of readings that will assist you in obtaining the best education on the subjects we will cover. These readings must be completed prior to the first class so as to acquire the most help from them.

Required:

Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth
by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (the latest edition is called The Doula Book).

The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth
by Penny Simkin.

One of the Following:

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
La Leche League International

Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right for You
by Chloe Fischer, Mary Renfrew and Suzanne Arms

Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding
by Dr. Jack Newman

And One of the Following:

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Sheila Kitzinger

Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Newborn
by Penny Simkin

If you have any questions about the list, or are unable to find a book, please contact us at macfe@mts.net. Thank you.