Bridging Tradition And
Modern Care for
Healthier Families
Culturally grounded doula training designed to support Somali mothers, strengthen families, and improve maternal health outcomes.
Our Mission
To improve maternal health outcomes by training culturally grounded doulas who support Somali families with dignity, knowledge, and care.
Why Isuroon Doula?
Many maternal health programs are not designed with Somali communities in mind.
The Isuroon Doula Training Program was created to bridge that gap—combining Somali cultural traditions, Islamic values, and modern maternal health knowledge to prepare doulas who truly understand the communities they serve.
We focus on culturally responsive care, community-based support, and practical skills that improve outcomes for mothers and families.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
Doulas do not provide medical care. Instead, they support mothers and families by:
- offering comfort during labor
- helping families understand their options
- improving communication with healthcare providers
- creating a supportive and calm birth experience
Program Overview
The Isuroon Doula Training Program prepares participants to support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery using a culturally grounded approach.
Program Includes:
- 18 structured training modules
- Somali cultural and Islamic care practices
- hands-on skill development
- communication and advocacy training
- postpartum and breastfeeding support
Duration: 6–12 weeks
Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
Outcome:
Certified Community Doula (Isuroon Program)
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM DIFFERENT
This training is built for the community, by the community.
We integrate:
- Somali cultural knowledge
- Islamic values and practices
- evidence-informed maternal health care
- trauma-informed support
- real-world community needs
This is a culturally specific program designed to improve care and outcomes for Somali families.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Prenatal care and maternal health
- Labor and birth support techniques
- Postpartum recovery and Afartan care
- Breastfeeding support
- Communication and advocacy skills
- Mental health and emotional support
- FGC awareness and culturally sensitive care
Isuroon Doula Training Module Breakdown
FOUNDATION
Module 1 – Program Orientation & Pre-Assessment
- Expectations
- Roles
- Baseline knowledge
Module 2 – Role of the Doula & Core Skills
- Emotional, physical, informational support
- Scope vs non-scope
Module 3 – Communication Skills
- Active listening
- Therapeutic communication
Module 4 – Cultural & Islamic Foundations of Care
- Islamic values
- Somali beliefs
- Nifas, Afartan
HEALTH & BODY KNOWLEDGE
Module 5 – Anatomy & Physiology
- Female reproductive system
- Pregnancy basics
Module 6 – Prenatal Care (Somali + Modern)
- Clinic care
- Traditional practices
Module 7 – Preparation for Childbirth
- Birth planning
- Emotional & physical readiness
Module 8 – Normal Labor & Birth Physiology
- Stages of labor
- Somali vs modern perspectives
LABOR SUPPORT
Module 9 – Labor Support Skills
- Comfort techniques
- Positioning
- Breathing
Module 10 – Episiotomy & Birth Interventions
- Types
- Risks
- Cultural considerations
POSTPARTUM & NEWBORN
Module 11 – Postpartum Care (Somali & Clinical)
- Afartan
- Healing practices
Module 12 – Breastfeeding in Somali Culture
- Support
- Challenges
Module 13 – Mental Health & Emotional Support
- Postpartum depression
- Trauma-informed care
CRITICAL & COMMUNITY TOPICS
Module 14 – FGC (Types, Care, Advocacy)
- Types
- Complications
- Labor impact
- Cultural sensitivity
Module 15 – Advocacy, Racism & Health Equity
- Black maternal health
- System navigation
Module 16 – Infant Loss & Grief Support
- Cultural grieving
- Emotional support
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Module 17 – Professionalism & Ethics
- Boundaries
- Confidentiality
Module 18 – Certification & Competency Assessment
- Skills check
- Final evaluation
CERTIFICATION
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive:
Certified Community Doula (Isuroon Program)
Graduates are prepared to support families, provide culturally grounded care, and advocate for respectful maternal health services.
Who Should Apply?
This program is open to anyone who is interested in supporting mothers, families, and community health.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, this training welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.
No prior medical experience is required.
Get in Touch
Join The Movement
Be part of a growing effort to support mothers, strengthen families, and improve community health.