The landscape of maternal healthcare in South Dakota is undergoing a significant shift toward more holistic, integrated support, underscored by recent policy changes that expand access to professional birth companions. In response to this growing demand, registration is now open for the Childbirth Support Specialist doula training, a comprehensive workshop designed to equip healthcare providers and aspiring specialists with the tools to provide essential physical and emotional support to birthing families.
Scheduled for May 16 and 17, the workshop will be hosted at the Brookings Health System. The training arrives at a critical juncture for the state’s maternal health infrastructure, coinciding with new reimbursement models that make doula services accessible to a broader demographic of patients, particularly those relying on public health insurance.
The two-day intensive program will accept place in Brookings Hospital’s conference room A, running from 8 a.m. To 5 p.m. Daily. By focusing on hands-on education, the curriculum aims to bridge the gap between clinical medical intervention and the continuous emotional and physical advocacy that doulas provide during the prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods.
Expanding Access Through Medicaid Integration
One of the most pivotal drivers for this training is the recent evolution of healthcare coverage in the region. As of South Dakota Department of Social Services guidelines, Medicaid doula coverage officially launched on Jan. 1, 2025. This policy change represents a major step in reducing maternal health disparities by allowing pregnant Medicaid patients to access covered doula services during prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for up to one year.
Because the workshop curriculum has been specifically approved by the South Dakota Department of Social Services, participants are positioned to enroll as recognized Medicaid doula providers. This certification pathway allows trained professionals to enter a sustainable career while providing critical support to underserved populations who previously may have lacked the financial means to hire a private doula.
From a public health perspective, the integration of doulas into the Medicaid framework is designed to improve maternal outcomes. Doulas often serve as a vital communication link between the patient and the clinical team, helping to ensure that the birthing person’s preferences are respected and their emotional needs are met, which can reduce stress and complications during childbirth.
Professional Pathways and Certification
The workshop is led by Victoria Wakeman, the doula program coordinator for Brookings Health System and a preferred trainer for Childbirth Professionals International. Wakeman brings a multidisciplinary background to the instruction, holding certifications as a dual birth and postpartum doula, a childbirth educator, and a certified peer lactation counselor.
While the course is open to anyone interested in the field—with no prerequisites required—it is particularly recommended for a wide array of healthcare professionals. Those who may benefit from the training include:
- Registered nurses and nursing students seeking to enhance their bedside manner and support techniques.
- Lactation counselors and childbirth educators looking to expand their scope of practice.
- Current doulas seeking continuing education to maintain their credentials.
- Individuals pursuing a new career in maternal health advocacy.
Participants will earn 16 continuing education credits (CEUs) upon completion. The workshop serves as a formal step for those wishing to meet the specific requirements to practice as a doula within the Brookings Health System. Attendees also have the option to pursue full certification as a birth and postpartum doula through Childbirth Professionals International.
Registration and Enrollment Details
The program is structured to be accessible, offering tiered pricing to encourage early enrollment and providing payment plans for those who require financial flexibility. The registration fee covers all workshop materials, membership, and paperless documentation, as well as the certification upon successful completion.
| Registration Type | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early-Bird Registration | $795 | April 30 |
| Standard Registration | $875 | May 15 |
For those seeking a more specialized skill set, optional separate training to become a certified breastfeeding specialist can be added to the curriculum, though it is not a requirement for the core doula certification.
Interested candidates can complete their registration online at childbirthsupportspecialists.com/registration. For specific inquiries regarding the curriculum or the certification process, Victoria Wakeman can be reached via phone at (605) 691-9319 or by email at [email protected].
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals seeking medical care or professional certification should consult with licensed healthcare providers or the official accrediting bodies.
As the May workshop approaches, the focus for Brookings Health System and its partners remains the expansion of the local doula network to meet the new Medicaid-driven demand. The next phase of the program will involve the integration of these newly certified providers into the clinical workflow to enhance the standard of postpartum care across the region.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the expansion of doula services in your community in the comments below.
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