Training Health & Safety
The health, safety, accessibility, and well-being of our participants, trainers, team members, and community are important to the National Black Doulas Association®.
This policy applies to NBDA virtual and in-person trainings and replaces outdated COVID-specific website guidance with broader, current health and safety expectations.
In-Person Training
Participants attending an in-person NBDA training are expected to follow reasonable health and safety practices.
Please do not attend an in-person training if you are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness that could place other participants at risk.
Examples may include:
• Fever
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Significant respiratory symptoms
• A known contagious condition
• Other symptoms that make participation unsafe for you or others
If illness or an emergency affects your ability to attend, contact NBDA as soon as possible at hello@blackdoulas.org.
Attendance requirements still apply, and NBDA will review the appropriate next step based on the individual situation and applicable program requirements.
Public-Health and Venue Requirements
NBDA trainings may be held in independently operated venues, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, community spaces, or other locations.
Participants must follow applicable safety requirements established by the training venue, applicable public-health authorities, local or state requirements, and NBDA when additional safeguards are necessary.
Requirements may change depending on the location or circumstances of a particular training. Any special requirement affecting a cohort will be communicated to registered participants when known.
Masks and Personal Protective Measures
Unless otherwise communicated for a specific location or circumstance, NBDA does not maintain a universal public mask requirement.
Participants may choose to wear a mask or use other reasonable personal protective measures. Please respect the individual health and safety choices of other participants
Training Environment
Participants are expected to help maintain a safe learning environment.
This includes:
• Following trainer and venue safety instructions
• Using training equipment appropriately
• Participating responsibly in hands-on demonstrations
• Reporting hazards or unsafe conditions
• Respecting physical and personal boundaries
• Following emergency instructions
• Avoiding disruptive, threatening, or unsafe behavior
Hands-On Activities
Some NBDA trainings include demonstrations, role-play, comfort measures, positioning, hands-on practice, or other interactive activities.
Participants should communicate physical limitations or participation concerns before or during an activity.
Consent is expected during partner or hands-on practice. A participant should not be pressured into physical contact that they do not consent to.
Alternative participation methods may be considered when appropriate and reasonably available.
Accessibility and Participation Support
NBDA is committed to supporting meaningful participation in our educational programs.
Participants who need reasonable support to participate should contact NBDA as early as possible.
You do not need to provide unnecessary medical details.
Please describe the support or accommodation you are requesting so our team can review what can reasonably be provided within the training environment. Contact: hello@blackdoulas.org
Virtual Training Safety and Participation
Participants in virtual training should:
• Use a stable internet connection whenever possible
• Participate from a setting that allows appropriate engagement
• Follow trainer instructions
• Protect the privacy of other participants
• Avoid recording or distributing training content without permission
• Follow the NBDA Code of Ethics and community expectations
Login information and private training links should not be shared with people who are not registered for the training.
Emergencies
NBDA training is educational and is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
If a participant experiences a medical emergency during an in-person or virtual training, appropriate emergency services should be contacted. For immediate emergencies in the United States, call 911.
Changes to Training for Safety Reasons
NBDA may modify a training location, format, schedule, activity, or other program detail when reasonably necessary to protect participants or respond to safety, venue, weather, public-health, technology, or other operational concerns.
Affected participants will receive additional instructions when applicable.
Questions
For questions regarding training access, participation needs, or health and safety: hello@blackdoulas.org
