10 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Ann Arbor to Take Your Postpartum Doula Training with Us

ENVIRONMENT. We are a dedicated doula training and childbirth education center. This personalized space, unlike a hotel conference room, is open, cozy, and sunny, with a courtyard in the back for you to enjoy on breaks. Couches, floor pillows, birth balls, and yoga bolsters ensure comfort. Extensive lending library. Our one building is zoned commercial in a residential neighborhood, very nice and safe, with plenty of street parking. Take a tour of the Center now.

EXPERTISE. Patty Brennan has been an advocate for childbearing families for nearly 30 years as a childbirth educator, doula, midwife, doula trainer, nonprofit executive, and doula program visionary. She is the owner of Center for the Childbearing Year, an instructor at Washtenaw Community College, the founder of two community-based doula programs, and executive director of the nonprofit Michigan Doula Connection. In addition, Patty is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business, featuring a foreword by renowned childbirth educator and DONA founder, Penny Simkin. Choose the doula business expert to be your doula trainer!

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE. We present a dynamic teaching staff culled from local experts. Ann Arbor is home to some of the top people in the country in fields related to our subject matter. Guest teachers include Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC on Breastfeeding Support for Doulas; Melisa Schuster, MSW on Postpartum Mood Disorders; a babywearing (fun!) expert; a cloth diaper expert; at least one mother of multiples, one breastfeeding mother, a practicing DONA-certified postpartum doula, and more. If I could take all these folks with me on the road, I would but, as it is, we welcome you to join us!

INTERACTIVE LEARNING. This program does NOT involve four days of PowerPoint and lecture. We are adult education specialists. Small group work, case studies, multi-media, role play — these are just a few of the methods employed to ensure we meet the needs of every learner. The training is carefully paced, hands-on, and guaranteed to keep you engaged!

ANN ARBOR. Offers the attractions of a large city, without the navigation challenges. Lots of great ethnic food and restaurant choices in a nice downtown area that invites walking. Bring the family and take them to the Botanical Gardens, the Hands-On Museum, the Arb, a Natural History Museum, a rock climbing gym, movies, bowling, great city libraries and parks, Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum (in nearby Dearborn) and, if that’s not enough to keep them busy, just ask me and I’ll think up some more! Plus, Michigan in October? Awesome!

DELICIOUS & NUTRITIOUS SNACKS. We keep your energy high throughout the weekend with an abundance of organic whole foods and yummy treats. Herbal teas, fresh fruit in season, nuts, yogurt, guacamole & chips, hummus & veggies, cheese & crackers, and maybe some chocolate (to ensure that all the major food groups are represented!).

POST-TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. Michigan residents who complete training are invited to join Michigan Doula Connection (MDC), a nonprofit community-based organization that links volunteer doulas with low-income families in need of support services throughout the state. MDC provides a ready-made venue for trained doulas to integrate new knowledge and skills as they serve moms, babies, and families. Complete the experiential component of the DONA certification requirements and launch your practice!

HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE. Lead instructor Patty Brennan is knowledgeable about complementary health care modalities, including homeopathy, herbal medicine, nutritional approaches, and more. Postpartum challenges will be examined in terms of holistic support strategies that integrate mental, emotional, physical, social, and logistical needs, while encouraging awareness of alternative approaches.

THE DONA ADVANTAGE. DONA International is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious professional doula organization in the world. Certification through DONA means a portable credential that ensures immediate recognition as having completed the most rigorous and respected professional doula training program available.

TOP VALUE. We guarantee a quality educational experience, for all the reasons stated. Increase the value of your investment by choosing one of our Doula Business Builder Packages—discounted training bundles and bonus offers.

 

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