DONA Birth and Postpatum Doula Training in Michigan

2015 Training Schedule & Fees

DONA Birth Doula Workshop ($515; $465 ERD)
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DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop ($595; $540 ERD)
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DONA Birth Doula Workshop

With Patty Brennan

kiki-birth-ball1Join us for an in-depth, hands-on training focused on supporting birthing mothers. Share in Patty’s wisdom gleaned from her 30+ years’ experience as doula, childbirth educator, and midwife as she teaches you support skills and guides you into your doula role. You do not need to be a mother yourself, nor have a medical background to become a doula — just a passion for birth and the desire to empower other mothers to have the best possible experience.

This workshop includes the pre-requisite “Intro” training and fulfills two steps toward professional birth doula certification through DONA International.

What skills will you learn?

  • comfort measures and natural pain management techniques
  • positioning and movement to support physiologic labor and birth
  • support strategies for normal and challenging births
  • massage techniques and acupressure points for labor
  • essential communication and mediation skills
  • how to facilitate informed decision-making

Other topics we will cover:

  • the doula’s role prenatally, during labor, and in the postpartum period
  • nutritional counseling and troubleshooting common discomforts of pregnancy
  • anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth
  • overview of the labor and birth process
  • the meaning of “support”
  • emotional needs of the mother
  • introduction to breastfeeding and the doula’s role
  • and more!

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What do our students have to say about their birth doula training?

“This workshop was amazing! Patty is an excellent speaker and her passion for the importance of a doula really showed throughout the sessions. This was a very well organized workshop in a great facility.” — Noelle Zalar, Oregon, OH

“Thank you so much-I can’t get enough! I only wish I could take this workshop and the postpartum one over again for the first time. What an education and experience! Best $$ I ever spent.” — Kat Oshman, Ann Arbor, MI

“I took your birth doula class to help my daughter through labor…. She did fantastic, remained in full control, trying a lot of different positions and various techniques…. We tried and did many things I learned in class and I appreciated everything you taught and suggested.” — Dana Borenitsch

“I absolutely loved this experience. Worth my money and time investment. I am so thankful I undertook this venture. I feel inspired and filled with recognition of my soul’s purpose. Thank you for being here and running such an amazing workshop.” — Jess Juntunen, Hancock, MI

“Patty was such an inspiring woman to learn from as I begin this new part of my life! Her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for serving mothers and their babies (and partners!) will stay with me forever.” — Kate Louik, Ann Arbor, MI

“Great learning environment. Best class I have ever attended.” — Michaela Anderson, Adrian, MI

“As a young woman who has never experienced pregnancy or birth, the subject was a bit overwhelming at times. But your teaching style made the material so approachable, understandable, and fun.” — Mary Colleen Casey, Ypsilanti, MI

“Entire weekend was so amazing, inspiring, and informative, I never wanted it to end. I hope to take more classes with Patty in the future.” — Sarah Barrette, Grand Rapids, MI

“Unfortunately, I received my [initial] doula training from another trainer … thank goodness Patty has renewed my faith in DONA and the holistic model that it originally represented. It was well worth the extra miles to get here!” — Kristin Kelly, Traverse City, MI

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DONA Postpartum Doula TrainingDONA Postpartum Doula Workshop

With Patty Brennan & Guest Instructors

This 30-hour training prepares you to create your own postpartum doula business offering excellent, skilled, in-home support services to families with newborns. The workshop fulfills two steps toward professional Postpartum Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for information on DONA certification requirements and fees. Topics include:

  • Breastfeeding—doula support skills and troubleshooting strategies
  • All about Babywearing—safety concerns, infant spine development, pros & cons of a variety of slings, babywearing twins, and “how to” (hands-on)
  • Postpartum Depression—recognizing the symptoms, when to refer, and doula support strategies
  • Cloth Diapers—benefits, choices, care of
  • Talents & Needs of the Newborn—the six states of consciousness and baby calming techniques
  • Kangaroo Mother Care—benefits of skin-to-skin and care of premature infants
  • Twins & Multiples—logistics and the doula’s role in supporting the family
  • Healing the New Mother—holistic support measures and defining “normal”
  • Identifying “Red Flags”—danger signs for mom & baby and limiting liability for doulas
  • The Postpartum Doula Professional—defining the role and structuring your service package
  • Changing Roles—evolving needs of family members and doula support strategies
  • Grief and loss support, effective communication skills, and more!

Postpartum Doula Training Pre-requisites

DONA requires that participants complete a Breastfeeding Basics class prior to taking the Postpartum Doula Workshop. This training includes the Breastfeeding pre-requisite and the DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop in one four-day workshop that fulfills two certification requirements.

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What do our students have to say about their postpartum doula training?

“I could not have envisioned a more intelligent and comprehensive four days. I learned so much and continue to be so excited about this new path I’m on. I feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with you. Thank you sincerely for the formidable training!” — Kim Manasevit, Brookline, MA

“Just wanted to thank you for an amazing weekend. Each day was super and surpassed my expectations.” — Jody Swank, Mattawan, MI

“I was very pleased with my experience at the Center. Patty was very professional, yet caring and was an excellent example of someone who is passionate about their work and dedicated to assisting mothers and babies. I was reassured that becoming a postpartum doula is what I want to do. I also was given great advice for starting my own business and was given many of the skills I felt I lacked to become a doula. I would highly recommend this training to anyone and cannot say enough good things about it!” — Leah Segura, Bay City, MI

“Patty is an excellent trainer. I felt welcomed, accepted, and appreciated. The training was extremely informative and I learned lots of tools for working through potentially challenging situations. I enjoyed the training and feel very equipped. I appreciate Patty’s openness and hospitality! Overall this was Excellent!” — Kelli Brien, South Bend, IN

“I truly feel that I got an education (informational, emotional, spiritual) through this course. It was tough to fork over the fee because it was a huge chunk of my savings, but it is, hands down, the best money I’ve ever spent.” — Kat Oshman, Ann Arbor, MI

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Doula Business Builder Discounted Training Packages

3 Packages to Choose from ~ Payment Plans Available!

Choose from the following training packages the one best suited to help you meet your professional goals. Each package offers the core DONA doula workshop, including the pre-requisite class, the required breastfeeding class, and training in how to put it all together into a life-changing, successful mother-baby business. Plus, see our BONUS offers (included). Your choice of 2015 and 2016 training dates. (Our 2016 workshop schedule will be posted online by September.)

How it Works: Simply choose your preferred training package and make a payment. For installment plans, subsequent payments will be automated and charged to your account on the same date for two consecutive months following purchase (or you can ask for specific withdrawal dates). Please list your choice of training dates in the “Questions or Concerns?” box towards the bottom of the registration page. Please read our Refund Policy. These bundled trainings will save you money!

Doula Business Builder DELUXE

If you are thinking of becoming both a birth and a postpartum doula, then this package is for you! It includes the following:

  • DONA Birth Doula Workshop (includes Intro pre-requisite)
  • DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop (includes the Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas class)
  • The Doula Business Guide Workshop or Webinar Series (your choice)
  • Completes 5 requirements for professional birth and postpartum doula certification through DONA International

Plus two Bonus Offers to help you jump start your business:

  • Patty Brennan’s definitive business book, The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business, 2nd Edition (2014) ($30 value)
  • 2 free listings in the categories of your choice in our online Professional Directory; listings are good for one year and can be claimed whenever you are ready ($75 value)
Doula Business Builder Deluxe ($897)
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Doula Business Builder Deluxe (1st of 3 payments of $299)
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Birth Doula Business Builder

  • DONA Birth Doula Workshop (includes Intro pre-requisite class)
  • Breastfeeding Basics for Birth Doulas
  • The Doula Business Guide Workshop or Webinar Series (your choice)
  • Completes 3 requirements for professional birth doula certification through DONA International

Plus two Bonus Offers to help you jump start your business:

  • Patty Brennan’s definitive business book, The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business, 2nd Edition (2014)($30 value)
  • 1 free listing in our online Professional Directory; listings are good for one year and can be claimed whenever you are ready ($50 value)
Birth Doula Business Builder ($597)
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Birth Doula Business Builder (1st of 3 payments of $199)
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Postpartum Doula Business Builder

  • DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop (includes Breastfeeding Basics pre-requisite)
  • The Doula Business Guide Workshop or Webinar Series (your choice)
  • Completes 2 requirements for professional certification through DONA International

Plus two Bonus Offers to help you jump start your business:

  • Patty Brennan’s definitive business book, The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business, 2nd Edition (2014) ($30 value)
  • 1 free listing in our online Professional Directory; listings are good for one year and can be claimed whenever you are ready ($50 value)
Postpartum Doula Business Builder ($669)
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Postpartum Doula Business Builder (1st of 3 payments of $223)
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Confused?

Compare our Business Builder Packages at-a-glance.

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