DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshops

With Patty Brennan

“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. I am so glad I came and think that every woman should have this training.” — 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

2012 Schedule & Fees

Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am–6pm

  • June 23 & 24 (ERD (6/1)
  • August 18 & 19 (ERD 7/27)
  • November 3 & 4 (ERD 10/12)

Fee $385; $350 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed

REGISTER NOW OR

Learn about our Doula Business Builder training packages (bundled trainings at discount prices!)

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Listen to a 10-Minute Audio Program on Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about doula training and becoming a doula. Q&A

Birth Doula Workshop Course Description

kiki-birth-ball1Are you interested in a career working with moms and babies? All through time, and in all cultures, women have been supporting and mothering other women at the time of birth. In response to the over-medicalization of childbirth, the role of the doula has evolved to safeguard the laboring mother’s emotional experience at a vulnerable time in her life. Doula certification is an effort to professionalize the traditional role of the female support person in childbirth. Doulas help moms and their partners navigate the institutional aspects of giving birth. They encourage, soothe, and educate. 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 be in a support role for other moms (see pre-requisites below).

Certified doulas are typically self-employed with independent doula practices (we will give tips on how to do this). However, many women interested in maternal/infant health have leveraged doula training and certification as a pathway into future careers in nursing, midwifery, medicine, social work, or public health. Other potential doulas are those community-based women who are recognized as the “go-to” person in their family, church, or social circle, attending to their sisters or volunteering their time to be of service to others. And practicing nurses can expand their repertoire of troubleshooting techniques while simultaneously earning continuing education contact hours required to maintain their licenses.

018_183You may already have the heart of a doula—enhance your skill set with this hands-on training! Topics include comfort measures and pain relief techniques, creative positioning for labor and birth, support strategies for normal and challenging births, essential communication and advocacy skills, and more. This comprehensive workshop fulfills one step towards professional Birth Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for more information on the DONA certification requirements and associated fees.

Pre-requisites for DONA Birth Doula Training

Choose ONE of the following options:

  1. Your best option is to take our Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class offered on the Friday immediately preceding the doula training weekend. By taking this class, you fulfill not only the pre-requisite, but also a DONA certification requirement for birth doulas. Please note that in order for this training to count towards DONA certification, it must be taken PRIOR TO the Birth Doula Workshop. There is a separate fee for the Intro course.
  2. Observe a series of Childbirth Preparation Classes for expectant parents. The class must be a minimum of 12 hours in length to fulfill this requirement. It is possible to fulfill a certification requirement here as well, provided that the class meets DONA requirements.
  3. Read one book from each of the following four categories from the DONA Reading List. Most of these books are in the Center’s Lending Library or available online. By reading these books, you are also on your way to fulfilling DONA’s birth doula certification requirements.

At least one of the following:

  • The Doula Book, Klaus, Klaus, & Kennell
  • The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman through Childbirth, 3rd Edition, Simkin*

At least one of the following:

  • The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, 4th Edition, Kitzinger*
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, revised, Simkin, Whalley, & Keppler*
  • The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, Douglas
  • The Simple Guide to Having a Baby, Whalley, Simkin & Keppler

At least one of the following:

  • Gentle Birth Choices, Harper
  • Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Gaskin*
  • An Easier Childbirth: A Mother’s Guide for Birthing Normally, Peterson
  • The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, Goer*

At least one of the following:

  • The Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd Edition, Mohrbacher, Stock & Newton*
  • Breastfeeding Made Simple, Mohrbacher & Kendall-Tackett
  • The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Newman & Pittman*
  • Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding, Newman & Pittman
  • The Nursing Mother’s Companion, 5th Edition, Huggins & Lawrence

* My personal favorites

What do our students have to say about their doula training at the Center?

“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 part of my soul’s purpose. Thank you for being here and running such an amazing workshop … You are empowering women in a big way!” — 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. Thank you!” — Kate Louik, Ann Arbor, MI

“Great learning environment. Best class I have ever attended. Patty is compassionate and knowledgeable.” — 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. I not only wish to thank you for the opportunity, but also for hosting such a great course!” — 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

“I recently went to my first birth, and it was awesome! I just wanted to thank you for your center and the opportunities that it has given me. You make a such a positive impact on our community and you are truly appreciated.” — Lauren Peace

“I’ve learned a great deal over the course of the weekend, but as we wrap up, I’m struck by one thing in particular: I definitely came at this weekend training with an idea of doulas being all about natural births, but your comments and sharing have helped me broaden my understanding and recognize the importance of maintaining an open, accepting spirit.” — Nicole Bauman, Shakespeare, Ontario

“Overall awesome experience–can’t wait to get started.” — Dawn Kidder, Fennville, MI

“Thanks for the awesome training! It was so much more than I imagined. You are so full of knowledge and experience. The weekend was great.” — Cheryl Smith, Southfield, MI

“I immensely enjoyed the workshop. Patty is a powerful role model. I wish to be as knowledgeable as she is some day.” — Adriana Liwsky, Lansing, MI

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