DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshops

With Patty Brennan & Kate Stroud

“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

“Thank You for a fantastic weekend! In my eyes, both of you are truly an inspiration. You have clearly made a positive difference in many people’s lives and are also succeeding in continued growth of your own businesses. As a professional, I’m excited to start doing something that I love and am deeply connected to. I have gained strength in my beliefs and feel ready to help other women with their own birthing experience. Ready and eager to learn, I look forward to attending more of your classes.” — Emily Mediouni, Royal Oak, MI

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

“I would recommend this course with three thumbs up (if possible). Amazing, powerful, intense! Wow!” — Class Participant

“Becoming a doula has literally changed my life. I’ve learned so much over the past year and I know I will be a much better physician because of my involvement with the Center. Thank you for introducing me to more holistic ways of caring for women and their families. Your work has touched the lives of so many families.” — Class Participant

“This weekend was incredible. My mind is on overload right now, not from all the information, but from discovering new opportunities. Thank you, not only for your wisdom, but for opening new doors for me.” — Class Participant

“As a young woman who has never experienced pregnancy or birth, the subject was a bit overwhelming at times. But your and Kate’s teaching styles 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

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.

2010 Schedule & Fees

Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am-6pm, November 13 & 14 (ERD October 22); Intro course offered November 12

Fee $375; $340 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed

15.5 Nursing Contact Hours pending approval (Add $15 for processing)

2011 Schedule & Fees

Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am-6pm

  • February 12 & 13 (ERD January 21)
  • April 8 & 9 (ERD March 18)
  • June 25 & 26 (ERD June 3)
  • August 20 & 21 (ERD July 29)
  • November 19 & 20 (ERD October 28)

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

15.5 Nursing Contact Hours pending approval ($15 additional charge)

The University of Michigan Health System’s Educational Services for Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Listen to a 10-Minute Audio Program on Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Doula Training & Becoming a Doula. Q&A

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

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

More Kind Words

“This was really fun, informative, and motivating. Thanks!” — Grace Yoder, Ypsilanti, MI

“I really enjoyed your sense of humor and ability to tell very detailed accounts. The class was fun and very engaging during long days.” — Ireland Sutter, Frankfort, MI

“Superb role-modeling of respect for the doula’s role, supporting women, and respecting caregivers and other labor support.” — Michelle Shaffer, Ann Arbor, MI

“Thanks to you both! 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 (which is the end of the spectrum where I tend to find myself), 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

“Patty and Kate are both wonderful childbirth educators. They bring such passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every class. Learning from them is a great pleasure and I always feel that I come away from class better prepared for my work as a doula.” — Jenice Pettibone, Ypsilanti, MI

“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 both so full of knowledge and experience. The weekend was great.” — Cheryl Smith, Southfield, MI

“I immensely enjoyed the workshop. Patty and Kate are powerful role models. I wish to be as knowledgeable as they are some day.” — Adriana Liwsky, Lansing, MI

“What an enriching and womanly time I had! I have looked over all my materials and it blows me away that you know all this vital birth information and have created the Center around it.” — Class Participant

“I had a terrific weekend. I am so excited at this potential path in my life. I can’t wait for my sister-in-law to go into labor! You reframed my own experience and knowledge in a whole new light … What was especially important for me to learn was to not “go in fighting” as an advocate, but how being a true advocate is about listening, empowerment, harmony, and cooperation. I get very passionate about what I believe in and you really taught me how to tone that down and make it about my client and her journey and not about my beliefs.” — Class Participant

“Everything was wonderful! Thank you so much for being a part of the beginning of my doula journey.”–Molly Kehrer, Holland, MI

“Dear Patty & Kate, I feel very grateful to be a part of this training. I have met some amazing women in the field, but you two are very important role models for me. I hope to get to work with you all in some capacity in the future. The training was great and you are both insightful, passionate, and effective teachers.”–Kristi Livingood, Ypsilanti, MI

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