doula training programs-how did you decide which one was for you

[gypsyhips26]

so I am researching doula certification programs and most of what I have come across all seem very solid in their training practices and for the most part flexible in their timelines for completion, but my question is how did you decide which program to study and did you feel that training really prepared you to be a birth doula.....

[goldenwillow]

I am fortunate enough to live near Bastyr and I am going to study there.  I am really interested to see what others have to say. 

http://www.seattlemidwifery.org/simkin-school/birth-doula.html

[phathui5]

Honestly, I took the training through DONA because they were having a birth doula training locally and I thought that DONA would be good as far as name recognition. Perhaps because they are undergoing organizational changes, I've found that DONA's organization and customer services leaves something to be desired.

With the DONA certification done, I've signed up for the BirthWorks childbirth educator program. They have been very easy to work with and I kinda wish I had gone with them in the first place.

[momto9kidlets]

I chose DONA because they had the closest training to me and in my area they had the biggest name recognition at the time.  Plus most of the doulas in my area were certified through them - not the case anymore as a large number of doulas in my area have let go of their certifications and are practicing without.  

I felt my training was very good and it prepared me for doula work, but to be honest over the years I have taken many different trainings and I have found that the trainings aren't good or bad based upon the certifying body but more on the trainer(s) themselves.  So if you are looking for a good training ask around and find a good trainer.

[goldenwillow]

Interesting. 

I thought that it was important to have the DONA or PALS certifications as a "who's who" type credentials , KWIM? 

I went through the Bradley Method for our birth.  From what I understand I could take the Bradley teacher course and be a doula as well.  Is this right?  Reading the website is a tad confusing.  If I were to take that course then I am not certified by DONA and/or PALS, right?

I appreciate any input as I am starting this process.

[momto9kidlets]

It is my understanding that they only certified you as a childbirth educator and not as a doula.  Anyone can be a doula and you do not need to be certified.  If you want to be certified by DONA you have to take their training and accomplish their requirements.  I am assuming PALS is the same.  

[goldenwillow]

Yeah.. I kinda thought anyone could be a doula....  meaning no formal education on paper.... life experience indeed.  

Thank you. 

[Babydoll1285]

I chose toLabor and I'm so very glad I did.  I chose it bc it's really big into the midwifery model of care.  The training was very thorough and definitely prepared me for being a doula...though I'm glad I got to shadow a more experienced doula for my first two births to learn the ropes.  

Something I really appreciate now that I've done my training and in the process of certifiying - I love that I don't have to track down a doctor or midwife for a review of how I cared for my client for my cert requirements.  My client's word is sufficient (and most important IMO).

[gypsyhips26]

this is all so interesting and such good feedback & perspectives..... i guess its the life experience-after having 2 babies- that has lead me to doula training in the first place. I think that's a great suggestion to ask around for good trainers...(I should know that from my yoga training...)

[gypsyhips26]

ok so just a quick update...I'm going with a local DONA certified trainer (its close and coming up soon) and I'm super excited about it! Finally starting on the next phase of my life in a way....anyway, thank you for all in the insight ladies!

[CrescentC]

Anyone have any information about BirthWorks International?  I saw that Michel Odent and Ina May Gaskin were on the Board of Advisors and I really jive with their mission statement & philosophy.  I'm wondering if anyone has had any experiences with them??

[mrstice]

I am working on my BirthWorks doula training now and will begin the Childbirth Educator program this summer.

When I started my doula program, both DONA and BWI were holding workshops near me within a month of each other. I chose BWI based on my midwife's recommendation. I have found that it really supports what my birth community believes - that women are made to give birth, we just need the safe, supportive environment to do so.

I really liked the workshop and Cathy Daub is an amazing woman. It was an intimate workshop and I learned a lot not just about labor and birth, but also about myself. I am soooo excited to start the educator program! (And I also like that Gaskin and Odent are on the board - what great support!)

[goldenwillow]

I appreciate hearing of other programs and thoughts.  

[gypsyhips26]

One more question...did anyone do an additional training like lactation consultant or childbirth educator, while you were working on your doula training or does that seem too much at one time.

[goldenwillow]

I plan on taking the LC course right after. 

[momto9kidlets]

I believe at one point I had several certifications going at once (don't think it was birth doula, but maybe educator and postpartum doula).   Nothing crazy about it as long as you can handle it.  If you decide to do it the first thing I would do is look and see what things can be shared and tackle those together to save time.

[Kaydove]

I took CBE, Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula classes back to back. By the last class, I was ready to have a break, but on the flip side I felt like they complimented each other. It was what worked with me for taking time off of work and the vacation I had available. I took all the classes through The Simkin Center at Bastyr University. Penny Simkin was one of my Birth Doula teachers, by chance! I didn't know that she was going to be one of the teachers until I got to class.

[goldenwillow]

Originally Posted by Kaydove 

I took CBE, Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula classes back to back. By the last class, I was ready to have a break, but on the flip side I felt like they complimented each other. It was what worked with me for taking time off of work and the vacation I had available. I took all the classes through The Simkin Center at Bastyr University. Penny Simkin was one of my Birth Doula teachers, by chance! I didn't know that she was going to be one of the teachers until I got to class.

Fantastic! 

I am planning the same route for my education.
 

Any tips you could share?

[CrescentC]

Originally Posted by mrstice 

I am working on my BirthWorks doula training now and will begin the Childbirth Educator program this summer.

When I started my doula program, both DONA and BWI were holding workshops near me within a month of each other. I chose BWI based on my midwife's recommendation. I have found that it really supports what my birth community believes - that women are made to give birth, we just need the safe, supportive environment to do so.

I really liked the workshop and Cathy Daub is an amazing woman. It was an intimate workshop and I learned a lot not just about labor and birth, but also about myself. I am soooo excited to start the educator program! (And I also like that Gaskin and Odent are on the board - what great support!)

I was wondering at what point in your training you went to the workshop.  I'm (hopefully) starting the BirthWorks Childbirth Educator program in July and would actually be able to go to a summer workshop, but I'm wondering if I need to get some of the coursework under my belt before I go.  What would you suggest, mrstice?

[cinderella08]

I trained through Childbirth International and loved the program.  I highly recommend it.  It is very in depth!