Where did your doula train?

[raffee]

What are the most reputable/recognised training facilities for doulas in Australia, and more specifically NSW?

[shed]

Sydney somewhere. You want me to find out and get you the number?

[raffee]

Sydney somewhere. You want me to find out and get you the number?


That'd be great! Thanks!!!

[annsam]

I believe Optimum Birth is the only endorsed course by the Doula Register. They are based in Qld but do correspondance courses. Doula training can be done by correspondance through Childbirth International and one other that I cant recall the name of, both of whom I have heard great things about.

[shed]

1300 139 507


By Email:
moreinfo@birthcentral.com.au

www.birthcentral.com.au


By Post or in Person:
Birthcentral
31 Brighton St
Petersham NSW 2049


They also have antenatal and parenting classes. Trainee doulas are about $40 and trained ones are about $400 I think.

I spoke with a lady named Caroline and one named Renee. They're both nice.

[DoulaFelicity]

There's a few Australian based Doula organisations, and some Internationals that train Australian Doulas as well. Here's some:-

Childbirth International: http://www.childbirthinternational.com/
Birth Central: http://www.birthcentral.com.au/
Optimum Birth: http://www.optimumbirth.com.au/
International College of Spiritual Midwifery: http://www.womenofspirit.asn.au/
Doula Express: http://www.e-lifeoptions.com/

I did my training with Childbirth International, and found them to be highly professional, user-friendly, and their course material was of a high, evidence-based standard.

[Young_Mum]

Has anyone done the course offered by optimum birth?

[annsam]

Has anyone done the course offered by optimum birth?

Yes. Finished a couple of months back.

[DoulaFelicity]

Originally posted by annsam
I believe Optimum Birth is the only endorsed course by the Doula Register.

Just on the Doula Register, it is actually run by Optimum Birth, hence the fact that up until recently, only Doulas who had certified through Optimum Birth were listed. I've just recently corresponded with Dr Chris Vose regarding this (director of Optimum Birth - incidentally, wonderful woman, she's absolutely hilarious and very warm, I spent some time with her at the National Doula Conference last year :) - based on my personal impression of her, I'd have every confidence in her course), and they are now listing Doulas who have certified through varied organisations (I will be listed there myself upon receiving my certification paperwork). Also, the Doula register is an initiative towards the goal of achieving universal regulation in the Doula industry; however, there is currently no governing body or regulatory law applicable to Doulas. So all Doula organisations are currently equal in terms of the status they provide through their certification.

[kadownie]

I'm training through Optimum Birth- and loving it. Chris is funny isn't she!

[annsam]

Just on the Doula Register, it is actually run by Optimum Birth, hence the fact that up until recently, only Doulas who had certified through Optimum Birth were listed. ......and they are now listing Doulas who have certified through varied organisations..... Also, the Doula register is an initiative towards the goal of achieving universal regulation in the Doula industry; however, there is currently no governing body or regulatory law applicable to Doulas. So all Doula organisations are currently equal in terms of the status they provide through their certification.


Yes quite right. I actually thought I had said this but it seems to have lost it (I edited to explain better) :confused: .....anyway, Chris goes into a bit of detail in her course on her aims for the doula register and asks her students what they think of the concept. My feedback was I do think it is a good idea if the standards of service can be enforced. Her response was that this is the ultimate aim but its still early days so we will just have to see what the future brings.

In saying though that I think it is a good idea, I do not agree with eveything OB is trying to standardise but thats another story.

All I have to do is get a photos taken :barf: and then my details will be on the site too.:)

[annsam]

Karen, have a look at the Childbirth International course. I did a workshop with them for three days over the weekend just gone and it was brilliant. Optimum Birth is quite a touchy feely course, Childbirth International is filled with practical skills and covers more by the looks of it.

[annsam]

Good Luck! Its a fantastic role - not easy but very fulfilling.

[KellyZ]

I was trained by Rhea Dempsey in Melbourne, she doesn't do it online and you attend one day a month for nine months :) Of course there is reading material in between, but I loved it, having a women's circle and a heap of back-ups :) An important part of it too was de-briefing our own births so we don't carry it into our work, I thought I had nothing to de-brief, but when it was my turn, gees I had no idea!!!

http://www.birthingwisdom.com.au

Starts in March each year and this year I know she is running three training groups, normally it's one. The word must be getting around about birth support :yelclap:

Rhea has been in the business for 30 years and is a Birth Attendant herself.

[Swannie]

Marie Burrows from Birthing Rites Australia is the pioneer of doula training in Australia. She has trained a lot of the doulas and doula trainers in the industry today. I used one of her doulas and she was wonderful - I had a VBAC and couldn't have got through it without her. I also did the Birthing Rites prenatal course which is how I found out about Marie and the wonderful work she does.

[LP+LR]

there is also australian doula college they have 20 wk face to face course our doula is from here :)

[melissa.r]

The National Doula Conference... can someone tell me about this???