Where did you study Doula-ing?

[FOURtunate]

Just wondering where you all studied?

I love being a Doula but would like to expand my knowledge to include Hypnobirthing and maybe even write a book... Will see.

Are you other Doulas busy with clients atm?

[lilpearl]

Hi. I studied with Optimum Birth, which I've found to be as comprehensive as any doula course is going to come. There is a 'calmbirthing' course that one can do...which is, basically, a slightly different, and Australian, version of the American 'hypnobirthing'. In my opinion, however, one would be better off paying for a course on meditation, and leading their own birth meditation classes - more freedom that way (and less expense for the same knowledge). I'm currently writing a book on VBAC's in Australia, with an emphasis on my journey towards VBAC homebirth, other womens experiences in planing for a VBAC, evidenced-based information (and lot of it!), etc. I'm loving it, the words are just flowing...I'm just so passionate about womens rights to experience birth as a right of passage, and not a means to an end. Busy with clients, yes...and I'm getting a bit tired, being pregnant myself. I've got two clients to go before my baby is born, and I'm not booking any more in for before then, or for immediately after. I may need some time off doula work to dedicate to breastfeeding. How 'bout you? What sort of book are you thinking of writing? Gabby Taggarts book is fantastic, isn't it?!

[FOURtunate]

I'm hoping to write about Intuitive Birthing.

I practiced this myself, and found it to be the most effective natural aid.

Not many Midwives/Doctors encourage it.

[Claire-Bear]

They both sound like they are going to be awesome books!

I alsos studied with Optimum birth

[lilpearl]

FOURtunate....yes, sounds good. Sort of like the 'Birthing From Within' idea of birth preperation and birthing?

[kadownie]

I studied through Optimum Birth as well- really enjoyed the course and want to continue learning.

I'm pregnant as well- so after my next birth, unless something urgent comes up, I'll be taking a break from attending births- which I'll miss.

I was thinking now of doing the Childbirth International diploma in childbirth education- have you guys heard anything about it?? Or does Optimum Birth do continued studies?

[kadownie]

Oh- Liana- I am having a VBAC- though not a homebirth.

[Veritas]

I'm studying through Optimum Birth at the moment.... and loving every moment of it!!!

And :fingerscrossed: will be recommencing a nursing degree mid year so I can work towards my goal of being a midwife even sooner!!!

Question for you lovely doula's.... did you find your first birth (attending) at all daunting.... I'm not up to that stage yet, and while I think I'll be a great support.... I'm afraid I'll get nervous when the day actually comes... lol...

[lilpearl]

Kadownie - I was thinking of doing that Birth International course, too. However, I spoke to Chris and she said that the Optimum Birth course is perfectly suited to the work of the childbirth educator as well - that it is as comprehensive as any other educator course will be (unless, of course, one were to get an actual DEGREE in childbirth education, which I wont be doing....i'm far more likely to go do Midwifery). I also think that the woman who runs the Childbirth International course is hypocritical, as I've read a couple of her books and she has stated in them that 'doulas' are another sign of birth being taken over from the woman (!!...the opposit, doulas are here to GIVE women their birth power back!), and yet this same woman is running a doula course now (obviously the money was just too good to pass up)....so, although she's written some great stuff, she is still a bit full of it. That sounds really rude, i know, but I was really offended that she attacked the role of the doula just because at the time it was a new concept to her....she herself has been in the 'doula' role for women her whole career, anyway - what's the difference? Haha...just my thoughts! :) I really trust that Chris' course is as good as they get as she is, after all, a doctor of midwifery, and lectures at uni, so her knowledge is brilliant + she loves being a doula more thqan a midwife, she's just wonderfully passionate. :)

Karma Kaz - Oh, my first birth as a doula, i just slid right into it. It's really amazing, you leave your inhibitions at the door, and you become intuitively linked with the birthing mother...it's a wonderful experience, and very natural, just like mothering. You'll love it! :)

[Claire-Bear]

Hey Liana,

Is it Andrea Robertson who runs CBI childbirth educator training?

I read that in one of her books too & thought it was a bit rude.

Karma Kaz,

I totally agree with Liana, trust yourself, trust birth and you wil be to busy & ecstatic to be worried about nerves. Good luck & let us know how the birth goes.

Claire

[lilpearl]

Clair-Bear - yes, Andrea Robinson...and yet, she now does doula training courses!? Haha...I find it quite funny!

[annsam]

Hi! :wave:

I did the Optimum Birth doula training (finished a year ago) and am doing the CBI Childbirth Ed training now (or off and on for the past year). Andrea Robertson is not my tutor (or at least I dont think she is but I haven't done much for a few months) and I haven't heard anything about her through CBI though Im not very dilligent in reading my CBI emails at present as I haven't been studying lately.

Having done both course, I can honestly say they are both fantastic but very different in approach. I find the CBI one much more indepth and it covers a lot that Optimum Birth doesn't but that also goes vice versa - Optimum Birth covers things CBI doesn't but not to the same extent Im finding.

I also find CBI offers much much more support than Optimum Birth did when I trained through them. Perhaps it was just bad timing or perhaps things have changed - who knows.

Chris is a fantastic woman with a wealth of knowledge I totally agree but I am so glad to have done both courses as they approach the doula/CBE role from different sides so I personally feel much more rounded in my knowledge having had both sets of teaching.

Thats my findings anyway having done both.

As for my first birth - LOVED it. Just seemed to slot right on in there and follow my instincts. Bit nervous at first but that soon passed.

[kadownie]

I actually had a midwife- don't want to give any details but in a postion of power- have a go at me cause I was a doula- I guess in her world the midwife would be doing the job of a doula- expect that in hospital it's just not possible given the current policies and procedures- I was really taken aback as I really don't see the role as threatening to midwives (as they are the professionals when it comes to birth) and most midwives that I have come into contact with on the job are relieved that I'm there- very strange.

I love Chris- I've booked her as my doula- feeling very special as I know that she doesn't do much doula work now. I feel really comfy knowing that she's so experienced and that my VBAC will be more possible with her presence!!

I guess I was thinking with the childbirth international diploma- is that, as it's a diploma it would be more recognized and I think you could get a position in a hospital teaching classes- I think...