Doula Training
Birth Doula Training 2021 – Round Rock TX
TRAIN WITH MIDWIFE, AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF GENTLEBIRTH – TRACY DONEGAN
Welcome! I’m so excited you’re considering becoming a doula and also humbled that you’re considering my training especially during these challenging times.
As a midwife and doula I have been providing DONA international accredited doula training since 2007. I understand that undertaking Doula training is a financial, emotional and time commitment so I encourage all prospective doulas to explore the various available training options to find one that aligns with your personal goals and ethics. Take some time to find a training that resonates with your philosophy on birth support, business practices and continued education.
Are you ready to make a difference supporting parents towards a positive , healthy birth experience?
Over the years I have continued my education and trained with several organizations. Each Doula training I’ve experienced offers something different but I’ve found DONA International embraces the essence of what a Doula is and the doula ‘spirit’ of unconditional, compassionate support and ethical business practices. It was for this reason that I chose DONA to certify and re-certify as a trainer. DONA International sets the bar high for trainers with an in-depth application and selection process to become an approved doula trainer.
The DONA philosophy is simple but profound – “how will she remember this”? If all you do as a Doula is keep this at the forefront of your own mind and ‘Doula’ from the heart instead of the head then you can’t go wrong.
What do I mean when I talk about ‘Doulaing from the heart’? It means meeting the birthing person where they are, accepting that their birth preferences may not be the same as yours and supporting this person – eye to eye, breath to breath and heart to heart. When you Doula from the heart you don’t speak for the client but you help her find her voice. Being a DONA trained Doula is about serving and supporting the parent in this magical time. When you serve a mother in labor you take on their values as your own. Even as an experienced Doula I found the DONA training inspirational. It brings us back to the core of ‘doulaing’ – supporting and serving the birthing person in a home or hospital environment for a safe, positive birth.
During the workshop we explore the following
Emotional Support
Encouragement, reassurance, continuous physical presence – what doulas do best!
Informational Support
Assistance to families in gathering information about the course of their labor and their options, explanations, non-medical advice. Where to find evidence based information.
Physical Support
Comfort measures, positioning, massage, breathing, relaxation and other non-pharmacological pain relief options including an introduction to rebozo. Supporting a client with an epidural – ways to reduce side effects and promote normality when possible.
Advocacy
Helping clients find their voice and help them feel heard.
Partner Support
Role modeling, encouragement and reassurance
Building positive, respectful and lasting relationships with care providers
Getting started as a Professional Doula – business basics
After the training you will come away with the confidence to support clients in a hospital or home birth, be able to support a mother physically and emotionally with an epidural, and determine which comfort measures work best for different kinds of labors… and much much more. This is just the beginning!
Achieving certification is a process that requires a commitment. Before beginning the certification process, we recommend that you learn about what it means to be a DONA International doula by browsing the website, reading the position papers, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and other DONA International literature you will find on the DONA website.
When you become a DONA certified birth doula you gain a respected credential. DONA certification means that you have met a high international standard, ensuring expectant parents and their medical team that you will adhere to the highest standards of conduct and ethics. It means you are trained to support a birthing person emotionally, as well as to help the parent determine the services and information that they need during labor and childbirth.
Students who successfully complete all requirements will be certified with DONA International.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime to discuss your needs as a doula via email –heather@doulaessentials.com or via Facebook or Skype.
I look forward to welcoming you to my next workshop!
Tracy & Heather
BIRTH DOULA TRAINING DATES – 2021
Round Rock TX
2021 – Workshops
- January 16 & 17 – Live online
- April 10 & 11 – Live online
- August 21 & 22 – Live online
- October 30 & 31 – Live online
- December 4 & 5 – Live online
Workshop fees: $395 – includes training materials.
Prerequisites to attend: Complete reading the Birth Partner (Penny Simkin)
Due to a family illness Heather Crossan will be leading my training through Dec 2021.
Please note due to the high volume of registrations your place is only confirmed when your deposit is received and confirmed.
Our virtual classroom Facebook group for your class opens several months before your hands on training. This gives us an opportunity to connect with each other and begin exploring this wonderful work in a supportive safe space.
Your training is not just one weekend. We’ll explore the role of the doula, answer your questions, get started with your reading list. After the hands on training our classroom I will remain a source of support and information as you find your feet in the doula world with your colleagues.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel within 4 weeks of your scheduled workshop fees are non-refundable but may be applied to a later training. Cancellations made before the 4 week window will be refunded less the $200 deposit.
Can’t wait to meet you!
Tracy & Heather