Birth as a Heroic Journey

Birth Doula & Childbirth Educator Training

Foster balance between ancient, modern, and inner knowing. We honor the knowledge and lived experience of the mentor and the parent, and we challenge trainees to shift their lens towards self-compassion, flexibility, and resilience.

There are separate pathways for Doula and Childbirth Educator training.

$1,650

Be sure to read the full Refund & Cancellation Policy in the Terms of Service when you register.

Bring Heart and Soul into childbirth preparation and support

This course offers a modern interpretation of childbirth preparation and support, tapping into ancient inner knowing in conjunction with evidence-based modern knowing, and teaching you to provide deep, meaningful guidance to those in their childbearing years.

In our childbirth educator and birth doula training you will learn:

  • The ancient maps that guide the modern birth warrior and birth professional, and how the childbearing year parallels the heroic journey

  • How to deeply listen and meet parents where they are in the moment

  • The modern medical map that is integral to birth today, and how to teach the evidence-based physiology of birth

  • Pain coping practices that build confidence, enhance relaxation, and reduce suffering

  • A solution-focused teaching style to motivate change

  • How to support birth partners to stay present and emotionally connected in birth

  • Methods to prevent or reduce emotional birth trauma

  • -Stages of labor: physiology and support for

    -Function of hormones in birth

    -Fetal development

    -Prenatal Nutrition

    -Medical support tools & interventions

    -Pain medication options

    -Cesarean birth

    -Physiology of postpartum

    -Coping with the challenges of the postpartum period

    -Infant feeding

    -PMAD (Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders) prevention, screening, support, & resources

    -Planning prenatal and postpartum sessions

    -Making medical decisions

    -Informed consent

  • -Birth trauma reduction tools

    -Working with fear & uncertainty

    -The Labyrinth of birth: using metaphor to prepare to cope with internal and external complexities of the birth experience

    -Celebration and ritual for postpartum

    -Ritual for birth workers

    -Mentoring vs teaching: offering authentic, practical, individualized support

    -Solution focused dialogue

    -Using storytelling and the framework of the heroic journey as tools for preparation and healing

    -Archetypes for understanding and addressing clients’ needs

  • -Support for stages of labor

    -Labor positions and hands-on support

    -Pain Coping practices for labor and birth

    -Support of cesarean birth

    -Postpartum support (visits, transition plan, expectations)

  • -History of birth and midwifery in US

    -Anti-racism & anti-oppression concepts and frameworks

    -Identity and inclusivity

    -Racism and inequity in the healthcare system

    -Implicit bias and privilege

    -Birth and disability justice

  • -Collaborating with medical teams

    -Best practices for trauma informed care

    -Creating a resource list for clients

    -Self care for birth workers

    -Active listening skills

    -Dynamic class openings

    -Getting your classes up & running

    -Class planning

    -Special class for birth partners

    -Impactful class closings

    -Postpartum reunions & gatherings

    -Planning prenatal and postpartum sessions/classes

    -Interviewing

    -Managing commitments & contracts

    -Advocacy

    -Confidentiality

    -Being on call & doula lifestyle

    -Planning prenatal and postpartum sessions

    -Getting your business up and running

    -Business Essentials for Birthworkers, a workbook by Sabia Wade

What is included?

  • 18 months of access to our self-paced, seven module online course, Birth as a Heroic Journey for Birth Doulas and Childbirth Educators.

  • A ticket to attend our live, embodied retreat, Crossing the Threshold. Register for any retreat during your 18 months of course access.*

  • Live, interactive calls led by our team of instructors.

  • “Business Essentials for Birth Workers” workbook by Sabia Wade

  • One year of Birthing from Within membership benefits.

  • The ability to certify as both a Birth Doula AND a Childbirth Educator.

  • Options to add on additional skills training and certifications in the future, if desired.

    * Register anytime during your 18 months of course access; Offered both virtually and in-person; Additional fee applies for in-person retreats

This training is presented in written and spoken English. Automated captions and transcripts are available for live calls. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Lauren at Lauren@BirthingfromWithin.com, or call (505) 585-1823. Please submit accommodation requests at least two weeks in advance of event for seamless access.