BE A DOULA
Become a birth doula in one weekend
Are you ready to make a difference?
Are you still dreaming about taking a birth doula training? Come spend a weekend filling your heart and soul with all things birth! Whether you are wanting to jump into doula work immediately, someday or just want to support friends and family this workshop is for you! We have a lot of grandmas attend so they can support their daughters/daughter-in-laws in the very best ways.
This workshop is open to anyone with a warm heart who recognizes that birth is a key life experience. It is designed to give you the framework to support women and their families during their birth experience. This dynamic course provides you ideas, information and inspiration to become an amazing birth doula. Graduates will be able to provide immediate labor support services to women giving birth in a hospital, birth center or at home. This often becomes the foundation upon which childbirth professionals build their career. Many midwifery programs require a doula training prior to admission. Completion of this course is an approved step toward DONA International Birth Doula Certification. This training provides 18 contact hours through DONA International. More FAQs can be found below.
Sessions Include
Introducing the Doula
The State of Maternity Care-Health Disparities
The Significance of Birth-Why Birth Matters
The Significance of Birth-Why Doulas Matter
DONA International Standards of Practice
DONA International Code of Ethics
DONA International Certification
Your Doula Business - Finding clients/Neworking
Prenatal Client Contact
Emotional Support in Labor and Birth
Comfort Measures
Supporting with an Epidural
Supporting through an Induction
Supporting through a Cesarean Birth or VBAC
Supporting Clients Virtually
Challenging Labors-What's a Doula to Do?
Welcome to the World Sweet Baby
Breastfeeding Support
Postpartum Client Contact
Doula-ing the Doula
And much more!
BIRTH DOULA WORKSHOP
Our DONA International approved Birth Doula Weekend Workshop is the first step to becoming a DONA International Certified Doula. This training will allow you to begin work immediately as a trained birth doula. It includes 18 contact hours of dynamic instruction. We cover the above topics through a variety of experiences that give you the confidence and knowledge to support childbearing women and their families. You will receive our DONA International Birth Doula Training Manual and Understanding Birth and Understanding Postpartum Health/Baby Care Books that include a companion app for additional resources after the training.
I offer two additional DONA International approved classes – Intro to Childbirth for Doulas and Breastfeeding for Doulas as an add on day making it an All-Inclusive Three-Day Birth Doula Workshop. These complete your childbirth and breastfeeding class requirements for certification (if pursuing). This allows you to condense the class requirements to one day. It is an easy way to check them off the list, have great background knowledge prior to the weekend training and meet fellow classmates ahead of time.
The two day workshop is perfect for those who have already fulfilled their childbirth and breastfeeding class requirements, doulas from other organizations who would like to be dual certified, birth photographers and those who lack the time commitment needed for a three day training. The Two-Day Birth Doula Weekend Workshop has an all-inclusive fee of $375. The All-Inclusive
Three-Day Birth Doula Workshop has a discounted fee of $475.
Upon completion (and all fees paid) you will receive your certificate(s). If you are planning on certifying through DONA International be sure to purchase your DONA International Certification Packet PRIOR to attending any births. It is NOT a requirement for attending the training. It is only valid for two years (you can purchase an extension) and you have four years to certify from this training. For more information on certification see below:
Our Saturday/Sunday weekend workshop runs from 8am to 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Friday Intro to Childbirth for Doulas runs 8:30am to 5:30pm and Breastfeeding for Doulas run 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
As you venture out on your own, we are here to support you all along the way. Our continued support includes fellow classmate support, an active Facebook page, unlimited phone and email support, discounts on future advanced doula trainings to enhance your skills, referrals and professional recommendations if needed.
2021-2022 BIRTH DOULA WORKSHOPS
All in person birth doula trainings have been cancelled for the foreseeable future (until vaccination/dedicated treatments are available and/or community spread is low). Doula trainings are by nature intimate and in close quarters. And as a microbiologist/disease investigator for Covid-19 I see how quickly spread happens in any indoor setting. So this training has moved virtual. I have reworked our workshop to provide you the best virtual-real time workshop. We will come together on ZOOM; continue our small group activities in breakout rooms, laugh, bond, and fill our hearts full of all things birth! Wondering how exactly this will work?
See our Virtual Training FAQ below.
Any registration received will receive a link to our private Facebook Page for a jump start on Certification tasks and setting up your business. So after you take a workshop you will be all ready to doula immediately after!
2021 BIRTH DOULA WORKSHOPS
DECEMBER 3 - 5 2021 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
2022 BIRTH DOULA WORKSHOPS
FEBRUARY 26 - 28 2022 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
JUNE 4 - 6 2022 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
JULY 30 - AUGUST 1 2022 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
OCTOBER 1 - 3 2022 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
DECEMBER 3 - 5 2022 - VIRTUAL/REAL-TIME
Have more questions? See our Frequently Asked Questions below for answers!
Keep Me in the Loop
I do 5+ birth doula trainings a year. I will send out quarterly emails about upcoming trainings. So when the season it right for you we can connect!
Frequently asked questions
What makes your Birth Doula Training different than other DONA International trainings?
Can I call myself a doula after the training?
Absolutely! You are Birth Doula! You can call yourself a birth doula or a trained doula. You cannot call yourself a DONA International trained Doula-- as this implies DONA vouches for you but you have not completed any SOP/COE forms for them yet. However, after you complete certification you will be a DONA International Certified Birth Doula.
I love everything about birth! But I am not sure I want to (or can) do this full time yet. Should I still take the training?
This training will give you a great foundation in birth and labor support. Some will begin working to create a full time doula business, some will do a birth a month, some will do a birth a year, some want the knowledge to use in their own births, others will help family and friends make educated decisions and some will use this training as a stepping stone into a midwifery or nursing program. Your training is valid for four years so you could actively work anytime in those four years towards certification. And your certification packet is good for two years from purchase (and can be extended if needed.) You do NOT have to purchase this prior to our workshop. You just need it in hand before you attend a birth so it can count towards certification (if certifying).
How will I build a client base after the training?
In the training we will discuss all things marketing. We will discuss ways to find clients and network. I will share some tried and true methods and connect you with local resources. We will discuss creating a business, preparing your contracts and paperwork, interviewing do's and don'ts and how to seal the deal over the phone. It takes a little while to grow your business but it will be worth it! You will have continued trainer support for as long as needed (included in training fee). We have an active Facebook page to provide immediate feedback from me, other trainees and more experienced doulas. We will work on developing your "Doula Voice" through your website/Blogspot/Facebook Page. The work you do to develop your site will allow your voice to come forward, attracting the clients you want to work with. You voice will allow you to not be another generic doula with stock questions. You can run a business; work for yourself, around your family's schedule and earn money! There is no magic way to get clients, if you have a consistent voice, true to you, it will come. It always does. And we are here to suppot you along the way! I have a high success rate of those who are actively working their business and consistently increasing clients.
I am so excited I signed up for training but what can I do until then?
I recommend you just start reading from the required reading list. And if you are really antsy to start doula-ing you could begin looking at setting up a website/blog site for your new business. There are a lot of great build your own/template websites that offer a free trial period. Play around until you find one you that is intuitive for you. Search doula sites from around the country. Keep a journal about what you like (photos, colors, verbage) and what you don't care for. You will probably find that you are drawn to similiar sites. This gives you a nice starting point for your own website. You can also work on creating a resource list for families in your area. You will receive more tips and ideas at training but it would give you a leg up if you are wanting to jump in now!
What is on the required reading list? Which ones are your favorite?
I italicized MY favorites but feel free to choose any that you are drawn too! I have many of these books on display for you to browse during training. Happy Reading!
•DONA International’s Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care by DONA International (2012, or later)
•DONA International’s Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Modern Maternity Care by DONA International (2008, or later)
•The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin (2013, or later)
Group 1 - Read at least ONE of the following:
•The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help you Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by Marshall and Phyllis Klaus (2012, or later)
•
Birth Ambassadors: Doulas and the Re-Emergence of Woman-Supported Birth in America by Christine H. Morton with Elaine G. Clift (2014, or later)
Group 2 - Read at least ONE of the following:
•The New Pregnancy & Childbirth: Choices and Challenges by Sheila Kitzinger (2011, or later)
•
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, April Bolding, Ann Keppler, and Janelle Durham (2010, or later)
•The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: an All-Canadian Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything in Between by Ann Douglas (2012, or later)
•The Simple Guide to Having a Baby: a Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Janet Whalley, Penny Simkin and Ann Keppler (2012, or later)
Group 3 - Read at least ONE of the following:
•Optimal Care in Childbirth: the Case for a Physiologic Approach by Henci Goer and Amy Romano (2012, or later)
•An Easier Childbirth: a Mother’s Guide to Birthing Normally by Gayle Peterson (2008, or later)
•
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin (2008, or later)
·•Natural Hospital Birth: the Best of Both Worlds by Cynthia Gabriel (2011, or later)
Group 4 - Read at least ONE of the following:
•
Breastfeeding Made Simple: 7 Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, (2010, or later)
• Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding: the Canadian Expert Offers the Most Up-to-Date Advice on Every Aspect of Breastfeeding by Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman (2015, or later)
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West and Teresa Pitman (2010, or later)
•
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins (2015, or later)
Group 5 - Read at least ONE of the following:
• This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Davis Raskin (2013, or later)
•
The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (2005, or later)
• Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women's Stories of Trauma and Growth by Walker Karraa (2014, or later)
• Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide by Pacific Postpartum Support (2014, or later)
Group 6 - Read at least ONE of the following:
•
The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful Mother Baby Business by Patty Brennan (2014, or later)
• Doula Programs: How to Start and Run a Private or Hospital-Based Program with Success! by Paulina Perez with Deaun Thelen (2010, or later)
• The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox (2014, or later)
• Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing and Writing Successful Proposals by Tori O’Neal-McElrath (2013, or later)
• You, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself by Harry Beckwith and Christine Clifford (2011, or later)
• Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You’re Worth by Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck (2012, or later)
• Body of Work: Finding The Thread That Binds Your Story Together by Pamela Slim (2013, or later)
How can I learn and remember everything in three days?
You can not! I promise the things that you need to know you will remember. Everything else will have a familiar feel to it. Remember, the most important thing for a doula is a warm heart, a hand to hold, kind words, a sip of water and a smile. You will take home the DONA International Birth Doula Manual, a copy of my presentation, your notes and Understand Birth and Understanding Postpartum Health/Baby Care books with campanion apps. We have a closed Facebook page for all doulas trained by me. Here I will also send notice of any area conferences and trainings, as well as any of my advanced doula trainings, we do impromptu learning, you can ask questions, get your website critiqued, etc. You will connect with your fellow classmates for support and back up. And the perk to having a doula for an instructor? My phone is always on! I am available for last minute pep talks before an interview, to answer any questions that may arise, to give ideas for a tough labor and with any other concerns you may have. Even after 500+ babies I am still learning at each birth and challenging myself with new information. This is the beauty of birth. We do not have to know it all!
What is the DONA International Advantage? Birthing Beyond, LLC Advantage?
DONA International Advantage
Worldwide Recognition
Original and Largest Doula Association
Commands higher rates
Founders are Renowned Experts
Evidence-Based Research
Respected Certification
High Standards of Practice & Code of Ethics
Professional Development
Referrals
Birthing Beyond, LLC Advantage
Affordable Training
Begin Doula Work Immediately
Comprehensive
Nursing Student Friendly
Continued support after workshop
Recommendations given if needed
Midwife, OB, Nurse and Partner Endorsed
Local Resources
Referals given if requested
Experienced and Balanced Instructor
Comprehensive Training and Current Materials
Evidence Based Practice
Discounted Advanced Doula Trainings
I am traveling into KC and need hotel/airbnb assistance. Can you help?
Training is held at in South Olathe Kansas. There are many hotels within 5 to 20 minutes radius. And all locations in the surrounding area are safe.
Payment Options/Payment Plans?
A $100 deposit holds your spot. When you register you will recieve an open invoice that you can pay any amount at any time--creating your own payment plan. Payment is due in full at training. If you are unable to complete payment in full prior to training contact me for additional options!
What are others saying about Vanessa Flood's Birth Doula Workshop?
"VANESSA ROCKS! What great info presented BRILLIANTLY! I feel so empowered. Thank you."
"Best experience ever."
"Such an amazing educator."
"Couldn't of been any better!"
"It was awesome!"
"Wonderful! Her knowledge and expertise made wating to be a doula contagious! Beautifuly done!"
"Vanessa was wonderful! Used lots of great examples, gave lots of tips, etc." Rated a 5 out of a 1-4 rating.
"Fantastic! Learned lots & had fun doing it!"
"Vanessa has a great respect for the hospitals, nurses, clients and in keeping information confidential. Made me feel welcome and comfortable in asking questions. Have already reccommended a friend to the upcoming class."
"She did a very good job. I am a hands on learner. She was great and very open to questions & comments."
"Lots of hands ons and toys!"
"Far and beyond this was a very rewarding training workshop. Love the material. Vanessa was amazing."
"Vanessa was an amazing instructor!"
"I appreciated that Vanessa was ALWAYS open to questions!"
"I learned so much more than I thought i would! I really feel ready to support mothers after this training. Vanessa is brilliant and such a blessing! I asked so many questions and Vanessa was so patient."
"Vanessa was excellent about participants asking questions and giving amazing answers."
"I am so happy I met Vanessa and know that I can refer to her at anytime."
"This weekend was one of the most rewarding of my life! Thank you for everything!"
"Vanessa is very professional in her work. Very informative, resourceful, realistic and encouraging."
"Amazing! Thank you!"
"Great at answering all questions...Her home was our home...Phenomenal--full of information and great ability to share it!"
"Broad range of info-loved that important info was reiterated and yet so much is explained...supplemental materials are spectacular--would have been willing to pay so much for this, and a love of support for fellow women was liberally utilized throughtout training. Brilliant at spending time with each trainee and giving individualized critique and advice. Healthy respect for all roles, especially health care providers. Wish I could bottle her essence and inspire others with her passion and encouragement!"
"So many awesome/valuable handouts! So happy I did it!"
"Vanessa went over and above to create a learning environment that included visual aides, hands-on experiences, great videos, a valuable notebook + printed materials as well as outstanding snacks. :)"
"You were so welcoming and I appreciate your different learning style demos!"
"The snacks and breaks were so helpful, the props were great and I loved the comfy home environment."
"Really happy to have book from my amazon list :)"
"The Best!! Made me feel very comfortable. I felt t home and at ease w/out anxiety (normal for me in group setting)"
"I'd give you 100 / 5's (rating 1-5). I am so grateful to have had Vanessa as an instructor. She's AMAZING!"
"Vanessa is great! I wish training was longer! She has so much knowledge!"
"This training was amazing!"
Can I bring my baby with me?
UPDATED: DUE TO THE CURRENT SARS-CoV-2 PANDEMIC NO CHILDREN WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL VACCINE/EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
What if I am sick, my kids are sick, the weather is awful?
I am happy to move you to my next training! Just let me know ASAP.
What are class times?
ALL CLASSES ARE CENTRAL STANDARD TIME! (as I am in Kansas)
Covid-19 Updates
I have been working on creating a virtual training option that mimics what is great about an imperson training. I have reworked activities so that you can work in small groups in your own breakout rooms, interact and connect with others (who become fast friends/backup doulas). This will be a live, interactive training (not recorded to watch back). Questions are answered in real time and a portal is assigned to find supplemental material/videos/handouts/etc. I took my time, waited to see what worked well for other trainers and didn't want to jump in blind. I am excited to connect with everyone safely!
I know everyone is eager to get started so I have created a private Facebook group for all of us to join and work on certification items and getting your business set up. This way when we are able to come together safely you will bel ready to jump into birth work immediately (if desired). We will tackle tasks together--- the reading list, a community resource list, setting up a business, bank account, website, networking base, business cards, social media, essay on labor support, marketing, finding clients and answer any other question! It also provides us a way to keep up to date on local recommendations and when we can meet in person. So I invite you to join our group Super Doulas! Pandemic Prep and Pep! After training I will add you to our Super Doulas! Facebook group for ongoing support with all things doula and birth with everyone who has taken this workshop.
I hope this gives you insight into my thought process. I want to remain as transparent as possible. IF you have any questions/concerns/comments please let me know. If you would like a refund please let me know--otherwise I will just hold your registration until we have a traning option. Until then, Mask Up. Stay Safe. Social Distance and Vaccinate. We are all in this together.
See you in our FB group!
Virtual (Real-Time) Workshop Info
I have been working on creating a virtual training that mimics what is great about an in person training. I took my time, waited to see what worked well for other trainers and didn't want to jump in blind. I have been teaching virtual 8 hr breastfeeding classes this summer and they have went well! I am excited to connect with everyone safely! {I have MISSED doula trainings!}
