DONA Approved Birth Doula Workshop
What does a birth doula even do?
A birth doula meets with expectant parents and finds out what they want, and discusses how to make that possible. They provide education, emotional support, and physical support to expectant parents. Birth doulas offer support in homes, hospitals, and birth centres, and act as a trusted liaison between parents and their care providers.
There are no prerequisites for birth doula training, and you don’t need any birth or medical experience. Becoming a birth doula is an excellent addition to an existing career. Many of my alumni are massage therapists, ECE’s, yoga instructors, nurses, and midwifery students.
As a mama, grandma, and DONA approved facilitator, I’ve been privileged to hear countless babies’ very first cry, and be with families in their freshest hours with their newborn. Hear me when I say, there’s no more rewarding work than supporting newly minted families.
This role is flexible, meaning it’s great for the side hustlers and the go-getters in the room.
Typical rates start at $1200 per birth, so working with even a few families means padding your savings, vacation money, or saying yes to “extra”, when your first reaction is saying no.
“I’ve taken Trena’s Birth and Postpartum Doula workshops, and both have been amazing! Trena’s teaching style is impeccable, and I love the way that she engages with her students to make us feel more confident. It really makes the curriculum stick.”
- Workshop Participant Fall 2024
Tossing around the idea of this training?
You’ll have a real human teaching you in real time, whether you sign up for an in-person workshop or virtual. I bring 20+ years of experience as a birth and postpartum doula, and you can bet that I weave that into my trainings. It’s safe to say that this is not my first rodeo.
You won’t just be a student; you’ll be a pal. You’ll become part of a community of doulas who support each other with advice, resources, and opportunities.
Here’s what you’ll walk away knowing:
● The Role of a doula
● Learning styles and methods
● Evidence-based practices and resources
● Pregnancy, birth and postpartum hormones
● Communication skills
● Cultural considerations
● Prenatal tests
● Birth anatomy and physiology
● Comfort measures and birthing positions
● Medical procedures and interventions
● C-Sections
● Greeting baby
● The first hour of life
● Feeding
● PMADS
● Running a business as a birth doula
The other exciting part:
You can earn CEUs for organizations by attending this workshop such as:
Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia – 10 CEUs
PEI Massage Therapy Association – 24 Category A CEUs
College of Massage Therapists of Newfoundland and Labrador – 13 Category A CEUs
Massage Therapists & Wholistic Practitioners Association of the Maritimes – 12 secondary CEUs
DONA International (Postpartum recertification) – 15 CEUs
Lamaze Childbirth Educators recertification
Upcoming Workshops
Request a Workshop
Workshops may be available by request. Please click the button below and complete the form and Trena will be in touch.
What I'm Asked:
I get it! Life happens. If you book through me directly, I’ll treat you right. Refunds will be given 30 days or more prior to the start date, less a $50 administrative fee. Refunds will not be given within 30 days of the workshop, however, the participant is welcome to apply the fee to a future workshop within one year of the workshop date.
If you are attending an online virtual workshop you are welcome to have your kiddos present, as long as you feel you can pay attention and contribute to the interactive group learning. If you’re attending an in-person workshop, babes in arms (typically under 3 months) are welcome to attend. I kindly ask that you step out of the room if your sweet bundle gets a little noisy (happy or sad!) and may be disruptive to other participants.
Yes, to receive a certificate, you will be required to complete the program in full. If you need to miss a small portion of the workshop, special arrangements may be made in advance, and may cost additional fees.
No, you can start supporting families as soon as the workshop is over, and some people never pursue certification. However, the elements of trust, recognition, and confidence that come with being certified will take you far in your career.
You have three years from the date of your training to complete the requirements, but most people complete their certification in less than a year. You can get started on your certification requirements before you even take the training.
The steps for certification can be found here, and we cover this in detail in the training.
On average the workshop will cost between $450-$550 CAD. Lactation Education for Doulas, (a prerequisite for certification) is $80 CAD.
Remember how fast you’re going to make your money back, and put yourself further ahead doing work you love.
You were made for more. Get the training to make it happen.
“Trena’s facilitation style is interactive and her experience level allows participants to learn a diversity of skills. She brings professionalism, a deep knowledge of how to best support families, as well as her welcoming personality into all that she doe. It is because of her coaching and mentoring that I was able to develop the confidence to start my practice as a doula.”
~ Ashley, Birth and Postpartum Doula
