Foundational Doula Training
The Birth for Humankind Foundational Doula Training course is a culturally sensitive training program, with principles of trauma informed practice embedded throughout.
Our unique Doula Training will equip you with foundational skills and knowledge to provide doula support.
Study with us in-person or fully online in a self-directed course. Both options offer the opportunity to support three of our clients, under the guidance of experienced and highly skilled mentors.
A doula is a highly skilled birth companion who provides practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Research shows that continuous care throughout pregnancy from a known, trusted support person – such as a doula – contributes to improved birth and early parenting outcomes and experiences.
By enrolling in Birth for Humankind’s Foundational Doula Training, you are proactively improving access to equitable maternal care for all women and birthing people.
2025 training dates have now been released – including our brand-new Postnatal Doula Training Course.
Early bird prices are now available – for a limited time only. Enrol now
Why train as a doula with Birth for Humankind?
- Our Foundational Doula Training will equip you with the skills and knowledge to support women and birthing people through:
– Pregnancy
– Labour and birth
– The early postnatal period
– Navigating the Australian maternal health system - You will gain a true understanding of how your practice will contribute to health equity and community-based doula support, which responds directly to, and respects, the cultural and/or social needs of women and birthing people
- You will experience a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive training perspective via evidence-based practice, and benefit from the value of lived experience and peer learning provided by our experienced team
- You will graduate prepared to work with all birthing people, including – and especially – Birth for Humankind client groups and other people experiencing financial and social disadvantage who encounter barriers when accessing the health system
- You will have the opportunity to volunteer as a doula with Birth for Humankind on completion of your training in order to fulfil the practical birth support requirements to attain certification – our pricing structure reflects this
- You will receive advice on working as a doula in private practice, that will allow you to grow your own business should you choose to
In-Person Foundational Doula Training – 2025 dates and prices:
- Held in-person in Naarm/Melbourne (North Melbourne), with online resources, worksheets and knowledge checks.
- Connect and learn from others in the group and our experienced course facilitators.
- Participants must be available to attend all training dates.
Pregnancy & Birth Doula Training
Dates (course held over six days/two weeks – with a week break to support learning and reflection.)
- Monday May 5th , Tuesday May 6th, Wednesday May 7th AND
- Monday May 19th, Tuesday May 20th, Wednesday May 21st
Training prices (early bird pricing shown – available for a limited time.)
- Volunteer + Mentor Package = $1,756.00 inc GST
- Volunteer + No Mentor Package = $1,356.00 inc GST
- No Volunteer = $2,796.00 inc GST
*New Course* Postnatal Doula Training
Dates (course held over three consecutive days.)
- Monday June 2nd, Tuesday June 3rd & Wednesday June 4th
Training prices (early bird pricing shown – available for a limited time.)
- Volunteer + Mentor Package = $956.00 inc GST
- Volunteer + No Mentor Package = $716.00 inc GST
All learning materials and ongoing professional development opportunities with Birth for Humankind are included in the cost.
Financial support and payment plans may be available on request.
Online Foundational Doula Training – 2025 prices:
Our Pregnancy & Birth and Postnatal Doula Training courses are also available to complete online, through our fully self-directed course.
- Ideal for those not based in Naarm/Melbourne and not able to attend in-person sessions.
- Great if you prefer self-directed learning.
- Connect and learn from others in the group and our experienced course facilitators via optional, online video calls every eight weeks.
- Start at any time!
Training prices
Pregnancy & Birth Doula Training – From $995 (with no mentor)
Postnatal Doula Training – From $595 (with no mentor).
Who can apply for our Foundational Doula Training?
This course is open to anyone interested in becoming a birth doula – no prior training needed.
How do I apply?
You can find out more about our training and enrol in all courses here!
For more information please contact us: education@birthforhumankind.org
“I really liked that I would have the opportunity after my online study to work as a volunteer with vulnerable clients, most of whom don’t have a birth support person.”
“The course offered both online and in person components, so I could fit this in within my own time frame. I learnt lots of practical skills in my in person training sessions. I was really well supported and offered a birth debrief after every birth if I wanted or needed it.”
Foundational Doula Training – Tessa, Student