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.
Options for learning include an in-person six day intensive course or a fully online, self-directed course. On completion of the theoretical component of the course, you will have the unique opportunity to be matched with three clients [needed to complete the practical birth support components of course], under the guidance of experienced and highly skilled mentors.
Our Fully Online 2024 course is now available! Find out more and secure your spot here!
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.
A doula is a highly skilled birth companion who provides practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
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
Who can apply for our Foundational Doula Training Program?
- This course is open to anyone interested in becoming a birth doula – no prior training needed.
How is the program delivered?
- Online self-directed learning – available immediately – or
- In-person course, over six days. Next available in-person training will be in May 2025.
What is the cost of Foundational Doula Training?
We are committed to building a diverse doula workforce and supporting women to develop employment skills, therefore we have several pricing options:
- Fully online self-directed Foundational Doula Training = $995 inc GST (certificate issued for theoretical component only) OR
- Fully online self-directed Foundational Doula Training = $1695 inc GST which includes mentoring to complete birth support for 3 clients required to complete the training (full certificate issued) *suitable for people who don’t live in Melbourne and are not able to attend in-person sessions or those who prefer self-directed learning.
Prices include all training, learning materials, mentoring and ongoing professional development opportunities
Financial support and payment plans may be available on request.
How do I apply?
You can find out more and purchase our course here!
For more information please cath@birthforhumankind.org
Find out more and secure your spot here!
2025 postnatal training expression of interest
We’re excited to be launching our first Postnatal Doula Training in 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed). For more details please contact cath@birthforhumankind.org or fill out the expression of interest form below.
“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