Doula Training

These doulas are enjoying the benefits of massage on each other. Taken at my training in Mission Viejo, March, 2006

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About the training

The doula is that constant, comforting, reassuring presence in the labor room and /or home. Many of you have probably already been at a birth-for your friends, a family, member, etc. Now you can take that love of the process to the next level by becoming a "Trained doula".

Stacey Scarborough is an experienced DONA doula trainer who has trained over 500 doulas in San Diego, Orange County, Montana, and Hawaii. Her energy, enthusiasm and passion for the work is evident in her trainings. Stacey is very experienced with helping doulas find their way in the field and shares many stories, and her vast experience and resources in the community.

"As a doula and doula trainer, it is my desire to allow the client to have a positive birth experience, regardless of what that may be. My goal is to train doulas to help 'deliver' fond memories to her client for years to come. This training does contain a lot of information about hospital births, but I feel that is an important component to a doula training as the majority of births will happen in hospitals. With the many choices the couple may have to make, it is especially important for the doula to have the knowledge and techniques to help during those times. Information about mid-wife attended births and home births are covered as well, with a strong emphasis on the individual needs of BOTH the client and the doula. This WELL-BALANCED training will allow the doula to work in the environment that she feels best meets her needs."

Stacey provides in-services to many hospitals and organizations in San Diego. She is one of the leading experts of community information, referrals, resources and general knowledge concerning all areas of childbirth education, doula work and perinatal fitness. The classes are popular, so contact her soon as to how to come to her workshops!

After the workshop: What next? As a busy childbirth educator, Stacey has become a community contact for childbirth educators and parents who are looking for a 'newer' doula that would be at their birth for a lesser fee as they are seeking certification. Stacey often has immediate contacts for her doulas during the training, so the new doula can get to work immediately and put her new knowledge to use. She also refers her doulas to the "Hearts and Hand's Volunteer Doula Program" at UCSD Birth Center as other options to get into the field right away.

WE WILL TRAVEL! Do you live elsewhere and have friends who would like to be trained in this field also? Stacey, Viki and Rosemary (our Postpartum Doula Trainers) will travel to your state or city. All we need is a location (your home works!) and some friends-minimum of 5. Tuition for the hostess: Free

Preparation and Training

To become trained as a Labor Doula, you must have these prerequisites:

* 8+ hours of childbirth education
* either through the
"Introductory Childbirth Workshop"
(held on Friday before the weekend course)
OR by attending a series of Childbirth Education classes. (Not as a pregnant participant. You can observe classes with Stacey:Call me to find a class to observe.)
If you are already a certified Childbirth Educator, or an RN, this will be waived.

+ Reading requirements of 3 specific books on childbirth and the role of the Doula
Please refer to www.dona.org for book choices .
= Enrollment in the Doula Training Workshop.
Information on DONA certification will be extensively covered during the workshop.

Postpartum Doula Training: This is a 3 day workshop that will prepare you for working in the home with new families. There are reading requirements, you need to attend a breastfeeding class or do some work on-line for that special requirement and be able to commit to 3 long days. Refer to www.northcountydoulas.com for information, registration, etc.

Check event calendar for dates.

Materials and Details
for Labor Doula Training

Required reading for Labor Doula:

1. "Pregancy, Childbirth and the Newborn"
by Penny Simkin
2. "The Birth Partner"
by Penny Simkin
3. "The Doula Book"
by Marshall Klaus

Additional books can be found on the www.dona.org website

*Handbooks will be distributed to the students by the instructor, including DONA requirements.

Books are available through any major bookstore and libraries.

Class information:
Friday's "Introduction to Childbirth" class runs from 2:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (in
San Diego; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. when traveling) and includes dinner (or lunch.)
This is a detailed class on the labor and delivery process, including hospital procedures, medications and anatomy and physiology of pregnancy.

The weekend class is the full "Doula Workshop". Class runs 8-6 on Saturday and 8:30-5:00 on Sunday and prepares you to become a doula and start practicing after you finish the class.

Click Here for Registration Form