Birth and Postpartum Doula Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I attend a BirthMark training?
A: BirthMark's very concept was built upon a foundation and philosophy of doula support. Jackie Kelleher, its founder, has been supporting families as a birth and postpartum doula for 13 years in the Philadelphia area, with initial additional experience abroad. Jackie developed DONA International's Postpartum Doula Certification Program and served on the DONA Board of Directors in that capacity for seven years. She is one of only two mentors of DONA's postpartum doula certification program. She has been a DONA approved doula trainer for over ten years.
Q: Do I have to be a parent to become a doula?
A: Absolutely not. While it does provide a sense of empathy, there are many wonderful doulas who do not have children of their own.
Q: Do I have to be a nurse?
A: No. The doula's role is non-clinical and no medical training is required. Q: Is there an age minimum or maximum? A: No. There are doulas as young as 16 through eighty and beyond.
Q: Is there an educational minimum?
A: No
Q: What are the times for the birth doula training?
A: Friday 5-9pm (15 minute break), Saturday and Sunday, 8am-6pm (one hour for lunch, two 15 minute breaks)
Q: What are the times for the postpartum doula training?
A: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-6pm (one hour for lunch, two 15 minute breaks)
Q: Do I have to certify in any order or in both kinds of doula certification?
A: The two certification programs are completely independent. You can certify in just one or both, and they do not need to be in any order. Certifying in both does allow you to provide the vital continuity of care that is so absent in the experiences of families today.
Q: What do the costs cover?
A: Costs include workshop attendance, breakfast, snacks, and beverages each day, as well as the class manual.
Q: What is the process to become certified as a birth doula?
A: The process is clearly described on the DONA International website at:
http://www.dona.org/develop/birth_cert.php
Q: What is the process to become certified as a postpartum doula?
A: The process is clearly described on the DONA International website at: http://www.dona.org/develop/birth_cert.php http://www.dona.org/develop/postpartum_cert.php
Q: Do you mentor people who take your training?
A: Absolutely. BirthMark is in the unique position of having a built in customer base who regularly call upon us to help them fo find a doula. In this way, we're able to connect parent with doulas, and support them in their new roles.
Q: How do I register for Doula Training?
A: Please dowload and mail the completed Registration Form to:
BirthMark
107 South Monroe Street
Media, PA 19063
Q: What should I bring with me to training?
A: Layered clothing, something you like to sit on (birth ball, special pillow for your back, etc). An open mind, photos of your family if you’d like to share. Your certification packet (I suggest that you order it now if you don’t already have one, although it's not required).
Q: What if I have a small child or baby?
A: 'Babes in arms' (infants around three months and younger) are welcome to attend the entire workshop with their mothers. Older infants and toddlers are welcome to visit during lunch and for feeds. For the comfort of the child as well as to maintain a supportive learning environment, these children must have a separate adult to bring them to visit mom, rather than staying for the whole training.
Regardless of age, mothers bringing children should remain aware of how their child may be impacting the learning environment and step out of the room with baby if s/he is having a difficult time. Many doula attendees bring young children and whole families with them, especially if they are traveling for the training. We want you to have fun and feel supported. Let us know how we can help you to enjoy your time.
Q: Where can I stay while attending my doula training?
A: The Philadelphia airport hotels are located close by and have a wide range of accomodations and pricing. Our favorite B & B is called Alpenhof, which is located in Media and can be reached at 610-891-8222. They fill up quickly, so call early!
Q. Where can I learn more about BirthMark's Doula Training Program:
A: Class Schedule
Prerequisites
Fees and Registration
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