Anna, captured on Ilford 400, second trimester in Bondi

Parents, birthlovers, friends… thanks for landing here!

As many of you know, I’ve been offered the privilege of co-hosting a birth doula training next month in my own (figurative) Sydney backyard. Following on from the video chat with Stefanie which you can have a listen to on @milkandblossom, here’s a quick FAQ if you’re considering a leap into perinatal work with us, but just figuring out if it’s the right fit.

How much is the investment?

The course is offered at $1,250, which is $2,250 less than alternative training in Sydney. We’ve deliberately kept this training affordable, for those looking to save some money to put towards things like a doula bag, or the costs of getting a personal business up and running sooner. This investment includes the cost of the studio space and the 4-day training intensive led by Stefanie Antunes, who is flying in from Toronto exclusively to share her wisdom with us. This training also includes a bonus Doula Business course, an optional virtual infant feeding session, and a tour of a local birth centre.

Who is facilitating this course?

Stefanie Antunes is an internationally acclaimed DONA and Lamaze educator, and a visionary in the field with a career in birth work spanning two decades. Stefanie is a contributing author, and runs multiple doula agencies in Canada. With extensive experience on hospital boards and facilitating doula programs, her passion for birth education is testament to the value of perinatal support across the globe. This training is a unique opportunity for a face-to-face introduction to doula work that will provide all the necessary knowledge and tools to support families in their transition to parenthood.

Is this training applicable to the Australian birth landscape?

Yes! This is the same training that speed-launched my own career in birth. In this course we will talk about the current challenges, opportunities, and changes happening in the Australian birth space (including the current surge in doula demand) and the unique positioning of this role against a heavily medicalised background. A recent study shows 1 in 10 women in Australia have experienced obstetric violence while giving birth. As a result, more parents are turning to additional support and education for the opportunity to allow a positive, physiological birth to unfold, and we need a larger community of doulas equipped to meet the rising demand for continuity of care in this space.

How long is the course, and why Penrith?

This course is spread across four days, with additional virtual components on lactation support & doula business training. We also tour the new birth centre at Nepean Hospital, with the opportunity for a midwife FAQ. Penrith is centrally located between Western Sydney, the CBD and the Blue Mountains, making it a wonderful place to come together as future doulas serving various regions of Greater Sydney. We’ve chosen the Penrith Regional Gallery (Lewers bequest) as our venue, where we can aptly share together in learning about the “art” of birth, and enjoy the fantastic amenities and gardens. On Friday evening, the gallery is hosting “Twilight at Lewers” - a free event with tapas, art and live music that you are welcome to enjoy!

Is this course right for me?

This is an intimate class designed for individuals seeking an immediate start in birth work. There is no requirement for prior experience, and many Doula School students (including myself) begin as a doula before having children of their own. This training is a fantastic offering for those seeking a prosperous, self-managed career with longevity and purpose - whether that’s something you’d like to do on the side, or commit to as a full-time passion. Non-negotiables are respect for students and facilitators, and full attendance of the course modules.

What avenues can I pursue as a doula?

The birth world is your oyster. This training is designed to give you a taste in where your gifts and interests can be your advantage. Many students go on to up-skill their birth doula repertoire with services like massage, homeopathy, nutrition, postpartum care, perinatal photography, writing, education, midwifery, or even product design… the opportunity is what you choose to make it. Stefanie is uniquely placed to offer a wealth of business knowledge in this space!

What’s involved with certification?

Certification is an optional step that many doulas find helpful for community networking, and to show excellence in the field. In an unregulated industry, credentials show a recognition of ethical commitments and an independently verified training criteria. This course contains all of the training requirements required for certification so you are ready to begin your pathway with DONA International.

Still have questions? Feel free to drop into my DMs over on @milkandblossom or shoot me an email at hello@milkandblossom.com. Otherwise, I hope this helps to give you the push you need to follow your intuition, and take the plunge into a rewarding new career as a birth doula. See you soon,