Chris Cleary is a DONA(Doulas of North America), certified doula and has trained with DONA co-founder Penny Simkin and Kathy McGrath to become a doula trainer. She is also a certified childbirth educator through ICEA and certified Breastfeeding educator. She is currently offering three day workshops to train professional labor assistants throughout the country. My goal as a trainer is to train doulas from all walks of life by helping DONA realize their vision "a doula for every woman that wants one". If you are interested in hosting a doula training in your community, contact Chris for more details at (405)831-4473.
*See below for a list of training dates and recommended steps to becoming a doula
Course Information
Day One: Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas 8:00am-5:00pm
Day one fills the requirement fpr DONA International's Observation of a Childbirth Preparation Series. Topics covered are: Anatomy and Physiology of pregnancy, common discomforts of pregnancy and helpful advice for dealing with them, phases and stages of labor, emotional changes during labor, medications, cesarean birth... all topics covered in a childbirth class with the emphasis on supporting women throughout.
Our evening content will be be an introduction to DONA Standards of Care and Code of Ethics. 5:30pm-9:30pm
Day Two: Introduction to Labor Support 8:00am-9:30pm
We will present the dynamics of labor and birth, how to be a skilleed companion during childbirth, comfort measures and scenarios to learn the practical and professional approach to dealing with different labors.
Topics covered: Introduction to labor support, prenatal contact, emotional support, comfort measures, the business aspects of a doula business and professionalism within a doula practice.
Day Three: A Deeper Look 8:00am-5:30pm
Covers in-depth labor support stratagies, the role of the doula within the medical framework, information on pre and post natal clients, dealing with problem labors and unexpected outcomes, helping assist new parents with breastfeeding, setting up a doula practice.
Topics covered: Cesarean birth, VBAC, epidurals, difficult labors, postpartum contact, normal newborn characteristics & porcedures, breastfeeding and postpartum contact.
Cost: Some locations will have different pricing, this is based on market value in that particular area. The cost of the workshop includes your DONA training manual and all other necessary items for your training as well as the childbirth education component. Costs are listed below with each location. To encourage early enrollment, anyone paid in full 30 days prior to workshop, your snacks and meals while in class will be free. Please note that meals are either on your own or you may opt for daily drinks, a snack and one small meal at certain trainings. You will recieve a more in-depth descriptor with your confirmation letter.
Payment Options: Credit Card(Paypal):
Click on the button under the workshop you are interested in attending, fill out the form and submit payment through Paypal. Putting down a deposit is one way of securing your spot, full payment must be recieved one week before your training starts. Classes are listed at the bottom of this page. Your Paypal payment (or deposit)will count as your registration. Be sure to include current contact information on that form.
*you do not have to be a member of Paypal to use this option.
Money orders/Checks: Contact me for a registration form and mail with payment.
Tuition must be paid prior to the workshop.
Refund Policy:
Refunds are only given as a result of a workshop being cancelled. If you must cancel, your tuition will be put towards a future training date. The exact location is often determined by the number of students attending. Contact us as the date of your training draws near so that you can make necessary arrangements.
Cancellation Policy:
Please note that workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment. If a training is cancelled, you will recieve a full refund or given the opportunity to put your tuition towards a future training near you. If a workshop must be cancelled, you will be notified no less than 7 days prior to the training. Please enroll early as class size is limited.
Confirmation Letter:
Upon recieving your payment, you will recieve a confirmation letter by email (be sure to provide a current email address during your registration). This will include details such as directions, schedule of events and local hotels and restaurants in that area.
Upcoming Trainings:
Lubbock, Texas Cost $400.00
June 3, 4 & 5, 2011
Burbank, CA Cost: $500.00
Febuary 10, 11 & 12, 2012
May 11, 12 & 13, 2012
September 21, 22 & 23, 2012
Sumter, S. C. Cost: $400.00
April 13, 14 & 15, 2012
June 15, 16 & 17, 2012
Columbia, S.C.
November 2, 3 & 4, 2012 Cost: $400.00
Minden, NV Cost: $450.00
July 1, 2 & 3
During this workshop, you will meet other aspiring doulas with whom you can build a support network within this field. You will learn the skills necessary to provide professional labor support in this fun and interactive workshop. Our workshop will be 26 hours in length (not including your childbirth class portion) to provide you with the most comprehensive training available. Hope you can join us for a wonderful training!
Prerequisites: Steps 1-4 before doula training
Step 1: Required Reading - at least two of the books on the required reading list through DONA
I highly recommend The Thinking Womens' Guide to a Better Birth, and The Doula Book, prior to the workshop, other books include Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, , Mothering the Mother, The Birth Partner etc...
Step 2. Become a member of DONA International
Step 3. Purchase a Birth Doula Certification Packet
Step 4. Attend a Childbirth Education Series taught by an educator certified by one of the approved organizations. Or attend the 7 hour childbirth class taught by your doula trainer.
Step 5. Attend a DONA approved Birth Doula Training
For Complete Certification after your training find steps and information at: http://www.dona.org/develop/birth_cert.php
For more information check out http://dona.org