Bay Area Doula Training

Upon registration, we will grant you access to our membership website for a period of 6 months (An additional two months extension is granted for no cost). The 15 classes are audiovisual presentations covering different topics. Here is the full class list: (For classes full description, click HERE

Introduction: fear, pain, and the medicalization of birth
Physiology and anatomy of childbirth
Prenatal care and possible complications
Stages and phases of labor
The early phase of labor
The active phases of labor
The transition phase of labor
The second stage of birth
Common medical interventions in labor
Relationships in labor and delivery
The baby in birth and throughout the postnatal period
The mother in the postpartum period
Breastfeeding basics
Establishing the birth doula practice

Six live group meetings, lasting 3 hours each, are held on Zoom. If you missed a class, you can always watch the replay! In addition to the 6 group virtual sessions, we lead two 4-hourin-person workshops, allowing our students to practice labor support tools and comfort measures and receive feedback.

Creating a strong community using Zoom breakout rooms.
Practicing labor support tools and comfort measures
Matching students as backup doulas
Allocating time to Q & A at the beginning of every session
Modeling for our students how to provide virtual birth support.
Invite more distinguished guest speakers.
Expanding on the topics learned online
Modeling verbal coaching strategies.
Brainstorming and analyzing case studies
Receiving feedback and building confidence

The Bay Area Doula Training is proud to be the only program providing our doula students with practical experience supporting birth givers as doulas-in-training in a welcoming environment.

Our program is affiliated with Bay Area Maternity and Women Health (BAM), led by midwife Lin Lee. Practical hours will occur at El-Camino Los Gatos L&D, where the nurses LOVE working with our students.

We have also established affiliations in the East Bay Area.

To be matched with the midwives' patients' you must attend the Midwives' Tea event held on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

For students residing on the outskirts of the Bay Area, we established affiliations with more Bay Area providers to match you with their patients.

You'll get support in creating your flyer to share with the affiliates when you're ready to attend births. Your trainer will guide you throughout your practical experience, and you'll receive feedback from your no-cost clients, nurses, midwives, and trainers.

Doulas as Transformational Coaches

The Bay Area Doula Training is a local program offered by Birth Coach Method, a certifying organization leading a cultural change in maternal care. Our graduates' approach brings clients' beliefs, values, and vision for their childbearing process to the fore. Our philosophy is that no ideal birth is superior to the experience your clients desire! As a result, our students are nonjudgmental and sensitive, and they tailor their support to each unique client, leading patient-centered care and individualizing maternal care. Read the Birth Coach Method Blog to learn more about our philosophy.

“After taking Neri's doula training, I attended a birth for my practice hours. This was only the 3rd birth I had ever attended as a doula. After a full day of working with my client, the other midwife pulled me aside and said, "I can't believe it! The other midwife just told me you are a doula in training. I thought you had been doing this for years; you seem so confident, and your suggestions for your client have all been spot on!". Needless to say, I was so proud of that comment! I'm grateful to Neri for empowering me to work this way fresh out of her doula training course!

~ Olivia Smith Evensen

“Hi Neri! Tyliah again. I just wanted to say that although I am still processing my first birth, I am in complete awe of how miraculous and incredible that experience was for mom, dad, me, and their family. There were tears, cried, laughter, dancing, prayers, wailing, and everything in between. It was so transformative, and I have never experienced anything like it... see what you mean about this being the most rewarding work you’ve ever done. I’m looking forward to learning more from your online training; even in the 4 or so weeks, I felt quite prepared! ... Everyone thought I had been a doula for years bc of the questions I asked, the understanding I demonstrated when speaking with nurses and doctors and the positions/exercises I did with the mom and dad to promote dilation and comfort. So thank you so much. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey.

~Tyliah Kekele, Fall 2023 cohort

I've been blessed to support and teach many expectant people and to direct two birth resource centers for over two decades. As a doula trainer, I am committed to empowering birth support professionals and elevating their professional status. I published the audiovisual guide Practicing for an Active Birth and the printed guide The Art of Coaching for Childbirth. In 2016, I founded the Birth Coach Method, a California BRN-approved continuing education provider. I lead nurses' workshops intended to improve patient-centered maternal care. I'm committed to building a bridge between doulas and L&D medical teams.

Personal
I'm a mother to three girls and happily married to a juggler who became a software engineer. We relocated to the SF Bay Area in 2001. I love spending time with my family and our sweet Goldendoodle, Punk. My preferred vacation would be exploring a new city I've never visited. I practice yoga and dance regularly. Once a week, I visit the art studio for a mixed-media class.

Education and Affiliation

Birth Coach Method founder
Birth Doula and Childbirth Education Training, Israel, 1997
Hypnotherapy at HTI, Marin County, California, 2003
Transformational Life Coaching, Sophia Univ. Palo Alto, 2005
Spinning Babies with Gail Tully, 2009
NLP with Dr. Matt and The Empowerment Partnership, 2019
Blossom Birth Palo Alto 2002- 2010
MA in Cognitive Science from Tel-Aviv University, 1995

I look forward to training you as a top-notch doula!

Launching Your Doula Practice

Training with a local doula educator offers invaluable advantages. A local trainer has established connections with practitioners, hospitals, and a network of birth support professionals in your area. She's giving you insights into the culture and lifestyle of your future clients and the local resources available for them. With knowledge of the local healthcare system, your trainer can help you navigate relationships with hospital staff and other care providers so you're well-equipped to launch your thriving doula practice.

What is the origin of the profession? How many birth givers' hire a doula? What are the doula's responsibilities?
Find evidence-based information about doulas by clicking HERE.

Is a doula a good career choice?

Although millennials and Generation Z have deferred to parenthood for longer than previous generations, many eventually want to have kids.

And with both generations considering parenthood, the need for child-oriented businesses is growing, starting with post-pregnancy and newborn-related services. As a result, a 2024 Market Research Future report expects the global maternity care market to reach $106.6 billion by 2032 (up from $62.5 billion in 2023)

Demand for doulas and lactation consultants, in particular, has risen among new mothers. Both business options have relatively low overhead requirements beyond education and certification.

Nerdwallet.com

How much does the training cost?

Click any "Register Here" button to see the current tuition.

Are there payment plans?

Yes, click the "Register Here" button to find the payment plan options on the product page.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes! Upon completing the certification requirements, you'll receive a printable certificate from Birth Coach Method.

Who is the certifying organization?

Birth Coach Method is an approved continuing education provider by the CA Board of Registered Nursing. we train birth support professionals internationally!

How long does it take to complete the program and earn the certificate?

You can obtain your doula certificate within seven months of registering. Most of our students obtain their certificate within one year of registration.

How will I find the clients I'm required to support to earn my certificate?

We have established affiliations with providers across the Bay Area who will match you up with their patients as soon as you are ready to support two clients to obtain your certification.

Will I learn how to establish my practice?

Yes! Birth Coach Method provides comprehensive information and strategies to help you launch your practice. This info includes business licenses, contracts, liability insurance, advertising and networking channels, forms and handouts, etc. We also host FREE events throughout the year to teach doulas strategies to nail interviews and get clients.

What if I missed a live Zoom meeting?

We record all the live Zoom meetings. The replays are uploaded on the membership website and remain available until two weeks after the cohort ends.

Where do I find the recorded online classes?

The 15 online classes are hosted on the membership website at www.birthcoachtraining.com, where we host all our online programs. We will email you the instructions to create your username and password after your registration.

Why can't I access the online classes after I create my username and password on the membership site?

There are a few optional reasons:

You didn't email us your signed and returned student contract.
You created your username and password on birthcoachmethod.com instead of birthcoachtraining.com.
If it's been less than 48 hours since you've completed these steps, please be patient and allow us the time to process your registration, especially if it's a weekend. However, if more than 48 hours have passed and you still haven't received any confirmation email from us, please notify us by email.

How do I take my final exam?

When you are ready, email the instructors to schedule the day and time (about 2.5 hrs.) Once the time slot has been confirmed, the exam will be emailed to you at the agreed time.

How do I get clients after graduation?

We make sure to train you with client enrollment strategies and to introduce social media platforms.

Are there hiring positions for doulas?

Most doulas are independent and self-employed. Doulas need the freedom to advocate for their clients' visions. However, in recent years, some doula agencies have been established, and they match you up with potential clients.

Welcome to the

Bay Area Doula Training

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Program Details

Online Classes

Live Meetings

Practical Experience

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