Bay Area Doula Training

We have continued to lead the training During COVID-19, using the Zoom platform for the contact hours. The April-June session turned out to be a successful session! We provide contact hours through six Zoom group sessions, lasting 3 hours each. The remaining 7 contact hours, out of the 25 hours planned, will take place in the near future, when hands-on practice and group gathering will be possible. Due to social distancing, this remains the structure of the October session. Additionally, our program uniquely teaches you a set of verbal coaching strategies with which you can provide a series of prenatal sessions - establish relationships, practice labor support tools and prepare your clients for their birth experience. Your contribution is extremely valuable even when it is online!

Aspiring doulas might think that current restrictions on doulas' presence in hospitals and social distancing make the doula service impossible to provide. This notion is understandable due to the emphasis put for many years on doulas' continuous presence and support during childbirth. However, it couldn't be farther from the truth! Doulas are 'emotional first responders', trained to "rescue" those who are in fear, doubt, and pain, and preparing for birth during COVID-19 can be even more overwhelming than it is in peaceful times.

Bay Area Doula Training is leading a cultural change in maternal care. We teach birth professionals to integrate the coaching principles, tools, and strategies, practiced by coaches in various fields, into the field of childbirth support. Our graduates practice with respect to their clients' beliefs, values and vision for their birth. Our philosophy is that there is no ideal birth other than the birth experience your clients desire! Our students are knowledgeable, sensitive, and equipped with a wealth of labor support techniques in addition to the coaching strategies. Read my Blog to learn more about my philosophy

Upon registration, we will grant you access to our membership website for a period of 6 months (Additional 2 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

Prenatal care and possible complications
Stages and Phases of labor
The Early phase of labor
The Active phases of labor
Transition phase of labor
The second stage of birth
Common medical interventions in labor 1
Common medical interventions in labor 2
Fear, pain and the medicalization of birth
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 coach practice

Our welcoming classroom is located at Verde Touch Spa in Los Altos. The program includes 5 Saturday group meetings lasting five hours each, from 11:45 am to 5:00 pm. (25 contact hours total). Sessions take place on Saturdays. During these group sessions, you can expect to:

Create a strong community of backup doulas and colleagues
Begin every session with Q & A, covering the 3 online classes you studied in preparation for the session
Learn and practice labor support tools and comfort measures
Learn from our distinguished guest speakers.
Expand on the topics learned online
Learn additional coaching strategies.
Engage in dynamic exercises.
Brainstorm and analyze case studies
Watch educational videos
Receive feedback and build confidence

Bay Area Doula Training is proud to be the only program providing doula students with the opportunity to receive practical hours, working side by side with midwives and nurses.

In order to provide this opportunity for our students, and in order to achieve the highest level of education, we established collaboration with Bay Area Maternity (BAM) practice, led by midwife Lin Lee. Practical hours will take place at El-Camino Los Gatos L&D, where the nurses LOVE working with our students.

Our students are invited to attend the Tea with The midwives monthly event, and an additional special monthly meeting with BAM expectant patients who are interested in doula-in-training support, The monthly meetings are held on the third and last Sundays of the month. Students who reside on the outskirts of the Bay Area will get our full support to find their first no-cost clients for their practical hours.

Over the past 20 years, I have been blessed to support and teach thousands of expectant couples and to direct two birth resource centers. I train doulas for seven years now and take pride in my student who becomes remarkable doulas. In November 2011, I published my audio-visual guide Practicing for an Active Birth (See below). In November 2016 I published the printed guide The Art of Coaching for Childbirth, a practical guide integrating the principles and strategies of coaching into childbirth support. In 2017, I became an approved continuing education provider by the California board of registered nursing. I now lead nurses' workshops with the goal of improving patient-centered care. It is my hope to build the bridge between doulas and L&D staff.

Welcome to Bay Area Doula Training!

Offered by Birth Coach Method

You Can Begin Your Online Self-Study Anytime!

The 2020 Fall Session Begins in October!
Oct. 10, Oct. 24, November 7, Nov. 21, December 5, and Dec. 19
from 10:30 to 1:30 PM on Zoom

Payment plans are now available!

Our Program and Services During COVID-19

Positive Experiences Created by Positive Mindsets

PROGRAM

Online Classes

Group Meetings

Practical Hours

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

HELLO, I'M YOUR TRAINER!

I’m Neri Life-Choma

Learning and Community