About Doulas

 

The word �doula� comes from ancient Greece and means a wise woman who cares for other women, especially during childbirth. The purpose of the doula is to �mother the mother�. In taking care of her emotional and practical needs, she supports her and her partner in having the experience of birth they wish for.

 

A doula is trained in all aspects of labour as well as practical pain management strategies, such as breath work, massage, and acupressure. The presence of a known and trusted person in labour has been quantified by science to make for a more positive outcome of labour and birth. Above all, a doula is present to �hold the space� for the couple, sometimes providing a buffer between the inner world and the outside activity in the birth room, so that their experience of birthing their child is sacred and as they wish. Doulas at B.R.A are trained over 1 year and have strong mentoring and supervision from other doulas with 15 to 35 years of experience in birth. Their training comprises of over 300 hours face to face lectures, classes and debriefing. This is the most thorough, in depth course and training available.

 

 

Doula Course

 

Birthing Rites Australia looks to attract students who are especially motivated to achieve excellence in their careers. Our stimulating and unique approach to training leads to highly successful careers and positions. Many of our graduates work in private, in community organisations and in hospitals - both public and private

 

On completion of this course, having been successfully passed on all course components you receive a certificate of registration from Birthing Rites Australia.� We offer something unique to those people who wish to become effective Doula�s within organisations at both a public and private level. The course is highly experiential and comprised of three strands �


i) Theoretical � knowledge and application presented through lectures, assignment work, self-study, research study.

ii) Practicum � development of practical knowledge of pregnancy, labour & birth this is provided through the pre natal classes with �hands on� experience.

iii) Personal Development � the journey into self with experienced therapists and counsellors, the deepening understanding of who we are, why we are, and how we are, becoming effective change agents.� This knowledge and experience is gained through lectures, assignments, exams, research and practical experience and observation of our pre and post natal groups.� All of your trainers and lecturers are currently practising within their field of expertise. They are very experienced and as such bring to you and your training a high degree of clarity and focus.

 

The training course is the longest and one of the most comprehensive Doula training courses in Australia and possibly the world ; over a one year period, consisting of one day a week, over four terms. Birthing Rites Austra the practical component of the course alone totalling a minimum of 200 hours lprograms educate students to become effective �change agents�, whether working with individuals, couples, families, groups, organisations or communities.

 

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
BRA believes that the training for professionals in the field of childbirth education and counselling must involve the whole person, not just theoretical knowledge. Working with families at a most profound time in their lives � the birth of their children (and sometimes the loss) demands a deeply sensitive, wise educator who has begun their own journey with awareness and self-responsibility. The objective of the course is to impart deep knowledge and training so that Doulas can provide effective support for women and their partners in pregnancy, labour and the post natal period.

 

With each birth support that a trainee Doula undertakes throughout the year, involves working in pairs with a back up Doula.� We also offer 24 hour support. Each Doula with a mentor who is a resource that they can use and contact to discuss specific issues that arise during the pregnancy, labour and birth and� the post natal period. This mentor will also debrief the Doula�s entire birth support performance.

 

Our aim is to offer the best academic experiential training for educating and counselling in pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum. We offer training that is highly regarded by both professionals and participants.

 

The BRA Doula Course Requirements

  • Attend lectures on Thursdays from 9:30 am � 1:30 pm for a period of 4 terms
  • Complete all assignments
  • Attend one complete class series from each set of BRA pre natal classes
  • Attend minimum 3 births
  • Attend post natal groups for one term
  • Document ALL births attended, telephone calls to couples, pre and post natal visits
  • Complete and pass ALL exams
  • Work experience for one term on the BRA front desk � one day a week (9am � 5pm)

We believe Doulas can only be effective change agents if they themselves have undergone the self-exploration that leads to change. Therefore, an integral component of our program is the focus of self-development and growth. This feature of the Birthing Rites Australia program compliments and supports both the theoretical undertaking and development of practical skills. It is also a significant contributor to the unique BRA culture for which we are well known.

 

Choosing to train with us also gives our students instant exposure to potential clients who attend our pre natal classes, and the many caregivers that make enquiries as to our Birth Support services. BRA Doulas have exclusive access and exposure to our client base; which greatly assists their training and provides a rich environment in which to establish themselves as Doulas.

 

Doula Certificate

1 year course suitable for people wishing to become a part of the pioneering of Doula-ing as pregnant couples move more into ownership of their own experience of birth.

 

Diploma of Childbirth Education - A two year training course suitable for people wishing to gain obstetric knowledge, group facilitating skills, counselling, Doula and support skills. Self-development is enhanced through th������ ree strands � theory, practicum and personal development. Entry to the program is dependent upon application interview and suitability.

 

Advanced Diploma of Childbirth Education and Counselling - A further year of study offered to graduates of Dip C.E & C. Practical skills are developed with continued teaching and counselling under supervision of senior educators. Entry to this extended course is dependent upon suitability and interview.

 

For further information or to make an appointment time please contact us via email [email protected] or by phone 02 9387 3615