Birth Arts Doula & Childbirth Ed Trainings
Birth Arts International Trains Birth doulas, postpartum doulas and childbirth educators from across the world!
what we offer:
Birth Doula Certification Training Weekends
These weekend long trainings are the first step in full certification with BAI. For more specifics on the process, look here: http://www.birtharts.com/doula.htm. For a general outline of what the training covers, download here: Birth Class Topics.
Postpartum Doula Certification Training Weekends
Like the birth doula training, these weekends are the foundation of your studies for postpartum doula work in the community. For a general outline of what we cover, download here: Postpartum Training Topics.
When: Birth and Postpartum Trainings run for two days, Saturday and Sunday, both days all day. We’ll meet and work from 9:00am until 4:30 pm.
Childbirth Educator Certification One Day trainings
Join us for a full day of preparing to become a Certified Childbirth Educator. We will cover: The art of teaching, what to teach and why, creating your classes and offerings, motivating and handling difficult students, best practice in teaching, choosing care providers, teaching labor and birth successfully, teaching about pain techniques, learn specific exercises and activities for your students to learn in classes, discuss controversies in birth teaching and more. This is step one in becoming a full certified Childbirth Educator with BAI.
When: We meet on a SATURDAY for one intensive day only, from 9:00am–4:30 pm.
TRAINING LOCATION
All Philly Birth Arts Trainings take place in the heart of South Philadelphia. For those traveling from out of state and need hotel accommodations, please google our zip code, 19148, for closest hotels and hostels.
Investment
Every Birth Arts training and your certification with Birth Arts International costs only $475. There are no other charges or fees after this one time payment. If full payment is not possible, A non refundable $100 payment holds your space for each individual training. Your full balance is due first thing Saturday morning of your training weekend. Money orders, cash and credit cards accepted, no personal checks please. All sales final, like getting a ticket to the opera, a concert or a Broadway show. One deposit holds your space for one training. Each additional training you choose to invest in requires an additional deposit to make you “official” for that workshop.
Please understand, that we do not offer scholarships, nor do we allow people to train for free or to work exchange. We value the work we do, the program we offer, and our well respected, qualified trainer. We are proud of the worth that this work brings. You will earn the full cost of your training investment back on your first birth or on your first childbirth class series that you teach to your own students. Not only are you investing in supporting other people during the birth and postpartum periods, you are investing in your own future as your own successful business owner.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the requirements to train: NONE! Both experienced/already certified doulas and those with zero birth experience are welcome. All people, of all ages, lifestyles, cultures, religions, sexual preferences and gender identities are absolutely welcome. The only requirement to take one of our trainings is an open mind and a desire to learn in the company of fantastic people from all over the east coast and maybe even the globe! Birth Arts has no time limits on certification. You can complete the program however works best for your needs. We do not charge any additional fees for continued certification, or for time allotted to study, while other organizations may.
Do I have to read anything before class? Nope! We’ll go over all reading and certification requirements the Saturday your training begins.
Do I have to bring anything to the weekend classes? Just your questions, your open mind, and your desire to learn.
Will I be certified after the classes? No. The weekend is step one. You will be required to complete writing assignments, attend births (for the birth training), read and review books and research on birth, attend a birth class, and more. We review all of the specifics on the first day of class. Remember, the goal isn’t the certification, it is to be knowledgeable and confident to help people who are in labor. Becoming a doula takes hard work! For those that require or desire documentation of attendance, you will be provided with a certificate after training documenting your attendance.
How long does it take to become certified? That depends on you. Some students work through all the requirements in a few months, some take many months, some take a year (or more). We understand that life has many twists and turns, and will work with you at your pace. No rush, no pressure or arbitrary time limits. There is no test.
Do I have to certify? Nope! Many yoga teachers and massage therapists take the classes to enhance their practices. Remember, certification varies among organizations and is not legally recognized, nor is it a license, nor is it a board certification, nor is it a degree.
What does certification mean or entitle me to? There are now many organizations that certify birth doulas, postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, etc. Each organization has very different requirements, philosophies, and even fee schedules. Birth Arts International certifies Birth Arts International students only. We have a strong commitment to ethics and best practice research in birth. Moreover, Birth Arts won’t charge you “re-certification fees” when other organizations will. Some of your clients may feel that a “certified doula” has more knowledge. Other clients may be more concerned about your training, your life experiences, who your teachers are, and what you know about best practice and birth.
Can I be a doula full time? Of course. It is up to you how many or how few clients you prefer to assist each month. Being a doula allows you to run your own business, call your own shots, and to help people who are pregnant or postpartum while doing it.
Can I work with young mothers? single mothers? low income mothers? homebirth mothers? people who don’t identify as “mother”? Of course! You can work with everyone and anyone. You decide on your target audience depending on your passion, your politics, your geographical location. This is your chance to change the world, one person or family at a time.
I am *young*old*single*a mom*never had a baby*only had a c-section* *identify as being male* can I still be a doula? You bet you can. Every person will have the right doula for their process, and it may be you. You will figure out who your ideal client is and find your match and build your community.
Do you set me with doula clients or have an apprentice program? You are your own doula, which is the beauty of this work. Birth Arts has students all over the globe who have trained with us in Philly. Because we are not a “doula corporation” or doula business ourselves, we do not hire you, nor do we have an apprentice model. We encourage you to connect with other BAI doulas all over after you train, and even better, the wider doula and birth community in your own neighborhood.
What if I have to cancel the training due to an emergency? Our classes are in high demand. We do not offer refunds except in the most exceptional case by case circumstances at the trainer’s discretion. Deposits are absolutely non-refundable. If you are unable to make a training and alert us within 2 weeks of the training, your deposit or full payment can be forwarded on to another training ONE TIME ONLY within the same calendar year. No shows are 100% non refundable.
How long do I have to register and join a training? Please note, classes fill on a first come, first served basis and will be capped to keep the classes small and intimate. If you want to join, your best bet is to register quickly for the date you like!
Sounds perfect for me! How do I register? Please email beth@believeinbirth.com, and you will receive your registration form via email. To complete your registration you must return the form with payment. You are not registered until payment is received.
Whew! That was a lot of information! Sure was. Any other questions not covered here? Call us! 215 906 5384.
