Doula Training in Canada

Canada does not require a certification to work as a birth doula in any of the provinces. There is also no requirement for you to have post-secondary education from a Canadian or US university in order to take doula training.

The following is a list of training courses available in Canada that you can use as part of your doula training.  If you are getting certified, please read the details carefully to determine whether the training is a required part of a certification curriculum.

Doula Training in Toronto, ON

Organization Name:  Toronto Doula Group
Website: https://www.torontodoulagroup.com
Instructor:  Kimberley Healey-Fernandez, CLD, CPD, CCCE
Email:  Kim@TorontoDoulaGroup.com
Phone:  416-269-9029

Course and Workshop Details and Requirements

The training will consist of a 2 day labor doula training workshop that will count for 20 hours as part of the CAPPA certification process.  The workshop is offered on April 29-30, 2017.

Costs and Fees

The cost for the labor doula training workshop is $450 for early registration and $500 for regular registration.

Registration Details
To register and pay online, click here.

Doula Training in Milton, ON

Stefanie Antunes
Organization: Doula School
Website:http://doulaschool.ca/
Email: hello@doulaschool.ca
Phone: 1-877-247-8436

Course and Workshop Details and Requirements

This 3 day workshop is affiliated with DONA in order to meet the DONA requirements for a training workshop.

Kingston workshop details:

Location:  WOMB (World of My Baby)
Address:  388 Main St. East, Milton
Start date:  April 21, 2017
End date:  April 23, 2017
Time:  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Additional training locations and dates:

March 24-26 in Toronto, Ontario – sponsored by Toronto Yoga Mamas (please book through them)

May – Special combined Pre/Postnatal Yoga Training with Birth Doula Training through Yoga Detour

June 2-4, 2017 in Toronto, ON – sponsored by Toronto Yoga Mamas (please book through them)

July 14-16, 2017 in Kingston, Ontario

August 11-13, 2017 in Chatham-Kent/London, Ontario

September 8-10, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario – sponsored by Toronto Yoga Mamas (please book through them)

About the Trainer

Stefanie Antunes has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002, after the birth of her second son showed her just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you.
Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. She leads the Discover Birth organization providing a variety of services to expectant parents and training for those wishing to pursue work in the childbirth field. Stefanie is the former Public Relations Director for DONA International, founder of WiseParent, and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities. She is a DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer, and Lamaze “Teaching Skills” Workshop facilitator with Douglas College.

Stefanie is a contributing author in the best selling Power of Women United and Bearing Witness: Childbirth Stories Told by Doulas. She is a regular contributing writer and blogger, and has done many interviews online and for TV/radio.

She believes that the world can be a better place if parents can have more positive childbirth experiences, allowing

Course and Workshop Topics

Do you love working with women and babies? Perhaps a career as a doula could be the perfect fit for you!  Discover Birth offers a DONA approved birth doula workshop. This is one step towards becoming a certified doula.

Anyone who has a willingness to help women through birth can become a birth doula. Though it’s helpful, it’s not necessary to have a background in health or medicine. Keep in mind that a doula is a non-medical professional.

You will be given all the necessary tools to begin your journey towards becoming a certified doula through DONA International.  We will continue to support you on this journey as you have questions or need additional support.

This 3 day workshop covers:

  • The role of the doula
  • How to provide emotional support in labour
  • Prenatal contact and support
  • Gate Control Theory and pain
  • Comfort measures and positions
  • Supporting women through difficult labours and cesareans
  • Providing postpartum support
  • Newborn and breastfeeding
  • How to run a doula business

Costs and Fees

The workshop costs $450.00 + HST.  Save $50 if you book early.

Registration Details

To register for the doula training workshops, go to: http://doulaschool.ca/workshop-schedule/

Doula Training in Qualicum, BC

Organization: Erin Moyen Childbirth Services
Website: http://www.erinmoyen.com/training–mentoring.html
Email: info@erinmoyen.com
Phone: 587-225-9595

Course and Workshop Details and Requirements
This 27 hour workshop includes THREE of the requirements for Birth Doula Certification by DONA International:
Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas – 7 hours
Birth Doula Workshop – 16.5 hours
Breastfeeding Workshop – 3.5 hours

Course and Workshop Topics
These classes will cover the following topics as a part of your doula training:Learn about the stages of labour and anatomy of childbirthDiscuss how the process of labour is both a physical and emotional time for the motherIdentify common medical interventions such as cesareans/VBACDemonstrations of effective and supportive comfort measures for labour including hands-on practice of all techniquesDevelop listening and communication skills to better serve your clientLearn early breastfeeding techniques, positions and common challengesBusiness development including how to get clients and navigating pre- and postnatal visitsMeet with other doulas working in your areaDiscuss the DONA International code of ethics and certification process
Prerequisites
Before attending the class, read the following DONA approved books:The Birth Partner (2013) by Penny Simkin
Costs and Fees
The DONA-approved Birth Doula workshop costs $500.00 – 650.00, based on location. $100 discount available for early registration. All courses include Introduction to Childbirth Education and the Breastfeeding Course.

Registration Details
For more details and dates go to: http://www.erinmoyen.com/training–mentoring.html
Payment & registration details can be found on-line or by calling 587-225-9595.

Doula Training in Victoria, BC

Organization Name:  Mothering Touch Centre
Website: www.motheringtouch.ca/classes/doula-training/
Email:  eva@motheringtouch.ca
Phone:  250-595-4905

Course and Workshop Details and Requirements

This 4 day Birth Doula Course will include the following curriculum, which satisfies three of the requirements for certification with DONA International.

  • 18 hour birth doula training workshop 
  • 7 hour Introduction to Childbirth class for Doulas
  • 3 hour Breastfeeding for Birth Doulas course

Course and Workshop Topics

These classes will cover the following topics as a part of your doula training:

  • Learn about the anatomy of childbirth including the different stages of labour
  • Discuss how the process of labour is both a physical and emotional time for the mother
  • Identify common medical interventions such as cesarians/VBAC
  • Learn about the supportive techniques doulas provide with hands-on practice using comfort measures
  • Develop listening and communication skills to better serve your client
  • Learn about breastfeeding techniques and positions
  • Develop your business by learning how to get clients and how to establish pre and postnatal visits
  • Meet with established doulas working in Victoria
  • Discuss the certification process with DONA International

Prerequisites

Before attending the classes, read the following DONA approved books:

  • The Birth Partner (2013) by Penny Simkin 

       as well of one of following:

  • The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (2011) by Ann Douglas

       or

  • Pregnancy, Chilbdirth and The Newborn, The Complete Guide (2010) by Penny Simkin,

Costs and Fees
$550

Registration Details
For more details, dates, and to register on-line:
http://www.motheringtouch.ca/classes/doula-training/birth_doula/

Alternatively, call at 250-595-4905

Doula Training in Calgary, AB

Organization Name:  Doula Essentials
Website: www.doulaessentials.com
Email:  heathercrossan@yahoo.com
Phone:  403-831-3138

Course and Workshop Details and Requirements

  • 3 day Birth doula training workshop (required for DONA certification)
  • The workshop will include both the Breastfeeding Course and Introduction Childbirth Education Course, both of which are required for certification by DONA

Prerequisites

Read the following 3 books from the DONA reading list before attending the workshop:

  • Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn”, by Penny Simkin
  • The Birth Partner 4th edition by Penny Simkin
  • Breastfeeding Made Simple, 2nd Edition by Mohrbacher and Kendall-Tackett

Course and Workshop Topics
To further your doula training, these classes will teach you the following educational topics:

  • Discuss how a doula performs her supportive role in the context of pregnancy and childbirth
  • Identify the benefits of having a doula 
  • Demonstrate effective and comfortable positions used during labor 
  • Engage in providing comfort measures for the mother with relaxation techniques and emotional support
  • Train in providing physical and emotional postpartum support for both the newborn and mother
  • Learn how to develop and grow your business
  • Discuss the ethics and requirements for DONA certification

Costs and Fees

The birth doula workshop, including the Introduction course to Childbirth Education Course and the Breastfeeding Course is $600.  There is a discount of $100 if you register early.

Registration Details

You can register online here.  You can pay through E-transfer or mail a check as payment.