CBI v Optimum Birth courses?

[SoulMumma]

Hi there

I am seriously considering doing some doula training, and am currently tossing up between correspondence study with either CBI or Optimum Birth. Both look very good, thoguh I think I'm leaning towards the OB one due to the fact you can buy modules one at a time-I am also studying other things, and setting up a business (not a doula business, though it is sort of related) so need to be able to take my time and study when it's convenient.

Anyway, just hoping for some feedback from people who've done either or both of these courses-what did you like or dislike? I'm in Melbourne Australia and have heard OB do real life workshops-can anyone confirm if this is still the case?

[SoulMumma]

Sorry, just realised the forum below would have been better for this question, so please feel free to move this post another section it's more appropriate elsewhere

[earthangel]

I really like how Optimum Birth has the audio option to read the pages out loud for you. They use text-to-speech software to do that. The visual instruction looks good too.

[SoulMumma]

Hi earthangel-I do like the sound of that! Very cool indeed

[DoulaYvonne]

I am a CBI student and I really enjoy it. I had not looked into OB before I chose CBI though, so can't really help with a comparison.

One thing that I noticed you mention as a positive for OB, was that the modules could be purchased individually. Knowing myself, that would probably be a negative. I would inevitably get one, two, or three modules into it, and become somewhat unfocused.

Now, this is not to say that you need to purchase everything at once from CBI, either. Although you are given access to everything from day 1, you can make time payments: either a one-shot payment, or break it up into 3 or 6 month installments.

Best of luck with whatever path you decide to take. Let me know if you have any questions!

[tianakaesha]

Hi from another Aussie

I looked at both and I think there are some great points about each of them, but I chose CBI because it's a bigger group and I liked the modules too. Last time I looked OB strongly advises against freebirths and if you want to be on the Doula Registry with them you have to promise to not knowingly attend one.

As I want to have that option (to attend freebirths) then it was important I chose a training group who were not against that.

Having said that I know of some OB trained people who do attend Free Births - so I guess it all comes down to what you feel is right.

[Haylian]

I am going through OB if you have any specific Q's just fire away

[Ayla]

There's a great discussion about this on JB (I think you're there too?). I was tossing up between the two as well and decided on CBI.

[SoulMumma]

Thanks all I am so torn, as they both look very good! Yes I am on JB as well, so I will have another looksee there

[SoulMumma]

Oh forgot to say, re OB not appproving that doulas attend freebirths-I have heard this, and it does seem silly. But I guess as you say Kristie, people who've trained through there still do. I wonder what their reasoning is-is it an insurance issue?

[SoulMumma]

Geez I wish I could edit my posts; I keep forgetting to post things LOL

Quote:

One thing that I noticed you mention as a positive for OB, was that the modules could be purchased individually. Knowing myself, that would probably be a negative. I would inevitably get one, two, or three modules into it, and become somewhat unfocused.

yes-I get what you mean completely. I do have a tendency to get unfocused too I have to admit. However as I'm also doing another course, and am focusing on starting a business (I'm really looking at doing doula work PT only as I am so drawn to it, but as a single mama I really need to have a more consistent primary income iykwim) so I liked the idea of buying the modules when I had the time and money.