Questions about CBI

[A.K.]

I am new to this site and have just begun researching about getting my certification. I have looked at DONA a few times but it just didn't seem to be for me. I was rteading posts and saw a few people talking about Childbirth International. I looks more like what I was hoping to find. Is it prety popular? Does anyone know about this site? I just don't want to pay the fee and find out a bunch of surprises once I get into it. Can anyone tell me about their experiences? TIA!

[amymaew]

I'm certified through CBI as a childbirth educator and both labor and pp doula. I loved my experience - they had great communication, and the coursework was very in depth.

[MamaMichelle]

I just recently completed certification through CBI as a birth doula and I LOVE it! It's a wonderful in-depth program. You pay the one time cost and there are no hidden expenses. You do not have to re-certify and there are no membership fees or fees of any kind- ever. The only thing I can think that you might have to buy are the 3 books to do your book reports on but you may be able to borrow from someone or the library. I like the program so much that as soon as I can afford to, I am signing up for more. Try this website http://www.childbirthinternational.c...la/compare.htm and choose USA. It will pull up all the programs side by side and should help you make your decision. Good luck!

[DoulaYvonne]

Read over the other posts about CBI, I think you may find answers to many of your questions there. I am in the process of becoming certified through CBI and I am very impressed overall. I have only good things to say about them and I would highly recommend their program to anyone considering becoming certified.
Good luck!

[MamaMichelle]

I also wanted to add that the trainers are awesome and the head office (Nikki and Lynne) are always at the ready. They all participate and answer any and all questions you may have along the way.

[IslandDoula]

I'm currently training with CBI (finished my doula training and am still training for childbirth education) - and I can't say enough great and wonderful things about CBI. I spent months researching which organization I wanted to train with and I have never been anything but thrilled that I chose CBI.
I would definitely peruse some other threads about CBI here and look around. See what your heart says and whose policy you most identify with.

Best of luck!

[christiecookie]

I've been enjoying my CBI postpartum training. I found them through the recommendations here, and haven't been disappointed.

BUT...if I want to join my local doula organization and be added to their list (ie if a couple calls them looking for a doula in my area I'd be on the referral list) I MUST have completed a 3 day workshop in person. I don't have to certify, but I do have to have completed a DONA workshop (the organization has ties to DONA, obviously).

So I won't be doing my labour doula training with CBI (though I am considering dual-certification at a later date). If joining your local organization is important to you, you might want to contact them and see what they say.

[onyxravnos]

I started training with DONA and then went ahead and started with CBI for birth ,
postpartum doula as well as Childbirth ed. I've let my DONA membership lapse as I have found the training with CBI was more extensive and covered more, I also like that I don't have to pay to resertify or for membership.

I really can't recommend CBI enough the course is magnificant and really makes you feel like you are ready to doula / teach! I don't think you'll be disapointed!.

[earthgirl]

No personal experience, but I have heard ONLY good things about them.

[miraclesofbirth]

I just recieved my CLD certification in the mail on Thurs through CBI! I have been nothing but HAPPY with them. I am a dual student doing the CBE training also! I will do the lactation consultant some wheres in the near future also!