After doing some research and on the recommendation of my friend Helen who has already completed the course, I undertook the three day Birth and Postnatal Doula course with Nurturing Birth on 2nd – 4th July 2007. I was also drawn to the course because of the extensive training workshops and conferences which are also available as I greatly value continued personal development.

A few weeks prior to the commencement of the course, each candidate was asked to complete a pre-course module which gets the student to reflect on any birth experiences that they may have had, reading and writing a book review and answering questions about the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. I feel that the pre-course module actually gave me the first opportunity ever to reflect on my own pregnancy and childbirth experiences. The pre-course module is an important pre-requisite of the course.

Our trainer Bushra is fantastic. She is a very knowledgeable and experienced Doula as well as a professional facilitator. Her professionalism and learning style is that of a high standard. She encouraged role playing, group and individual participation in discussions throughout the three days. Bushra also gave her time in allowing one to one personal discussions with her during lunch. Bushra’s delivery of the course was exciting, educational and inspirational.

The student group size of 8 was adequate as learning in small groups has its benefits. We all got on very well with each other and I think learning in a small group aided the learning outcome and experience greatly. Each student bought to the course different levels of knowledge and experiences and we learnt from each other.

On day one we each received a large comprehensive Birth and Postnatal Doula course manual that Valerie Goedkoop has compiled. The manual is very well presented and is a valuable learning tool. On leaving at the end of the day I was left eager to learn more so I continued my learning by doing a little ‘bedtime reading’ of my manual. I couldn’t put it down.

The course consisted of:

• Debriefing of one's own birth and postnatal experiences (birth, feeding, first few weeks).
• Birth: Birth physiology, anatomy, obstetric scenarios, antenatal support and discussions, optimal foetal positioning, supporting parents in informed choices, understanding father's needs, how to "be" in labour, know your boundaries.
• Breastfeeding basics (as well as bottle feeding basics) - understanding the issues and common problems of feeding a newborn: Constant feeding (unsettled), mastitis, thrush, green nappies, "not enough milk", "too much milk", let down reflex, skin to skin, expressing, mix-feeding, safely preparing bottles, who else can help, body image, weaning,....
• Common issues with new mothers and babies: Lack of sleep, too many visitors, unsettled babies, routines, no routines, spots.
• Counselling and support of new families (listening skills versus coaching): What it is to listen, no judgment, reflecting back, seeking further help.
• How to empower a woman to look after her baby herself (showing versus doing)
• Roles of a postnatal Doula and expectations by the client: To clean or not to clean? Counselling issues, how to best prepare your clients to your role and what to expect from you.
• Knowing your local scene, contacts/working with other health professionals - How to diplomatically work with local health professionals, networking, hardship fund.
• Running your own Doula business, contracts, insurance, training,... : How to get clients, are contracts useful, how to write a contract, should you get insurance, should you get a police check, first aid course, breastfeeding courses, how to get other relevant skills,...

The whole course was so grounded in the woman's ability to do and be empowered during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. What a fantastic and informative three days I’ve had. I’m already working on my post course module now to complete the certification process.

I would highly recommend the Nurturing Birth Doula courses to anyone interested in becoming a Doula even Midwives.

I have enjoyed myself immensely and I have taken a lot away with me from the course as well as making some new friends. Please keep in touch Vicky, Lydia, Sally, Clare, Rosy, Felicia and Lily. You will all definitely be fantastic and successful Doulas.

A big, big thank you also to Bushra and Nurturing Birth!!!! I now feel even more empowered, more passionate and equipped to become a successful Birth and Postnatal Doula.

I shall be doing some more Doula training next week with Dr Michel Odent and Paramana Doulas in London. I can’t wait. Watch this space.

Wow, it sounds like you really had a fantastic time and that this training covered some important things for you!

I agree that a detailed reflection of your own birth experiences can assist you in your work as a Doula, and learning how to properly reflect on things can help you process the events of each birth you attend.

Good luck with your upcoming training in London!