Motherhood/Parenthood Doula

“When we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.”
Ina May Gaskin

For some the calling to be a doula is found not in pregnancy or birth work but rather in the postpartum. The postpartum period has always been a time of nurturing, not just the new born mother/parent nurturing their baby but of women/people in their collective group nurturing them as they find their new mother/parent feet.

This 3 day full immersive workshop focuses on experiencing for yourself firsthand the power of nurturing, nourishing and support and then turning these learnt experiences towards newly birthed mothers/parents, babies and partners.

Come and join us …

Schedule of dates, times, locations and investment:

NEXT WORKSHOP DATES:
TBA
LOCATION:
Laajasalo, Helsinki
COST:
600€ includes refreshments, workshop and training manuals
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:
Available on the upcoming trainings page

Each day from Friday to Sunday will begin promptly at 9:00 till 17:00
We will have tea breaks in the mid morning and mid afternoon with lunch from 12:00 till 13:00.
Your investment for the entire training including refreshments, workshop manuals (Postpartum Workshop, Homestudy and Breastfeeding manual) is €600. 
Thereafter when you are ready to complete your certification a fee of €250 becomes payable before you write your exam.

Sacred Space Doula Training offers you a profound and compassionate approach to assisting and supporting parents in their journey into parenthood.

This workshop introduces you to the world of being a postpartum doula – whether you are planning a career move or just wanting to assist a friend or family member or if you are wanting to increase your own awareness as you grow your family then this workshop will equip you with many new skills that can be used practically with clients as well as to deepen your own personal preparation.

This intensive workshop is structured over 3 days. It is intended as a time for retreating within and contemplation. You will uncover your own needs so that you can identify the needs of others and you will experience holding the sacred space of the postpartum period and discover the doula within you.

This workshop is open to all who wish to explore this dedicated career. There are no restrictions placed on attendees except the willingness to explore within themselves new depths, the dedication to hold the sacred space of motherhood/parenthood and the honour of witnessing the miracle of life. It can be the ideal introduction to doulahood or a refresher and in-depth workshop for seasoned doulas.

After the beginning workshop, for those wishing to complete their postpartum doula certification there are specific requirements to fulfil. This part of the programme is for those who have decided that this is the path that they wish to explore.

The home study portion to be completed includes:

  • Documenting several postpartum services
  • Writing your impressions and thoughts of what you have learned with each postpartum service and how this will assist you in future service to families
  • A reading list with introspective notes
  • List of ongoing education
  • A brief self assessment
  • Completion of the home study packet
  • An online written examination

The completion of your home study depends on your personal commitment and life situation. It can be completed between 6 months to 2 years.

If you haven’t completed the home study within 2 years you will need to repeat the workshop. Special circumstances will always be taken into account and extensions will be given if asked for.

During this 3 day workshop you will learn:

Day 1 – Physical knowledge
– The role of the postpartum doula
– Kangaroo Mother/parent care and skin-to-skin information
– Mother’s/parent’s physical recovery and normal postpartum
– Newborn appearance, behaviour and care
– Breastfeeding/chestfeeding basics (same as birth doula training info)
– Nourishing them physically through postpartum meals, rest and information
– Parenting styles
– Hands on and video information

Day 2 – Emotional knowledge
– Birth debriefing and processing adjustment to motherhood
– Postpartum emotions
– Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and related issues
– When to refer to specialists versus community support
– Family dynamics and interactions
– Nourishing them emotionally through postpartum support groups
– Activated listening and communication skills
– Educational information about current research and local resources
– Perinatal loss and the effects on the family
– Hands on, experiential and video information

Day 3 – Celebration
– Getting started and networking: the nitty gritty of setting up your postpartum doula business
– Self care and introspection: inner preparation and how not to burn out! 
– Creating community: working with other doulas or professionals and finding your team
– Ceremony and celebration: how to make meaningful celebrations and honouring the work of the new mother/parent
– Scope and ethical considerations: the what, when and why of it all
– Hands on and experiential information