In Australia, there are a variety of doula training centers that provide comprehensive and well-rounded courses to help you acquire the skills you need to thrive as a certified doula. Although not regulated, getting training and certification will help you stand out from the competition and make sure that you are providing quality care to your clients.
Becoming a doula is one of the most fulfilling career paths for those with a passion for helping families in their most important moments. So whether you’re looking to make a career change or enhance existing skills, read on for a list of the best doula training centers in Australia.
1. Australian Doula College (ADC)
Address of Main Office: level 5, 203-233 New South Head Road, Edgecliff NSW 2027
Phone: 02.8036.5580
Email: admin@australiandoulacollege.com.au
Website: https://www.australiandoulacollege.com.au/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth and Postpartum Doula
- End of Life Doula
- Scholarships
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EST/EDST)
Mode of Training: Face-to-face intensives or online sessions
Notes:
Other ADC branches of the college are located in:
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
- correspondence students all over the world
2. Doula Training Academy Australia
Website: https://doulatrainingacademy.com.au/
Mode of Communication: From the homepage, click “Contact”. Fill out the form, submit, and wait to be contacted.
Training and Certification Offered:
- Face to Face: Birth Doula Training
- Online Course: Back to Basics Birth Doula Training
Workshops:
First Aid and CPR Training – Perth
3. Birth Doula Training Academy Australia
Julie Clark – Advanced Birth and Post-Natal Doula Trainer, Childbirth and Parenting Educator
Address: 9 Withybrook Place, Sylvania, NSW, Australia
Phone: 0401.265.530
Email: julie@julieclarke.com.au
Website: https://www.birthdoulatrainingacademyaustralia.com.au/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Self-Paced Home Study Course
- Post Natal Doula Self-Paced Home Study Course
- Both Courses Self-Paced Home Study
- Study with Julie in person
4. BirthWell Birthright
DONA International Doula Training
Address: Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Phone: 0422.067.985
Email: info@birthwellbirthright.com; tanya@birthwellbirthright.com
Website: http://birthwellbirthright.com/for-professionals/dona-international-doula-training/
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Training
- Postpartum Doula Training
- Lamaze Childbirth Education Training
- Lamaze Evidence Based Labor Support Skills
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Mode of Training:
Notes: BirthWell Birthright provides Lamaze Childbirth Education in Melbourne and Lamaze Educator training Australia-wide.
5. Birth for Humankind
Non Profit Organization, Charity Organization
Address: 552-568 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Phone: +61 1300.073.086
Email: info@birthforhumankind.org
Website: https://birthforhumankind.org/training-and-events/doula-training
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postnatal Doula
- Webinars
Mode of Training: Hybrid model of:
- Face-to-face sessions in North Melbourne
- Live online sessions
- Self-paced, e-learning modules
- Compulsory in-person sessions
Notes: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, as well as individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, are eligible for scholarships.
6. Australian Doulas
Address: Melbourne and also:
- Birth doula training is held in Perth and Bunbury on a regular basis
- Postnatal doula training is held regularly in Perth and periodically in Bunbury
Email: hello@australiandoulas.com.au; courseadmin@australiandoulas.com.au.
Website: https://www.australiandoulas.com.au/our-training/
Social Media:
Facebook
Training and Certification Offered:
- Birth Doula Course
- Postnatal Doula Course
- Rural Course (Australian Doulas offers birth doula training in Bunbury and Karratha upon request. Additionally, they are willing to travel to other areas in Western Australia to provide doula training to those who live closer to their homes.)
7. Celebration of Birth
Address: Byron Bay, Northern NSW, Australia and other locations from time to time
Phone: +61.421.510.512
Email: celebrationofbirth@gmail.com
Website: https://www.celebrationofbirth.com/product/sacred-birth-doula-training-doula-training/
Social Media:
Facebook | YouTube
Training and Certification Offered:
- Sacred Birth Doula Training Immersion
- Post Natal Doula Training
Mode of Training: Face to Face
Do you want to become a DONA certified doula? Read this article to find out more.
Topics Covered During the Doula Training Course
Different doula training courses may cover different topics in varying levels of depth. However, these are some of the common themes you can expect to encounter in your doula training:
- The role of a doula and the history of doula care
- Prenatal care and pregnancy support
- Comfort measures during labor and birth
- Support techniques for different birth scenarios (e.g. natural birth, medicated birth, cesarean birth)
- Advocacy for the birthing person and their family
- Postpartum care and physical recovery
- Breastfeeding support
- Emotional and mental health considerations for parents and infants
- Business skills for doulas, including marketing and client management
- Ethics and professionalism in doula care
Hypnobirthing Doulas can also support mothers during their pregnancy journey. Find out more about them here.
How to Become a Certified Doula in Australia and the Costs Involved
Here is a list of factors to consider when becoming a doula in Australia, along with further details of each point:
1. Doula training courses:
- Completing a comprehensive doula training program from an accredited institution is the first step towards becoming a certified doula.
- Courses vary in duration and cost, with fees ranging from $200-$4000 AUD.
- Topics covered in the course include the role of a doula, prenatal care, labor and birth support techniques, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, and business skills for doulas.
2. Doula certification:
- Once the training program is completed, the next step is to receive certification from a reputable doula organization.
- Certification fees can range from around $50 AUD to up to $400 AUD.
- The certification process may involve submitting proof of training completion or attending mentorship sessions.
3. Ongoing expenses:
- Doulas have additional expenses to consider, such as ongoing education, medical equipment, supplies, and marketing costs.
- Continuing education courses can cost anywhere from $50-$1500 AUD.
- If you want to purchase medical equipment, such as a fetal Doppler or birth pool, they can cost hundreds of dollars; however, these are optional.
- If you want to produce you’re own supplies, such as massage oils and birth balls, they will also require a certain amount of investment.
4. Income potential for doulas:
- Doulas work as independent business owners and earn income by charging for birth and postpartum services.
- Hourly rates may vary depending on experience, popularity, and location, ranging from $35-$150 AUD. Typical birth doula rate is charged per birth which is around $1000. Postpartum Doula rate is usually charged per hour which is around $100.
- Doulas have the potential to earn a considerable income, but that depends on the number of clients they have and the region they operate in.
5. Regional variations:
- The cost of becoming a doula can differ between states or territories in Australia.
- Doula fees may be higher in regions with higher living expenses, such as cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
- In contrast, states or territories with lower costs of living, such as the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, may have slightly lower doula fees.
Video: How to Become a Doula in Sydney, Australia
Julie Clarke of Doula Academy of Australia gives us a great insight on the steps on becoming a doula. She explains the process of going through the doula courses in Sydney, and mentions that other states and training institutions in Australia may offer a similar experience. This information is helpful for anyone interested in becoming a doula in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the doula industry regulated in Australia?
No, the doula industry is not regulated in Australia. However, some doula organizations may have their own codes of conduct and certification processes.
2. How much does it cost to become a doula in Australia?
The cost of becoming a doula in Australia can vary depending on the type of training course, certification process and ongoing costs. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200 to $4000 AUD to become a certified doula in Australia.
3. Is there any financial assistance available for training?
Yes, some institutions may offer financial assistance or discounts on their courses. You should contact the relevant institution directly to enquire about any financial assistance options.
4. What is the average income for doulas in Australia?
The average income for doulas in Australia can vary depending on experience, popularity and location. Generally speaking, doulas may charge between $35-$150 AUD per hour for their services.
The average income of a birth doula will depend on the number of births she assists and the fee per birth, which typically ranges around $1000. Postpartum Doulas, who charge per hour, normally start at about $100 per hour.
5. Do I need a degree to become a doula?
No, you do not need any formal qualifications or degrees to become a doula. Completing an accredited training course is the most common way to become a certified doula. Depending on the course, some may involve an assessment or require you to undertake a certain amount of supervised practice hours.
6. Is there any age limit when becoming a doula?
No, there is no age limit when it comes to becoming a doula. However, due to the physical demands of labor, doulas should be aware that some activities, such as being on call or providing hands-on support during birth, may not be suitable for certain age groups.
7. What are the benefits of becoming a doula?
Becoming a doula provides you with an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as offers personal and professional satisfaction. Some of the benefits of becoming a doula include:
- gaining valuable knowledge and experience in childbirth;
- developing strong relationships with clients;
- having freedom to set your own schedule;
- earning an income from providing services that you are passionate about;
- having the potential to gain recognition and awards for your work;
- being part of a supportive community.
8. Is doula work transferable to other countries?
Yes, most doulas in Australia are willing to travel overseas or interstate to provide their services. However, each country may have different regulations and requirements for doulas, so you should research the relevant laws in each country before offering your services.
9. What is the best way to promote my services as a doula?
The best way to promote your services as a doula is by utilizing online platforms such as social media and websites. You can also create flyers and business cards that you can distribute in relevant locations. Additionally, networking with other healthcare professionals and attending events are also great ways to promote your services as a doula.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a doula in Australia requires time, effort, and money investment. However, the income potential for doulas is descent, should they build a successful business with a solid client base.
While the cost of becoming a doula may differ across regions or states, the value of their services is remarkable as more and more parents opt for their support and guidance during childbirth.
Note: Please visit the establishments directly through their website for up-to-date information. If you are interested in becoming a doula, please research each doula training center and make sure it is accredited with a recognized organization before attending.