The Australian Doula College
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it”
John H Kennell
Birth and Postnatal Doula Training
Welcome to the gateway of an extraordinary journey in birth and postpartum care. Together with the Professional Development Centre trading as Australian College of Disability and Community Services (ACDCS) {RTO 41475} we deliver accredited doula training courses in Australia and worldwide. This ensures you receive the highest standard of education and support reflective of industry standards.
Our course is designed for those who are passionate about supporting families through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.
Find a course
Our course includes essential foundational curriculum in the pregnancy, birth and postpartum spaces however it is also a personal journey for the student to grow and understand how their life experiences, values and beliefs can impact on the people and families that they will work with.
This accredited course covers many aspects of pregnancy, the mechanics of labour, feelings, possible fears and challenges, homebirth, hospital policies and procedures, postnatal issues, breastfeeding and postnatal Doula-ing. Our doulas get the absolute best start to their doula career and we continue to support them to create a sustainable business that sees them serving others, across the landscape of life, for years to come.
Upon successful completion of your training, the Professional Development Centre will issue a statement of attainment or qualification. Qualified ADC trainers will provide training and assessment of 11123NAT Certificate IV in Doula Support Services. The training will be available in all states and territories.
This 12-18 month course provides vocational education and training in practical and theoretical skills relevant to the provision of Doula support services and the underpinning knowledge required to apply these skills in a variety of workplace situation.
By the completion of this course, participants will have developed the skills and knowledge to:
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offer non-medical, physical and emotional support
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provide unbiased information without judgement along with a variety of local resources to prospective parents through conception, pregnancy, childbirth and in the post-natal period
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support fathers and partners and ensure inclusion of siblings and how to work best along-side other health professionals
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understanding what empowers or disempowers the mother / birthing person and their partner and how to help them to bond deeply with their new-born baby
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help clients prepare for an empowering birth
Participants will also cover topics including:
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the mechanics of labour
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the needs of mother/ birthing person and baby
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possible fears and challenges for parents
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homebirth
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hospital policies and procedures
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post-natal issues and doula work
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breastfeeding
RTO
Information
The Australian College of Disability and Community Services is owned and operated by the Centre for Disability Studies. We bring to the sector a new concept of evidence-based Vocational Education – with all courses taught embracing universal design, cultural safety and person-centredness.
Qualification
overview
By the completion of this course, participants will have developed the skills and knowledge to offer non-medical, physical and emotional support, unbiased information without judgement along with a variety of local resources to prospective parents while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, childbirth and in the post-natal period.
Training delivery options
Face to Face
6 in person days 9:30am-4:30pm
Virtual
6 days online over Zoom from 9:30am-2:30pm
Correspondence
Self paced and online, to be completed within the 18 month course timeframe.
Why start your doula training here with us?
The Australian Doula College offers Birth & Postpartum and End Of Life modalities across Australia, New Zealand and worldwide. If you have been thinking about becoming a doula or are feeling the call to explore the work in this space, we would love to talk to you and ultimately it's our honour to share each and every person's doula journey. Whether you are wanting to provide support and education at the first or last breath or for someone in between, our courses will help you create a solid foundation on which to begin your work as a Doula.
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Course content and outline
This qualification consists of 12 units of competency. 8 Core units and 4 NAT units .
NAT11123001 | Prepare for work as a birth doula |
NAT11123002 | Promote an empowering birth experience |
NAT11123003 | Provide doula support services during labour and birth |
NAT11123004 | Provide post-natal doula support service |
The program consists of 17 modules.
1 | Welcome. Course expectations. Your core beliefs and attitudes towards birth. Clarifying the Doula role. |
2 | First trimester of pregnancy - mum, partner and baby. Relief of early discomforts. Pre Natal testing. Sexual and reproductive health rights. Journal keeping. Creating your own relaxation space. |
3 | Second trimester – mum, partner and baby. Nutrition and exercise in pregnancy. Natural remedies. Relaxation tools. Homebirth. Consent in pregnancy and labour. Third trimester and complications. |
4 | Positions of the baby, Optimum birthing positions. Birth preparation. Effective communication. The Doula Heart Network charity arm. The Groundwork Program. |
Student requirements
All student Doulas will need to meet the following requirements:
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Have a Unique Student Identifier or an exemption
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Complete pre-course information sheet and made payment in full
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Have a current First Aid, CPR and WWCC before taking on your 3 birth experiences
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Support 3 births experiences as a Student Doula (a small fee is charged to the client)
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Develop a resources list for pregnant women and new parents
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Demonstrate openness and an ability to integrate knowledge and feelings
How to enrol
To apply to enrol in a course, you must complete an Enrolment Form/Application Form, you can find the online enrolment form by finding a course and pressing the register now button.
If you are interested in applying for Credit Transfer you should indicate this on your enrolment and supply certified copies of your transcripts so we can assess your application for Credit. See the section on Credits in the Training Information Booklet.
Upon approval of your application/enrolment, you will be sent further information about the next steps, payment arrangements and how you can get started in your course. PDC accepts applications from all students who meet the entry requirements published in the course information. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis but if a course is full, you will be offered a place in a course starting at a later date.
You can find additional information on the following requirements in the Training Information Booklet and on the RTO website.
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Unique Student Identifier (USI) If you would like to create your own USI, please visit: http://www.usi.gov.au/Students/Pages/default.asp
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credits
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recognition of prior learning
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submitting assessments
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reasonable adjustment in assessment
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appealing assessment decisions
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support services
Student Support
ADC Support
Students have the support of their trainer as well as the wider ADC training team. Our on call phone is available to students 24/7.
Students may choose to join the ADC Community student membership which will provide access to the masterclasses and resource centre to assist with your studies and closed Community Facebook group among other benefits. The ADC Community student membership can be purchased for $50, which is more than 50% off the annual membership fee for ongoing community membership.
RTO Support
We are committed to ensuring that you get all the support you need to be successful in your studies. You may not have studied for a while and or you might need help with study skills. Your support needs will also be discussed during the enrolment and induction to your course. If you have further questions on support offered, please contact the RTO here.
About the Professional Development Centre
The collaboration between Australian Doula College and the Professional Development Centre trading as Australian College of Disability and Community Services (ACDCS) {RTO 41475} enables the delivery of accredited doula training courses in Australia and worldwide.
The Professional Development Centre (PDC) trading as ACDCS, a leading training provider across NSW and beyond. We work with students and industry to ensure training needs are met. We specialise in community services and disability programs, and with a range of partnerships we are building our programs to meet the workforce needs of the industry. The purpose of this Handbook is to provide you with all the information that you need to know about studying with PDC. Studying Through The Professional Development Centre (PDC) The Professional Development Centre (PDC) offers exceptional, person-centred training to staff of the disability and community sectors.
All policies for the RTO can be located here: https://www.acdcs.edu.au/policy
Your future as a doula starts here.
