Q1. What is HBI's birth philosophy?
We believe that every birth is sacred, and every birth is different, and that although the support that each couple needs during their labor and birth is always different, what remains the same is that their doula provide objective, consistent, intuitive support. As doulas we know that knowledgable, compassionate support in labor enables couples to actualize their ideal birthing experience by making empowered choices for their family.
Q2. What makes HBI's training and certification program unique?
All of our trainers are certified doulas and birth workers who have grown our own solo practices from the ground up, and have also successfully formed a ground breaking, full service doula agency together. With our combined knowledge, experience, and passion for birth work, you will learn all you need, including hands-on experience, business skills, mentorship, and gain an invaluable community. The HBI trainers have attended a combined over 50 years of experience, and have attended over 1,000 births.
Q3. Where is your training located?
Our training is located in Franklin, Tennessee in a cozy, retreat-like cabin. However, our training is perfect for anyone choosing to become a doula in the United States.
Q4. Is your training only for doulas in Nashville.
No, HBI is open to anyone willing to join us for a weekend of training in Nashville.
Q5. How do I sign up for training?
Click here.
Q6. Do you certify doulas?
Yes we do! Our certification process is comprehensive and straight-forward.
Q7. What are your certification requirements?
-Required Reading and Viewing list with summaries.
(A minimum of 2 thorough paragraphs on each item
)
-A minimum of 5 books from the Pregnancy/Birth/Newborn list
-A minimum of 1 book from the Breastfeeding list
-All videos listed
-Complete skills check-off list
-Attend 2 births and write birth summaries.
-Include what your role was as a doula, your thoughts on the support you gave, what you feel you did well, and what you would like to improve on.
(In order for your births to count toward certification they must occur after your skills workshop.)
-Records of two births with client evaluations
(Birth record sheet is a document is in the Facebook group)
-Attend a Childbirth Education Class series
(list the class and the instructor)
-Create a resource list (Curate a list of local trusted professionals that you would refer clients to for lactation, massage, chiropractic, pelvic floor PT, etc)
-Complete the two Comprehensive Questionnaires
(Labor and Breastfeeding)
-One Birth Professional Reference
-Signed HBI mission statement
Q8. What is the required reading list for certification?
View list here.
Q9. Who qualifies as a professional reference?
This would be someone who knows you in the birth community as a doula. This can be a midwife, doctor, nurse, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, or fellow doula, for example.
Q10. How much does the training and certification cost?
The training is $700-$750.
Q11. What is your cancellation policy?
The deposit is non-refundable. Refunds for extenuating circumstances will be given on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations can be made by emailing hello@harborbirthinstitute.com and we will process the cancellation for you.
Q12. How do I submit my certification?
When all your certification tasks are completed, please email us at hello@harborbirthinstitute.com
We will give you further instruction at that time.
