“Getting to know the Labor Room” is back!

United Hospital in St. Paul (just 2 miles from the workshop sight) has graciously opened their doors to the workshop group! We will be doing a short tour of Labor and Delivery, spending time in an actual labor room; learning where things are, how to work the beds, shower and tub use, use of the labor balls and labor room etiquette.

Workshop Dates for 2023

I am taking a break for the rest of 2023 while I work on my curriculum and updating workshop materials. I look forward to meeting you in 2024. Workshop dates should be posted by mid December. Thank you, Marla

Going forward, I will no longer be offering certification thru DONA International. You will receive a certificate of training which will be accepted by most/all doula programs or internships.

Prerequisites

If you have little to no experience in childbirth, I would recommend reading "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn", by Penny Simkin.

Required Reading: "The Doula Book" and "The Birth Partner".

Marla is awesome! I so appreciate her medical knowledge and motherly wisdom. I learned so much in our weekend together and feel very thankful for the experience! -Becky (Labor and Delivery RN of 30+ years)

"It was a great learning experience and it was worth the wait. I would recommend Marla as an instructor." -Nancy

"Marla is one of the best teachers I have ever had!" I learned so much and can not wait to get started. How lucky the doula community is to have her." -Beth

"After a weekend of Marla's expertise and insight, I was totally ready to put myself out there and start taking births, which is exactly what I am doing." -Julie

"I found Marla's doula training to be comprehensive, easily accessible, and fun! I highly recommend Marla without any hesitation whatsoever." -Sue

"Thank you, Marla, for such a great training! Thank you for being so giving of yourself and helping us all build our foundation." -Sarah

"Marla was wonderful. Feel so fortunate to have had her for a teacher and would encourage others to be instructed by her." -Martha

"Marla was awesome, it is a gift for her to share her knowledge and experience. I most loved her stories that were as true a lesson as the material itself." -Heather

"Marla's experience was expertly condensed to cover the most important info necessary to start my journey as a doula. I am so thankful I was led to her training." -Elizabeth

"I could tell by her enthusiastic, nurturing presence in class that I would want her to be my doula! Marla has a high level of respect and compassion for childbearing women." -Laurel

"Very receiving, welcomed any questions and answered from knowledge, experience and heart. Gentle and extremely knowledgeable." -Jennifer

"Marla has a distinct sense of honor for pregnant women and its very clear when she tells her stories." -Elizabeth

"Marla's suggestion to create a follow-up group was great! Our class lives on beyond the training weekend ... sharing our first birth stories is amazing." -Susan

"The time spent in the Labor and Delivery room was so helpful! I feel like I know the "guidelines" now and don't feel so intimidated to go to that first birth." -Kim

"I am a first time mother and I don't even regret leaving my 4 month old baby for the whole weekend! Marla was wonderful, from food to attitude." -Dee

Learn From a Doula With Decades of Experience

Marla offers a multifaceted classroom experience that includes classroom lecture in a modern facility, group discussion, activities, videos and the unique experience of learning in an actual hospital delivery room.

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Becoming a birth doula is not without its challenges, however, the rewards are beyond measure. Whether you are looking for a new career or simply looking to enrich the lives of those around you, becoming a birth and/or postpartum doula will empower you.

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