birth attendant training

Through time and across cultures, birthing wisdom has always brought forward women who feel drawn to working with birthing energy; women whose experiences open them to the transformational possibilities of birthing; women whose heart’s calling is to offer support to birthing women.

This nine-month course seeks to honour and support this heart’s calling.

2025

content and structure

(All sessions 9.30am – 5.30pm)

Initiatory Weekend – March 15th & 16th

Sharing birth stories. Personal reflection on what draws you to this work.

Session 1 - March 27th

Introduction to Course Process

Strengths & Values

‘being with’ & therapeutic presence

Session 2 - April 17th

Physical Process of Birth

Flow of labour. Birth hormones. Active Birth principles.

Session 3 - May 15th

Physical Support - (apprentice session)

Massage. Acupressure. Robozo. Labour Positions.

Session 4 - June 19th

Psychological Dynamics of Birth I

Mandala process: concept, theory and practical application.

Session 5 - July 17th

Psychological Dynamics of Birth II

How might a woman’s life story resonate in the birth?

Shame. Trauma. Regression.

Session 6 - August 21st

Pain: path to transformation

Crisis of confidence: social/cultural

Physiological vs pathological pain

Session 7 - September 18th

Birth Support Work I

Working with pain vs pain relief.

Water immersion. Birth Circuit

Session 8 - October 16th

Birth Support Work II - (apprentice session)

Networking. Peer Support.

Doula Business Issues

Session 9 - November 20th

Honouring Meaning of Birth

Birth as ‘rite of passage’.

Archetypes of birth. Healing work.

Session 10 - December 11th

Personal Journey

Ethical issues. Inspiration.

Personal wellbeing & reflection.

Application Requirements & process

1. Submit Application form

2. Phone Interview (date/time to be advised)

3. Deposit payment on acceptance

Course Expectations

Reading component: Directed self-learning

Written requirements: Book report; Birth report;

Personal reflective essay.

Reflecting on birth stories and videos

Attendance at two births

Journal process for self-reflection

Observation and participation in Rhea’s classes and workshops

Payment Schedule 2025

Cost: $3800 ($380 x 10 payments)

$380 Deposit on acceptance

$380 Due 1st of the month for x9 months, April - December

Birth attendant, doula work is, at its heart, about ‘being with’.

To feel ourselves in the presence of others –

- to be attuned to shifts in energy, attention and feelings within ourselves

- to witness and honour the stories and experiences of others by being fully present to them and our shared energy exchange in the moment

My training is grounded in the deeper mysterious connections that arise within an oxytocin suffused birth space …

sitting in a dedicated circle with sisters allows a type of experiential immersion in this magic.

I look forward to sharing this magic with you

Rhea x

If the 2025 course works for you, please complete this application by the 17th February 2025.

Phone interviews will be conducted by the 18th February 2025

Course numbers finalised by the 20th February 2025

‘I would like to take the opportunity to formally thank you Rhea. Sitting in the circle with you this year has been a great honour and an absolute pleasure. I have learned a lot about myself and also much about the multi-dimensional aspects of woman. These have been invaluable to me. I am appreciative of your life’s work, and know that you have planted much goodness and integrity, beauty and wisdom in every sharing and teaching seed you have planted deep within the hearts of those that have been awakened to the Birthing Wisdom you provide’ — Simone

‘Rhea’s information about wild cards, circles of influence, connection with instincts, archetypal forces, ego dissolution, bio-psycho-social influences, functional, purposeful pain, embracing the intensity and hearing the training groups births and journeys have all helped me piece together mind-body connections. The complex facets of birthing women are a never-ending pool of curiosity and wonderment to me’ — Mary

Birth Attendant Training 2025