Doula Beginnings

15/06/2026

There's a question I get asked all the time.

"What actually IS a birth doula?"

And I love that people are asking it — because once you understand what a doula truly does, you realise just how much of a difference one person can make in that room.

I've spent over 35 years supporting families through birth and training the next generation of doulas. And I can tell you this: the families who have a trained doula beside them don't just have better births. They have an experience they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

If you've ever found yourself thinking — "I want to do that work" — this article is a good place to start.

It covers what a birth doula actually does, how doula training works in Australia and New Zealand, and what it takes to build a practice that's truly your own.

https://doulabeginnings.com.au/what-is-a-birth-doula/

If you have questions, my door is always open. Send me a DM with your email and I will send you a link to book a no pressure, friendly chat to answer all of your questions.

A birth doula offers emotional, physical and informational support through labour and birth. Learn what the role involves and how to train with Australia's only DONA-approved trainer.

13/06/2026

Want to find out more about Doula Beginnings birth and postpartum doula training opportunities in New Zealand and Australia?

Click on the link to register for the 'Learn, Ask & Connect' free Zoom webinar on June 18th at 7pm (Melbourne time)

https://doulabeginnings.myflodesk.com/hras7ygvll

27/05/2026

Ready to become a DONA International certified birth &/or postpartum doula?

Doula Beginnings training is now open for our next intake - whether you want an in-person connection or flexible virtual learning, you are in the right place. You’ll gain practical skills, confidence, a framework for calm, respectful support and 12 months FREE mentorship (plus lots more.....) as you take the journey to becoming a DONA International certified birth &/or postpartum doula.

Comment 'TRAINING' and I’ll send you the info pack.

15/05/2026

Discovery calls aren’t about “convincing” someone.
They’re about creating safety, understanding what the family needs, and checking if you’re the right fit.

Here are 10 questions to guide a great discovery call:

* What are you hoping for in your birth support?
* What would make you feel most supported during labour?
* What are your biggest concerns right now?
* Who will be on your birth team (partner, family, providers)?
* Have you had any previous birth experiences you’d like to share?
* What kind of communication feels best for you?
* What would you love me to know about you as a person?
* What does postpartum support look like in your home (help, visitors, meals)?
* What are your values around decision-making and advocacy?
* What would make you say “yes” to working together?

Let me know in the comments what your favourite go to questions are.

13/05/2026

If you’ve ever worried about “saying the wrong thing” or stepping on toes in the birth space, this is your reminder: confidence comes from clarity.

A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

A doula does not replace the medical team, diagnose, or make decisions for clients.

When you’re clear on scope, you can support families with calm professionalism and strong boundaries.

Comment SCOPE and I’ll send you a simple scope-and-boundaries checklist you can keep in your doula toolkit.

11/05/2026

Ever wondered what doulas actually do?
A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The impact can be huge - not because we “take over,” but because we help families feel safe, supported, and empowered.

5 reasons to train as a doula:
* You help improve birth experiences through steady, continuous support
* You learn practical comfort measures and partner coaching tools
* You support informed decisions and respectful communication
* You understand postpartum needs and help families feel less overwhelmed
* You step into meaningful work with flexible pathways for growth

Our Virtual Birth + Postpartum Doula Training begins 16 May 2026.

Interested in finding out more - message me for all the details

11/05/2026

DONA International approved Birth & Postpartum Doula Training is open for enrolment.

If you’ve been wanting to become DONA certified but you’re worried you’ll start… and not finish… this training was built for you.

This isn’t “just a workshop.”
It’s training plus 12 months of ongoing support so you can stay on track toward completing your certification requirements with confidence.

What’s included:
* 12 months free Doula Beginnings membership
* Weekly mentor meetings
* Monthly masterclass
* Your bio featured on our Find a Doula page
* DONA membership and certification fees paid by Doula Beginnings

Choose your intake:
* Virtual: 16 May, 9am AEST
* In-person: 29 June, 9am (Palmerston North, New Zealand)
* In-person: 21 September, 9am (Brisbane, Australia)

Ready to take your next step?
Tap the link in bio to book a chat for all the details and to enrol.

If you have a question, message me.

04/05/2026

If you're researching doula training in Australia or New Zealand, the most important thing to understand is what sits behind the certification you choose.

DONA International has been the global benchmark for doula training since 1992. It's the world's largest doula certification organisation — evidence-based, internationally recognised, and backed by an ongoing Standards and Ethics framework. It's not a course you complete once and forget. It's a credential that travels with you throughout your career.

Carolyn Tranter is the only DONA-approved doula trainer in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. Training with Doula Beginnings means your certification carries DONA International's name — and that means something to the midwives, obstetricians, and families you'll work with.

I've written a complete guide to the DONA pathway — what's involved, how long it takes, and what it looks like to build a practice from it.

Read it here → https://doulabeginnings.com.au/blogs/how-to-become-a-birth-doula/