Manitoba Association for Childbirth and Family Education

Become a Doula

MACFE offers Doula training workshops once or twice a year for those people interested in providing consistent emotional support to women during labour and birth.

The training consists of a minimum of 25 hours of classroom instruction that cover a wide range of topics including general pregnancy concerns, signs and stages of labour, comfort measures for pain management, unexpected outcomes, emotional aspects of labour, Cæsarean sections and VBAC's, birth plans, breastfeeding, and much more. Classes are offered in small groups to allow for optimal learning and participants are required to complete an extensive reading list prior to training.

Upon completion of our Doula Training, if you are interested in becoming a Doula with MACFE, you may request an interview. Contact the Doula Coordinator for more information on how to arrange an interview.

All applicants are required to submit a brief essay (500 words) outlining their previous experience with birth and also sharing why they want to become a Doula. Please note that you will also be required to produce a recent (no more than 6 months prior to the end of the Doula Training) Criminal Record Check as well as a Child Abuse Registry check.

Successful applicants will sign a volunteer contract outlining MACFE's mandate and standards of care and will be required to attend Continuing Education Evenings as part of their on-going learning. (Continuing Education evenings are held approximately 6 times a year, from September to June). These meetings provide a great opportunity for our volunteers to update their knowledge and skills, as well as connect with other MACFE members and groups outside of our organization.

If you think that you or someone you know may be interested in attending our next Doula training workshop, let us know!! You can now register online.

Doula Training:

Fall 2011 Doula Training Dates:

November 25th, 26th & 27th (Friday evening, all day Saturday, all day Sunday) plus Thursday, December 1st and Thursday, December 15th. Times are as follows:

Evening sessions: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Daytime sessions: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

A doula night will also be included as a part of the training.

Doula Reading List

* Please note: The price for our doula trainings is $300, payable in two instalments of $150 each, the first one due upon registration, the second due 6 weeks prior to the workshop. If you need to make other payment arrangements, please contact treasurer@manitobachildbirth.com.

Please email us at macfe@mymts.net for more information, or, If you would like to speak to someone or register for the doula training, please contact Julie at 204-946-5226 or register online.

Why Choose MACFE’s Doula Training?

Do you have a passion for pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding? Both the birth of a family, and/or the growth of a family, is an important event in our lives. Do you want to make a difference for women and families during these important life changes? There are many organizations that can train a Doula. Here are some things to consider when choosing the training you will take.

MACFE is the oldest childbirth organization in Manitoba. We have years of experience working with birthing families in Winnipeg and Manitoba. We are a volunteer-run, non-profit organization that is a vital component in our community.
MACFE membership and a subscription to our quarterly journal, The Birth Vine is included in the cost of your training fee. Members are able to utilize our ever-growing library of books and magazines, dealing with pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting.
Our course is taught by local instructors who are practicing Doulas and childbirth educators, who have an intimate knowledge and understanding of our birthing climate – what it's really like in our area. Birthing practices vary greatly from province to province.... why not take a course that has been created for and pertains entirely to your community? Our curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accurate information in our ever-evolving birthing community.
MACFE offers the opportunity to volunteer for our organization, side-by-side with seasoned Doulas, and gain from their experience and knowledge. MACFE Doulas have the chance to become involved in activities where you can meet and make connections & friendships with others who have the same energy and passion as you do surrounding pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
MACFE holds continuing education meetings regularly, to share and gather information and to network with others who care passionately about pregnancy and childbirth. Some recent topics include: water birth, easing the immediate postpartum transition for mom & babe, and couples' experience with a Doula. We have had Doulas, midwives, chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals share their knowledge on many topics, as well as debriefing, experience sharing and fun 'video nights'.
MACFE runs an active referral service for women seeking the support of a doula. These women are matched, according to their needs, with MACFE-trained members.

Already Trained as a Doula?

You can join our busy & exciting organization and gain some more valuable knowledge and experience, and meet others as excited about birth as you, by attending our 'fast track' program, designed for previously trained doulas.

"If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
- Dr. John Kennell, Mothering the Mother