We are the professional organization, formerly known as ALACE, providing the same woman-centered training and certification which has exceeded national standards, bridging technical knowledge with a compassionate personal touch.
We have trained over 5000 Birth Doulas since 1983It can be hard to sort out the different doula training programs available. Comparing costs, philosophies
of childbirth and training, and exactly what you will learn from each program can sometimes be a
confusing and daunting task.
The intention of toLabor is to educate and certify professional birth doulas in order that they may help
women and their partners become active
participants in their birth. To learn how to support them so that they may feel a sense of confidence and
power that can be carried forward into their parenting as well as into their daily lives. Pregnancy, labor,
and birth serve a purpose ~ to help prepare the way to raise a child.
toLabor believes that all women benefit from support and resources that will help them be aware of, and
educated about, the options and choices that are available so that they may make informed decisions
concerning their birth experience.
We embrace the evidence that a woman who actively participates in her birth will have a healthier birth
for her baby, herself and her family; physically and emotionally.
We believe that in every birth, there is room for compassion and respect for the process.
We believe this a civil right, a human right. We believe in creating and fostering a community of change.
Additionally:
* toLabor offers the most rigorous doula training program, providing you with a solid base of knowledge
about the physiology of the body and how it works during labor and birth, allowing you to become aware of
what kind of physical support your client may need.
* toLabor has long been recognized for its holistic approach to childbirth. Our instructors are
respected for their incorporation of psychological aspects and mind-body integration in their
classes.
* toLabor respects obstetric procedures as beneficial in some circumstances but potentially
detrimental when applied routinely. We emphasize evidence-based practices, informed consent and
prevention of medically unnecessary interventions as the healthiest choice for babies and women.
* toLabor childbirth professionals help increase parents’ confidence in the natural process of birth.
We teach relaxation and coping tools to work with pain and discomfort, rather than techniques for
avoiding sensation.
* toLabor teaches a form of activism and communication that is based in non-violence. Our
emphasis is on helping the woman and/or her partner to find their voice, to be their own advocate.
We believe change will occur if respect is present and adversarial words and actions are not.
*
toLabor’s doula training program advocates for the midwifery model of care, regardless of care
provider or place of birth (hospital, birth center, or home).
* toLabor’s training gives you the skills and confidence necessary to provide the emotional and
psychological support your clients need.
* toLabor’s program encourages trust in the birth process, respects it as a woman-centered passage,
and is dedicated to supporting women’s birth choices.
“I learned so much in your doula training class. I’m still benefiting from all that I learned that weekend...
things you taught me had a wonderful positive impact on my life.” Vallerie H
“This workshop was such a wonderful, life changing experience. The instructor’s passion, humor, and
professionalism not only led us all on a great journey towards empowering the woman in labor, but also
brought many of us to a higher understanding of our own birth experiences. What a special and invaluable
gift. Thank you for empowering me to empower others.” Melanie H.
“I found that I liked this organization best because they required more to become certified, thus making
sure you knew what you !needed to know.” Tashina M
“Everyone should take this workshop, even if they don’t become a doula. I learned more this weekend
than I did in my childbirth class when I was pregnant!” Shel T
“Amazing! Simply Amazing! Overflowing with wisdom, experience, and strength!” Jessica C
“I really appreciate how much we emphasized the importance of language and how we communicate
when we are assisting at a birth.” Amy M
Tuition activates membership, the 26 hour training workshop, a 200 plus page manual, website listing, invitation to an on-line support group. The tuition is an investment that is returned after attending only one or two births! Requirements
We offer approximately 12 -24 workshops a year: toLabor uses only a very small number of very experienced instructors who teach all of the workshops across the United States and Canada; this ensures the highest quality training with the most consistent curriculum. Calendar
The workshop includes: an introduction to physical assessments, adding an aspect of experiential learning unavailable in other training programs. We believe these experiential exercises serve to enrich and empower all those who attend our workshops. More about Workshops.
We are available to answer questions by phone or email and provide you with support during your doula training and in your professional work with birth. Contact Us