Educator pathways

There are various pathways to follow your dream and passion to become a childbirth educator, or birth and parenting educator. Here are a few facts and ideas to get you started: 

Things you should know

The following list is not exhaustive and only contains suggestions for you to explore.  There may be other excellent courses for you.

Childbirth And Parenting Educators of Australia, Inc (CAPEA) 

  • Provides short 2-4 day workshops in adult learning and group facilitation
  • Require presumed knowledge of pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding, role of support people, becoming new parents and Australian maternity care systems. 

Presented irregularly in various states, so check our Calendar for Educators.

LARGE PUBLIC MATERNITY SERVICES with a Birth and Parenting Education Service may offer short or longer courses in adult learning and group facilitation, predominantly for health professionals from that area health service. Examples include Enquire at a large public health maternity service near you.

CAPEA does NOT recommend or endorse any particular course or provider listed below unless noted.

Lamaze International has existed in USA for over 60 years. Educator training has been available in Australia since 2016 through Birthwell Birthright, and open to all interested in maternity care, with additional components for those not currently working as registered health professionals in this area. Those who complete all the components may apply for international Lamaze Certification. The mission of Lamaze International is to advance safe and healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting through evidence-based education and advocacy. Their vision is “knowledgeable parents making informed decisions.”   This training course has been endorsed by CAPEA.

Hypnobirthing Australia provides a widely used and accessible childbirth education program.  Mothers and their birth partners are prepared with the knowledge, confidence and tools for a calm and empowered birth experience. Face-to-face and online course options are available for all types of births – the focus is on a positive birth experience. Childbirth Educator Training is also available in locations throughout Australia and online – click here for further information and dates. 

HypnoBirthing International – The Mongan Method – started in USA in 1990, now backed by over 27 years of experience, research and impressive results around the world.  The Australian Faculty of HypnoBirthing International has been in Australia since 2000, and provides practitioner and childbirth educator training with an Australian perspective that meets internationally recognised Certification as a HypnoBirthing International Practitioner.  HypnoBirthing International teaches the birthing mother to tap into and follow her body’s own wisdom; mothers learn how to follow their body’s own instincts, while the birth partner learns how to support mum for an easier and calmer birth. 

Calmbirth ® was developed to educate and empower pregnant couples so that they may experience pregnancy, labour and childbirth with the tools necessary for the most positive outcome.  It provides training programs for Calmbirth ® facilitators, all of whom must also hold a current, relevant, Australian professional health registration. 

Childbirth International – USA-based, offers flexible on-line training programs that fit in with your family, your work and your busy life. 

Doula Courses

Doulas provide a range of support to expectant parents that may include facilitating birth and parenting education groups. See Australian Doula College and Birth Right or try an internet search for ‘doula college’. 

Yoga Courses

Yoga groups that specialise in providing care and classes for pregnant women and new mothers. The internet will help you find providers nationally that train yoga practitioners to facilitate pre- and post-natal groups.  

Lactation Courses to support breastfeeding mothers and her family

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) conducts several AQF Certificate-level training courses

Australasian Lactation Courses conduct a self-directed course, targeting especially those providing education and counselling within their organisation

Health-e-learning was started in Brisbane, Australia, now conducted from Canada and available online

Training programs to support new parents

Bringing Baby Home © workshops are based on research by John & Julie Gottman to prepare couples for life with a new baby. Accredited Trainers of this acclaimed program are available in Australia.

Circle of Security © is a relationship based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Training courses for facilitators available in Australia.  

Triple P ® gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them confidently manage their children’s behaviour, prevent problems developing and build strong, healthy relationships. Triple P is currently used in 25 countries and has been shown to work across cultures, socio-economic groups and in all kinds of family structures. Training courses for facilitators available in Australia. 

Certificate IV in Training and Education  

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