Trish, Doula-ing is certainly gaining momentum down here, but I am still concerned about getting clients when they are paying, but I am sure that as more people benefit from having trainee Doulas, that word is spreading about the positives to having a Doula. The 3 women I have lined up for my training births, are really really enthausiastic about having a Doula, so hopefully with all going well, I will start to get business from word of mouth.

With Optimum Birth, I just found out it used to be twice the price, but you got your modules in hard copy along with a few other resources. It is alot cheaper now, so I have gone about buying other resources ie books, fitball, aromatherapy, DVDs to lend to my clients. I sort of prefer this, cause youc an customise your own resources, and what YOU think is applicable.

They do supply you with computer files for the paperwork to give to your client, and for you till fill out as your records, and I have just customised this to my own style.

With online forums, there aren't that I am aware of, but I have only been doing it for about 6-8 weeks, and I have just got my first invite to a monthly tutorial and then Doula network meeting, so I am really looking forward to that. I have also meet up with another girl at about the same place in her training and we have really hit it off, so we are going to back up for each other and refer to each other when the other can't take a birth for whatever reason.

With other courses, I am not aware ( will do more research) but I have already started looking into the Dip or Childbirth Education, which I think may be through Childbirth International. I will go and have a look, and come back! heheh

By the way, I don't mind at all - I will be picking your brain when I get closer to birthing bubs I am sure! lol

ETA: Trish is it the American site Childbirthinternational that you are looking at the childbirth educator course? How does that translate to Australian qualifications?