I am completing the Optimum Birth training as well. I agree - Chris, Kelly and Melanie are movers and shakers and wonderful, warm, dynamic women. Can you imagine a room full of women like them at the annual Doula conference? It was awesome. Next year it will be in Perth ....
The course is well set out, thorough and you can do it at your own pace. I think whether you do CBI or OB, there is still opportunity to get together with other Birth workers and every time that happens, you learn and absorb so much.
Best wishes for your journey