Our Story
About Childbirth International
Childbirth International was born in 1998. There were few options for training as a doula, childbirth educator, or lactation counselor at the time. You could choose a two-day workshop, but we saw many birth and lactation professionals who didn’t feel prepared or ready for the challenges of their role. We wanted to up the game. To help people feel confident in their skills and knowledge and to be able to learn in a supportive environment. And we wanted to make training more accessible for those with families, jobs, and lives outside work!
A Different Way Of Training
But how to do this? How could we reach people who lived in areas where training wasn’t available? People in rural areas, people who worked full time or didn’t have childcare. People who wanted more than just the basics and to feel prepared, confident, and professional in their role. We looked at the skills and competencies important in working with families. What made the difference? We discovered that families feel strong and empowered when they have knowledge. But they also need tools to know how to use that knowledge to meet their needs. Birth and lactation professionals need time to absorb knowledge and reflect on their work. The time just isn’t available in two days! We realized that our training would need to be different. We didn’t just change the rules but changed the game!
Our story began with recognizing training as a journey rather than a destination. A journey where the focus is on personal growth and building competency rather than simply receiving a certificate. A journey that pairs students and trainers to walk the path together for as long as it takes. Access to a global peer community continues even after you complete your training.
Childbirth International’s Growth
Our first courses in 1998 were for Birth Doulas and Childbirth Educators. In 2008, we added Postpartum Doula and Lactation Counselor courses. Over the past 20 years, reproductive healthcare has changed. More technology and interventions are used, and more rules exist within the healthcare system.
Technology has also allowed clients to become aware of their options, seek out support, and communicate faster with others. The birth and lactation profession has changed. People want to have successful businesses and take part in lifelong learning to become even more skilled. Childbirth International has risen to these challenges by expanding our course offerings and giving our students more options. Our business course supports you in growing your business (included in our full certification courses). Advanced modules on various topics provide continuing education opportunities to develop specialist skills and build your professional portfolio. We’ve also seen a growing interest in health professionals wanting to learn more about supporting families effectively. We’ve responded to this with the launch of professional development programs.
Accreditation
Childbirth International has a long history of recognised accreditation. We were previously accredited with distinction by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), reflecting our commitment to high standards in education. The only doula & lactation counselor training program to be recognized with distinction.
In 2025, we chose to pursue accreditation with Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to more accurately reflect who we are and how we operate today — an international education provider grounded in adult learning, curriculum integrity, and continuous improvement. This shift aligns our accreditation with educational excellence rather than professional licensure, supporting our global and interdisciplinary community of learners.
About Childbirth International
A Different Way of Training
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- What Makes Us Different?
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- Our Story
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- Our Inititives
Explore the initiatives shaping our work and learn how we’re supporting better outcomes for families, students and birth professionals worldwide.
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- Meet Our Team
Learn from experienced birth professionals who bring practical knowledge, global perspective and genuine support to your training.
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- Our Values
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