Introduction to Birthkeeping and a Brief History of Childbirth Practices
This course explores how politics, economics, and a male-dominated system have shaped childbirth practices throughout history - stripping birthing women of autonomy, obscuring their understanding of natural physiological processes, and turning birth into a source of profit. What was once a sacred, woman-centered experience has been systematically controlled, affecting not only mothers but their babies - and, by extension, the fabric of our entire society.
We will examine how the rise of the Birthkeeper - akin to the doula but rooted in a deeper reclamation of wisdom - may hold the key to restoring balance, agency, and reverence in childbirth. This course lays the essential foundation for the training series, illuminating why it is vital that we, as Birthkeepers, step forward in this pivotal moment of human history to reclaim birth as the sacred, powerful act it was always meant to be.
This is COURSE 1 of FIVE Courses that comprise the full
Nirvanic Birthkeeper and Doula Training Series
(for a free preview of the course - Module 2 Lesson 1 is unlocked)
(this Series fulfills the requirements for the educational element for cerification as a Perinatal Doula in the state of Pennsylvania - with Course 5 offering a complete guide to navigating the certification process)
Meet your instructor
I gave birth to my first baby in 1984 and began attending the births of other women shortly afterwards. Then in 2001, I had my first homebirth and was shocked at how different an experience it was.
It was from that point on that I began my training as a professional Birthkeeper - dedicated primarily to sharing information about what I believe is the true essence of childbirth, and how it may be the missing link that we are looking for as we move towards a world that operates through compassion, peace and sustainability.
I believe it’s the greatest “womens issue” - in fact may be the greatest “human rights issue” we are dealing with today.
I began my work then to learn as much as I could to be well equipped to support other women through what I believe may be the greatest ritual of initiation in life. And it is with this lens that I bring my lessons to you.
I draw from my own personal experience of giving birth 7 times (4 times in the hospital, 3 at home), breastfeeding for a cumulative of 25 years, as well as attending births over the course of 40 years and bring that experience together with all that I’ve learned over the years from other Birthkeepers, evidence based research - and mostly from the women I’ve served.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment by bringing you these lessons with hope that you will also feel a sense of enlightenment, as I did when I learned the truth of the power of childbirth.
FAQs
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No prior experience is required. The courses are designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of birth - whether you are a new learner, an expectant parent, or an experienced birthworker seeking to expand your perspective. -
Each course can be taken on its own. However, completing all five courses qualifies you for the full Birthkeeper Training Certificate through Nirvanic Birth.
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This training fulfills the training portion requirement for certification as a Perinatal Doula in the state of Pennsylvania. That means if you are working toward state certification, these courses can serve as your formal education pathway. For those outside of Pennsylvania, the certificate can also strengthen your professional portfolio as a Birthkeeper or Doula and may meet requirements for other certifying organizations, depending on their guidelines.
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This training goes beyond techniques - it integrates history, physiology, emotional awareness, and cultural understanding, blending both academic knowledge and heart-centered wisdom. The focus is on empowering both mothers and Birthkeepers with agency, respect, and transformative tools. For those in the state of Pennsylvania, it includes a step by step guide to apply for your state certification.