Testimonials from Parents and Birth Professionals
Birth Doula Training Testimonials
As a doula, I’ve always had a level of difficulty assisting mothers to go to those deep places inside of themselves before their births in order to help them prepare for those deep places in labor. I’ve often asked myself, “How do I convey to mothers what they’re missing out on by choosing to medicate themselves?” On an intuitive level, I knew that it all has something to do with a fear of “going there”. But that fear extended into my inability to approach such a far-reaching subject with the families I worked with… What I didn’t expect [in the BWI training] was an intensive space to lead me through the process a person must go through while they’re pregnant. I was forced to confront how the fear of “going there” affected me, the things it holds me back from doing as a birth worker as well as a mother, and consider how that transfers into the work I do… I appreciate what BirthWorks does to address the universality of the higher and deeper barriers that all birthing mothers face. It’s the first approach I’ve come across that I feel satisfies my deep need to take mothers “there”. The BirthWorks approach to childbirth education is intuitive in that it frames something impossible to explain in the best possible way for somebody to prepare for it. I’m excited to put it into action.
Stephanie Lynn Tanner
Birth Doula Training
What students say about our birth doula trainings
Personally, I walked away with peace and confidence in my ability to help women through their birth journey. Thank you BirthWorks!
birth doula student, Texas, USA
I loved the pelvic bodywork; being able to experience the room and space of the pelvic out-let this wasn’t a picture or pelvic model—it was my body.
birth doula student, Washington, USA
BirthWorks opened up new paths of communication between my husband and myself. We owe a great deal to BirthWorks.
birth doula student, Ohio, USA
I just want to say that this doula certification has given me such an amazing grounding for my future work as a midwife. I have learned so much and have learned what I intend to focus my work on and I know the questions I need to ask and the limits I need to push. I wish every student midwife would do this course before the degree as it has really opened my eyes to what is truly important and how we can make such a large difference with only our mind, heart and hands. I have been given a confidence in the innate ability to birth and be born that my fellow midwifery students do not yet have and I have to thank you for giving me that. I believe the confidence I have gained will allow me to empower women to have the same confidence in themselves. I will always be thinking back to this work. It has become my foundation. Thank you.
Amy Russell, Midwife
Birth Doula Training
The experiences I had while attending the BirthWorks Doula Workshop far exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t big flip charts and diagrams and lots of note-taking. What we experienced that weekend went so much deeper. It not only fed our minds, it went beyond to touch our spirits.
birth doula student, Wisconsin, USA
Birth Doula Training
The workshop was much more than I expected. I feel as though I have gained so much knowledge in just a few days. The role plays really helped me to see what it would be like in many different birthing situations.
Birth Doula student from New Zealand
I was really drawn to the “birth is ancient”, and the “something we are born to do” philosophy.
student from New Zealand
Birth Doula Training
No other organization offered the spiritual/ philosophical training methodology with its unique human values approach comparable to what I found in BirthWorks, so this was the pivotal reason for my decision to become a BirthWorks Birth Doula.
Certified BWI Birth Doula, Maryland, USA
I loved the pelvic bodywork; being able to experience the room and space of the pelvic out-let this wasn’t a picture or pelvic model—it was my body.
birth doula student, Washington, USA
BirthWorks opened up new paths of communication between my husband and myself. We owe a great deal to BirthWorks.
birth doula student, Ohio, USA
Postpartum Doula Training Testimonials
Childbirth Educator Training
My experience at the Childbirth Educator Workshop was extremely moving. The turtleneck exercise – WOW !!! To actually watch that exercise – it’s so beautiful! I could see a baby trying to find its way – and it also makes me think about how the mother finally finds the most logical way for her to birth her baby!
Debra Mendelson, BWI Certified Childbirth Educator, USA
Childbirth Classes
The morning of day three of the workshop was unbelievable. Personally, it has made a major difference in my life and attitude towards my family.
student from Oklahoma, USA
Childbirth Classes
I was convinced through experiencing exercises in the workshop that women can learn to let themselves give birth without being taught a lot about specific birthing behaviors.
BWI Certified Childbirth Educator, New Jersey, USA
Childbirth Classes
The most valuable part was learning how to facilitate the grieving and healing exercise. I was surprised at how intense the workshop was for me.
student from Pennsylvania, USA
Childbirth Classes
I was drawn to Birth Works for the philosophy that every woman is born with the knowledge of how to give birth, the pelvic work and the prenatal interviewing. This course was so much more than I expected. The ‘hands on’ nature of the pelvic work made the knowledge unforgettable. Practicing labor and birth positions, physical comfort measures, and role playing birth situations was confronting, touching and hilarious in turns. I hadn’t expected the learnings to impact all areas of my life. I feel like it has transformed me as a person. After the first day I already felt like I was a better mother and wife. I was, completely unexpectedly, moved to tears during our discussion of the simple value of voice, heart and hands. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to learn with and from yourself and the fun and beautiful circle of women who attended.
student from Wisconsin, USA
Childbirth Classes
I have already given birth to seven children, and perhaps thought that because of my birth experiences, I would be a shoe-in for a qualified childbirth educator. The workshop proved to be a humbling time for me as I realized areas in my life that need to be addressed in order for healing and wholeness to take place. I feel that I have been given the tools I need to further process these experiences and rise above them with a sense of victory. I now realize more of what it means to help a woman connect with her mind, body and spirit as she prepares for the birth of her baby
student from Wisconsin, USA
Childbirth Classes
I was looking for something meaningful that I could do while still being available to my children. I look forward to being a resource for couples, and providing what I know is going to make their (birth) experience more conscious, pleasant and memorable.
BWI Certified Childbirth Educator, Oklahoma, UK
Childbirth Classes
My first BirthWorks Educator Workshop was truly transformational and challenged many ideas and thoughts that I previously had about birth. It has helped me develop more faith and confidence in birth and in women’s bodies to birth as well as in myself to serve childbearing women and their families. Regardless of what method of childbirth you ascribe to or your ideas about birth, BirthWorks will be beneficial for anyone serving childbearing women
student from Minnesota, USA
Childbirth Classes
Choosing a childbirth education program has been a struggle for me, until I found BirthWorks International. Some programs place a heavy value on one “method” over another. Some will provide tools parents need to cope with a birth at a home or at a hospital but rarely will help women develop a universal “know-how” and help them trust in their gut instincts. I spent a great deal of time searching for a program that would prepare mothers for whatever path their birth journey took. I looked for a program that helped women create trust in their bodies, instill confidence in their partners to best support them and to remove the fear of birth that our culture has created today. I am happy to have found this training through BirthWorks International.
Ashley Collins, NC, USA
Childbirth Classes
Personally, I walked away with peace and confidence in my ability to help women through their birth journey. Thank you BirthWorks!
student from Texas, USA
Childbirth Classes
The workshop and classes met needs that I didn’t even know I had, and the emotional preparation provided learning for birth and for life
student from Ohio, USA
Childbirth Classes
Yes, becoming certified as a BirthWorks teacher was a lot of work, but I am proud of the quality of my training and I’m confident that I can make a real difference in the lives of birthing parents.
BWI Certified Childbirth Educator, Wisconsin, USA
Childbirth Classes
ACED Testimonials from students in our Accelerated Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula Trainings
I am so thankful to have found Cathy and BWI. I have been doing birthwork for three years and have been on the fence on certification. The stars aligned and finally I feel like I have found community, mentorship, and an organization that is in alignment with my beliefs on birth being sacred. I am thankful to Cathy for sharing so much of her wisdom and to the cohort of amazing women for sharing their knowledge too. I am grateful to sit at the feet of my elders and of the women doing this work. I feel excited and directed to continue on may path. Thank you so much Cathy and BWI.
Julianna Winer, CD, RYT Full Spectrum Doula Reproductive Health Educator Yoga Teacher San Diego, CA, USA, April 2024
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
Thanks for coming all the way to New Zealand to share with us your passion! It’s inspiring to meet people like you Cathy! It gave me trust and faith in my ability to give birth to my baby.
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
I benefited from the mix of modalities: AV, lecture, small group discussions from women’s related personal experience, and multisensory experiences of content. Thank you so much for a fabulous workshop and your personal hospitality.
student from New Mexico, USA
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
The ACED Workshop was very informative and intense. I liked our smaller class because we had a lot of great time to connect.
student from Pennsylvania, USA
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
The BirthWorks ACED workshop experience was beyond descriptive words and holds a special place in my heart, an experience that reached me deeper than I could have imagined. Truly a cherished experience.
student from Virginia, USA
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
The ACED Workshop met all my needs and even those I didn’t know I had! The pace of the workshop was very good – not too fast or slow. It was very comprehensive in all ways: modeling class activities, returning to philosophy, using energy, techniques and human values, and more. Thank you so much. This has all been fantastic!
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
The ACED Workshop was so much more than I had expected, even more holistic and positive. I loved the pelvic body work, feelings, the Breast is Best DVD, work about mothers, grief –all of it! Thank you for an amazing workshop.
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
I’m so happy that the ACED Workshop focused on love and energy and I am very excited that many of the techniques are based on intuition as well as the learning we gained as students. I also loved the hands-on experiential approach to learning that is novel! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I am so excited and feel so driven and inspired to grow as a doula and childbirth educator.
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
The ACED Workshop went further than I thought with the practical exercises, sharing with the group, art work, discussions over videos, role games. I feel more prepared to give a class and be a doula than I thought I would.
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
Thank you for this wonderful experience! I feel I have the opportunity to put a lifetime of experiences to wonderful use with this ACED Workshop as a foundation to help bring about wonderful birthing experiences for months to come.
student from New Zealand
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
Birthworks ACED course was really good. You learn a lot about how to teach childbirth education as well as how to be a great doula. The variety of knowledge and expertise you are shown is almost too much to remember; so grateful for all the instruction materials provided.
KoKoKares DoulaServices
Accelerated Childbirth Educator Training
Parents who do our Childbirth Preparation say...
-new mother from Washington, DC, USA
“The interactive experiential aspect was so much more than I could have asked for – I feel encouraged and transformed.”
-parent from Pennsylvania, USA
“As a result of BirthWorks, I feel more comfortable and prepared for birth and have an I CAN do this attitude rather than I hope I can do this.”
-mother from Ohio, USA
“I loved the pelvic bodywork; being able to experience the room and space of the pelvic outlet…this wasn’t a picture or pelvic model — it was my body.”
-new mom from WA, USA
-mother from Wyoming, USA
“I wanted to develop the confidence that my wife can succeed in VBAC. The birth was incredible. Thank you BirthWorks!”
-father, Maryland, USA
“We felt better equipped to take an active role in our birth experience, rather than simply let it happen to us. All the topics covered were very valuable. The small class size made it so easy and comfortable asking questions, which was perhaps the most valuable of all.”
-parents from California, USA
“I was surprised to learn how much of an active role the father actually has! I now think my role is very important.”
-father from Vermont, USA
Choosing a childbirth education program has been a struggle for me, until I found BirthWorks International. Some programs place a heavy value on one “method” over another. Some will provide tools parents need to cope with a birth at a home or at a hospital but rarely will help women develop a universal “know-how” and help them trust in their gut instincts. I spent a great deal of time searching for a program that would prepare mothers for whatever path their birth journey took. I looked for a program that helped women create trust in their bodies, instill confidence in their partners to best support them and to remove the fear of birth that our culture has created today. I am happy to have found this training through BirthWorks International.
Ashley Collins, NC, USA
Childbirth Classes
Personally, I walked away with peace and confidence in my ability to help women through their birth journey. Thank you BirthWorks!
student from Texas, USA
Childbirth Classes
The workshop and classes met needs that I didn’t even know I had, and the emotional preparation provided learning for birth and for life
student from Ohio, USA
Childbirth Classes
Yes, becoming certified as a BirthWorks teacher was a lot of work, but I am proud of the quality of my training and I’m confident that I can make a real difference in the lives of birthing parents.
BWI Certified Childbirth Educator, Wisconsin, USA
Childbirth Classes
Testimonials about the BirthWorks Philosophy
participant in multiple workshops from California, USA
BWI Philosophy
Thank you again for coming to California to teach this amazing philosophy of birth. I have been changed by this experience and I am forever grateful to you for that!
Ramona Cording
BWI Philosophy
Until I took BirthWorks classes and workshops, I never understood how human values, when practiced in birth and in life, make such a difference. I feel like a changed person and am excited to practice these values in my life too.
participant from New Zealand
BWI Philosophy
I absolutely love BirthWorks Philosophies, which is what brought me into the program in the first place.
participant from NY, USA
BWI Philosophy
I had heard about BirthWorks International from the women who gave the doula workshop I participated in. Reading about the BWI philosophy, which “provides high quality training that instills confidence that the knowledge about how to give birth already exists within every woman” struck a chord within me. I wanted to be part of this movement. Self-expression played a strong impetus for me. Helping women to find their own voice during the process of giving birth can help them become more empowered in all areas of their lives.
Mali Schwartz
The BirthWorks philosophies are very inspirational. Teaching women that they have the power and knowledge within them to birth their babies is so important in today’s society. I feel as though it is easy to believe that we need the assistance of others and that we are merely vessels and passive participants in birth, but BirthWorks aims to create a different way of thinking.
Nicole Walsh, BWI Certified Childbirth
Hearing Cathy talk about the five human values she mentions in her book and the philosophy of BirthWorks, helped me understand their importance for birth and way beyond. Where there is fear, there can not be love! This is so true for every human being, everywhere around this world, no matter what situation they are in, but especially true for the sacred space and time of birth.
MS
Birthworks has a wonderful philosophy which all women and birth educators and health care providers could use in all birth settings, to help women give birth naturally with confidence and assurance. I believe all women who do a course with Birthworks can come away with so much more knowledge about themselves and their abilities to give birth and be able to enjoy the labour process better.
Ramona Cording
BWI Philosophy
I was so amazed, the day we spoke about human values, I came home to my family and everyone else seemed more beautiful and full of love than they had that morning. The change that consciously moving to my ‘heart’ makes, continues to amaze me!
participant from New Zealand
BWI Philosophy
I absolutely love BirthWorks Philosophies, which is what brought me into the program in the first place.
participant from NY, USA
BWI Philosophy
I had heard about BirthWorks International from the women who gave the doula workshop I participated in. Reading about the BWI philosophy, which “provides high quality training that instills confidence that the knowledge about how to give birth already exists within every woman” struck a chord within me. I wanted to be part of this movement. Self-expression played a strong impetus for me. Helping women to find their own voice during the process of giving birth can help them become more empowered in all areas of their lives.
Mali Schwartz
The BirthWorks philosophies are very inspirational. Teaching women that they have the power and knowledge within them to birth their babies is so important in today’s society. I feel as though it is easy to believe that we need the assistance of others and that we are merely vessels and passive participants in birth, but BirthWorks aims to create a different way of thinking.
Nicole Walsh, BWI Certified Childbirth
Hearing Cathy talk about the five human values she mentions in her book and the philosophy of BirthWorks, helped me understand their importance for birth and way beyond. Where there is fear, there can not be love! This is so true for every human being, everywhere around this world, no matter what situation they are in, but especially true for the sacred space and time of birth.
MS
To me, BirthWorks is a foundational program for learning about the potential and experience of birth from an empowered and informed perspective. Too many women today are unaware of or have lost sight of how important preparing for birth is on the birth and postpartum experience, not only for the woman, but for the baby and family as well. BirthWorks invites women and their partners to participate in the birth experience and subsequently realize this potential.
SD from NY, USA
BWI Philosophy
BirthWorks offers a unique perspective because it is grounded in human values. The core of the knowledge and participation in pregnancy and birth is with the woman herself, and as such she should be the one included and trusted to make the best decisions for herself and her baby. I appreciate this approach because it’s also something that we should incorporate in our everyday life as well… I’ve grown more acquainted with BirthWorks and the philosophies and human values approach, it has inspired me and helped to keep me grounded as a birthworker. I am reminded that the only expert in a woman’s birth is the woman herself. No birthworker is an expert.
AM
BWI Philosophy
I work for a management consulting firm that causes transformation in executives and businesses, and on our staff retreat this week I shared with the team the impact you had on me through BirthWorks by empowering me to trust my body, to explore the sources of my values, and also by helping me transform my birth experiences, claiming them for all the gifts they held. We say that to transform an experience is to give people a new frame of reference. You were instrumental in shaping and blessing my view of myself, my family, and my life, and I will always be grateful for you.
NC
BWI Philosophy
BirthWorks believes in the power of women and their capability to birth, honoring intuition and connection to their own body and their babies. It also empowers women in the best way to believe in themselves, and to understand and trust if and when medical support is (or is not) the best choice. To me, the BirthWorks Experience is about women re-connected to their divine power and innate capabilities – this is deeply needed and must be part again of our ideology and conversation about birth, and even more than that, needs to be the norm.
- CMT from Florida, USA
Be part of
The BirthWorks Experience!
This unique approach is values-driven, with heart and spirit informing the Philosophy. It believes in the power of women and their power to birth. We honor their intuitive connection to their own body and babies. Mothers discover the instinctual knowledge within of how to birth their babies. This all-encompassing program focusing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual preparation during pregnancy and labor allows them to embrace it all fully and prepare for the entire birth experience.
