Prepare families. Support birth. Guide the entire journey.
Families often meet their birth professionals in one of two places. Some meet the person who will stand beside them during labor. Others meet the educator who helps them understand what birth might look like.
The Dual Path Training prepares you to do both. Through this combined program, you learn how to guide families through childbirth preparation classes and provide steady, knowledgeable support during labor itself.
It is a thoughtful path for people who want to help families prepare for birth and remain present when the moment arrives.
Perhaps you have been imagining a bigger role in birthwork
You care deeply about how families approach pregnancy and birth. See how important preparation can be. And also recognize how much support matters when labor begins.
You may find yourself wondering:
- What if I could both teach families and support them during birth?
- How do these two roles work together in practice?
- Would combining these skills allow me to serve families more completely?
- How do professionals build a birthwork career that feels both meaningful and sustainable?
Some birth professionals choose one path.
Others discover that the combination of education and labor support allows them to guide families through the entire experience with greater continuity. This training prepares you for that broader role.
“It was one of the most informative, collaborative, affirming and educational trainings I have participated in!” – Workshop Student
The role of a dual-trained birth professional
Professionals who hold both certifications help families across the entire journey into parenthood.
They prepare families during pregnancy through structured childbirth education classes and then provide hands-on support during labor.
This combination allows them to:
- teach families how birth works and what options they may encounter
- guide thoughtful discussions about comfort techniques and decision-making
- support parents during labor with calm presence and practical support
- help partners and support people understand their role
- remain a trusted resource throughout pregnancy and birth
Instead of meeting families at only one stage, dual-trained professionals support preparation and the birth experience itself.
Why combining education and support matters
Families often move between learning and experiencing.
They attend classes during pregnancy. Then they enter labor and try to apply what they learned. When one professional understands both spaces, families often experience greater continuity.
Preparation becomes more meaningful when it is guided by someone who understands labor firsthand. Support during labor becomes more grounded when it grows from thoughtful preparation. For many birth professionals, combining these roles allows them to:
- build stronger relationships with families
- support informed decision-making during pregnancy and birth
- create a more integrated approach to birth preparation and labor support
What you’ll explore in this training
Foundations of childbirth education
You learn how to design and guide childbirth classes that prepare families for pregnancy, labor, and early parenting.
Principles of adult learning
We explore how adults learn best and how to create classes that encourage participation and understanding.
Anatomy, pregnancy, and the labor process
You study the physiology of pregnancy and labor so you can both teach it clearly and recognize what families experience.
Comfort measures and coping strategies
Hands-on practice prepares you to support laboring families with movement, positioning, and comfort techniques.
Birth options and medical interventions
You learn how to explain procedures and choices so families can approach decisions with understanding.
Supporting families during labor
You develop the skills to offer emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the birth process.
Teaching communication and decision-making
You practice helping families understand how to communicate with their care team and advocate for their preferences.
Preparing partners and support people
You learn how to guide partners in meaningful ways during both classes and labor support.
Professional foundations
We discuss responsibilities, ethical boundaries, and the practical aspects of building a birthwork practice.
A comprehensive approach to birth training
The Dual Path workshop offers an integrated learning experience.
Rather than separating education and labor support into different trainings, this program helps you understand how the two roles complement each other.
Students benefit from:
- Comprehensive live workshops offered virtually or in person
- An evidence-based curriculum covering education and doula support
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced ICEA trainers
This integrated approach prepares you to support families from their first childbirth class through the birth itself.
About Debbie
Debbie has spent decades teaching, mentoring, and supporting families and birthworkers.
She brings lived experience, humility, and deep respect for this work.
Students often describe Debbie’s teaching style as calm, practical, and welcoming. She has a way of breaking down complex ideas so they feel manageable and clear.
That is the heart of BabyMatters.
How the workshop works
In-Person Workshops
Length: 4 days
Teaching style: Hands-on, interactive learning with real-time discussion, shared practice, and supportive connection in the room.
Materials: Student workbook provided
Certification: This workshop is one requirement for the ICEA Dual Certification.
Virtual Workshops
Length: 24 hours of class split into 4-6 sessions.
Teaching style: Guided, well-paced learning with clear explanations, space for questions, and steady support throughout.
Materials: Digital Workbook provided
Certification: This workshop is one requirement for the ICEA Dual Certification.
Investment
In-Person
- $1400 Early Bird
- $1650 Standard Rate
Virtual
- $1200 Early Bird
- $1450 Standard Rate
If you would like to host a workshop in your community, our Sponsor/Host Guide explains how to bring a training to your area. You may also contact debbie@babymatters.org for more information
The Pathway to Certification
This workshop fulfills the education requirement for ICEA Dual Certification.
The certification process typically includes:
- Completing the workshop
- Enrolling with ICEA (can be done before the workshop)
- Reviewing the study guide and required readings
- Observing one childbirth class and three births
- Completing an evaluated teaching series
- Passing the certification exam
You will leave the workshop with a clear understanding of these steps and how to move forward.
Explore the BabyMatters Training Paths
Families need support in many ways throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks with a new baby. BabyMatters prepares professionals for several different roles within that journey.
Postpartum Doula Workshop
Support families during the first weeks after birth as they adjust to life with a newborn.
Best for those who enjoy nurturing care and practical home support.
→ Learn more about Postpartum Doula Training
What Past Students Share
We also enjoyed the first hard experiences provided by the instructor.”
“The “start your business” part of the workshop helped me get rid of some butterflies because I was thinking I had to start big.”
Common questions
Do I need experience?
No. This workshop is designed for beginners and returning caregivers.
Is this certification?
This workshop begins your path toward ICEA certification and provides clear next steps.
What if I feel nervous?
That’s normal. This is a learning space designed to support you.
What if I’m not sure yet?
You don’t need certainty. You’ll gain clarity through learning.
Guiding families from preparation to birth
Preparation and support work best when they grow from the same understanding of birth.
When professionals can both teach and stand beside families during labor, the connection between preparation and experience becomes stronger. If you feel drawn to helping families understand birth and supporting them through the moment itself, the Dual Path Training offers a meaningful place to begin.