Private Childbirth Education, Postpartum Planning, and Newborn Care Classes


Transparent, expert-led education that honors your time, your questions, and your right to make fully informed decisions.

A pregnant woman types at her laptop during her virtual childbirth class through Doulas of Austin.

Prepared. Birth, Postpartum & Newborn Care Series

You have plenty of options when it comes to childbirth, postpartum, and newborn care education. But what expectant parents really need is clear, transparent information they can trust.


That’s what I’m here to offer you.


Prepared. Birth, Postpartum & Newborn Care Series is a private, expert-led series designed for parents who want high-quality, efficient, and deeply personalized guidance as they approach birth, recovery, and life with a newborn.

A motivational birth sign sits on the table of a Austin, Texas home that is owned by a woman taking virtual childbirth classes from Doulas of Austin.

Photo by Whitney Hughes

Here’s What You Can Expect From The Series:

In this two-part series delivered over Zoom, these private sessions allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home, whether you’re in Austin, TX or anywhere else. We move at your pace, on your schedule, with the flexibility to focus on what matters most to you. Every part of the curriculum is built with intention - focused not just on preparing for labor, but also on what comes after: your recovery, your emotions, your baby’s needs, and how to meet them with confidence and care.

Prepared. | Birth, Postpartum & Newborn Care Series | $325

THIS IS YOUR TIME

To ask questions, talk openly, and learn practical tools without rushing, and with the support you need to feel informed, confident, and ready. This approach also creates a comfortable space for partners to get involved, gain clarity around their supportive role, and feel confident offering helpful, meaningful support.

Two books used in the Doulas of Austin private childbirth education courses, sit on a table in a Texas home.

Photo by Whitney Hughes

Why Choose Private, Independent Education?

Independent education allows for a flexible, client-centered approach built around your unique situation and priorities.

The curriculum I’ve developed draws on decades of experience at the bedside as a nurse, insights gained through my work as a doula, and perspective from my own personal motherhood journey. You’ll receive all the essential information every parent needs, plus honest insights that don’t get talked about - but should.

With private, independent education, you can trust that the content isn’t shaped by hospital policies or provider agendas - it’s shaped by you. I am a firm believer that true informed consent is the core of quality care, yet it’s increasingly rare in today’s healthcare system. That’s why I’m committed to providing balanced, evidence-based information to help you make truly informed choices, because when you know your options, you can make the choices that feel right for you - and that’s where confidence and clarity begin.

Part One


Childbirth Education: The Essentials

  • Anatomy & Physiology Of The Birth Process

  • Stages Of Labor And How To Navigate Them

  • Coping Strategies & Comfort Techniques

  • Labor Pain Management (Both Pharmacologic & Nonpharmacologic)

  • Complications, Interventions, And Your Options

  • Practical Tips For Partner Involvement

  • Informed Decision Making & Birth Planning

Part Two


The Fourth Trimester: Postpartum Recovery & Newborn Care

  • Physical And Emotional Recovery From Childbirth

  • Postpartum Planning - Setting Realistic Expectations

  • Strategies To Ease Your Transition To Parenthood

  • Recognizing & Navigating Postpartum Mood Disorders

  • Practical Tips For Partner Involvement

  • Basic Newborn Care Including Breastfeeding And Bottle Feeding

  • Getting To Know Your Baby: Infant Cues & Soothing Techniques

Whether it’s planning for an unmedicated birth (in or outside the hospital setting), understanding induction, gaining a deeper understanding about family-centered cesarean birth, preparing for your postpartum recovery, or learning newborn basics - you decide what deserves extra time and attention.

The Prepared Series Is Supportive, Real Preparation - Tailored To Your Goals, Values, & Questions.

What Families Are Saying

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“My husband and I recently attended the Childbirth and 4th Trimester classes taught by Chiminh and could not be more grateful! We loved the personal one-on-one attention that created a safe space to ask all the questions! She’s incredibly knowledgeable (26 years as a labor and delivery nurse!), allowed us to go at our own pace, answered all our questions, all while making it fun and informative. Highly recommend!” -Jaclyn L.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Her experience as a mother, medical professional and patient advocate gave me confidence and put me at ease.” -Gabrielle S.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“The convenience of scheduling a time convenient for us and the personal 1:1 approach was perfect for us and the lessons felt tailored to our pace and level of knowledge. ” - A K.

For Professionals

a mother kisses her newborn after being taught how to bath her baby.

Photo by Whitney Hughes

Postpartum Doula Certification

Thoughtfully created and led by a mother-baby nurse turned doula, with one goal in mind: to teach doulas how to be exceptional at what they do.

Being a postpartum doula requires more than just knowledge - it’s a thoughtful blend of compassion, presence, and skill. This work calls for deep empathy, strong communication, and the ability to hold space for new parents as they navigate one of life’s most important transitions. It also takes a solid foundation of evidence-based knowledge to offer practical support with confidence and care. It’s about showing up with steady hands, an open heart, and the right tools to truly make a difference for new families.

A Collaborative And Practical Approach To Certification


Recognizing the intimate nature of postpartum doula work, I’ve designed this certification course to be a collaborative experience - intentionally created to prepare you for the realities of postpartum doula work. The focus is on building the skills, confidence, and the professional mindset you need to succeed. No standardized, boring modules - just meaningful, practical learning that respects your time and your purpose.

Certification is the foundation for becoming a doula, but it’s only the first step.

The reality is, the average doula career lasts just 2 to 3 years; not because doulas lack passion, but because they often begin without sustainable practices or accessible support.

As you start working with clients and applying what you’ve learned, real-world situations will bring questions, challenges, and valuable learning opportunities. This is where your professional development and growth as a doula truly begins, and where consistent, thoughtful mentorship becomes invaluable.

Chiminh Ashton, a certified doula and founder of Doulas of Austin, poses on a bride outside.

Ongoing Mentorship Matters

When you choose to certify through Doulas of Austin, you don’t just receive comprehensive education. You’ll also receive a full year of personalized mentorship from someone who has built a thriving doula business and can guide you forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Together, we’ll build the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to turn your passion into a lasting, impactful career.

- Chiminh
  • Postpartum Doula Overview & Scope Of Practice

  • Professional Expectations

  • Business Development

  • Mom’s Physical & Emotional Recovery From Childbirth (Vaginal & Cesarean)

  • Supporting The Whole Family As They Adjust To Their New Normal

  • Newborn Care Including Developmental Expectations, Soothing/Sleep, Breastfeeding And Bottle Feeding

  • Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

  • 1 Year Of Mentorship By A Certified Doula and Seasoned RN

Postpartum Doula Certification Program | $600

A laptop and phone sit on the desk of a certified birth doula who took the Doula of Austin's online postpartum doula certification.

How The Program Works

This training is delivered live over zoom, so you’ll be learning with me in real time, not watching pre-recorded modules or clicking through impersonal slides. You’ll have the time and space to ask questions, talk things through, and really connect with the material (and with a human who’s done this work!).

After we cover the bulk of the material, you’ll have four months to complete your learning activities and certification objectives. It’s structured, flexible, and intentionally designed to support both your growth and your personal pace and priorities.

What Doulas Are Saying

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Knowledge and support translate to confidence and security. That is just the tip of the iceberg that was my experience working with Chiminh and her Postpartum Doula Certification Program. Her expert knowledge in newborn care has given me 100% confidence to support the physical and emotional needs of any family in those critical first days and weeks of bringing home a new baby. I have found that Chiminh supports, represents, and teaches fully what a community of Doulas should be.” – Alicia H.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Chiminh is extremely helpful, understanding, caring, patient, and provides a wealth of knowledge and experience…Not only is she a joy to work with, but she also has expertise in the field as an RN and business owner who has supported many mommas & babies. I have felt supported and encouraged every step of the way.” —Michelle M.

Take The Next Step Toward Your Doula Career

Gain the tools and training to grow your passion into a lasting, meaningful career.