Charis Childbirth’s Unique Model of Education, Support Every Step of the Way
Your education isn't just academics and assignments. You are supported by experienced coaches and a peer network.
Individual Coaching
Learn from skilled perinatal professionals who provide expert education, real-life wisdom, prayer, and personal support throughout your journey.
Workshops
Peer Support
Self-Paced Modules
Go at the pace your lifestyle allows, without sacrificing education quality.
Faith Based Training
Local & Global Impact
General Information for all Perinatal Certifications
Requirements for All Perinatal Certification Tracks:
- Maintain yearly Charis membership.
- Monthly, meet virtually with your Charis Coach. Monthly, meet virtually with your Charis Coach. Your Charis Coach will be a senior birth professional who is trained in the “coaching” style of facilitating learning.
- Weekly, meet with your peer partner. (Optional)
- Complete module assignments Assignments include reading, journaling, research, essays, and projects.
- Attend the Charis “Labor Support” workshop.
- Attend the Charis “Communication, Teaching, and Coaching” workshop.
- Pass a comprehensive final examination. Application for the exam must be made by the end of the certification process and must be passed within nine months of the initial exam application.
- It is possible to work on multiple certifications at the same time as the coursework/modules do overlap. Any completed module may be applied toward additional Charis certifications in the future as long as the additional certification is completed within 60 months of completing the module.
Requirements
In addition to completing “Requirements for All Perinatal Certification Tracks” listed above, the Childbirth Educator candidate must also complete the following requirements:
- Audit at least one childbirth preparation series taught by a certified or Charis-approved Childbirth Educator.
- Complete an evaluated childbirth preparation series.
- Attend at least 3 vaginal births.
Course Modules
- Biblical Perspective Relevant to Childbearing
- Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy
- Anatomy and Physiology of Labor and Birth
- Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth
- Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation
- Obstetrical Procedures and Tests
- Emotional and Psychological Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Postpartum Care
- The Newborn
- Breastfeeding
- Teaching Skills
- Foundations for Your Business or Ministry
Requirements
In addition to completing “Requirements for All Perinatal Certification Tracks” listed above, the Doula candidate must also complete the following requirements:
- Attend at least 2 vaginal births with a certified or Charis-approved senior doula.
- Attend at least 1 vaginal birth as a primary doula
- Audit at least one childbirth preparation series taught by a certified or Charis-approved Childbirth Educator.
Course Modules
- Biblical Perspective Relevant to Childbearing
- Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy
- Anatomy and Physiology of Labor and Birth
- Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth
- Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation
- Obstetrical Procedures and Tests
- Emotional and Psychological Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Postpartum Care
- The Newborn
- Breastfeeding
- Foundations for Your Business or Ministry
Requirements
In addition to completing “Requirements for All Perinatal Certification Tracks” listed above, the Postpartum Doula candidate must also complete the following requirements:
- Ongoing Charis membership
- Infant/Child/Adult CPR certification
- Complete modules, assignments, and reading
- Participate in coaching appointments (twice a month for approximately one hour each)
- Create a “Community Resources” document listing fifteen to twenty resources in your geographic area for postpartum families.
- Attend a breastfeeding class taught by a CLC or IBCLC with at least four hours of instruction. (If a class is not available in your geographic area, you may complete an online course such as the Lactation Management Self Study Course, Level 1, from Wellstart International
- Serve at least three postpartum women, with at least a total of 12 hours of postpartum care, and complete required documentation (postpartum services client evaluation, postpartum doula self-assessment and report)
- Attend the Charis “Communication” workshop.
- Pass a comprehensive final exam
Course Modules
- Biblical Perspective Relevant to Childbearing
- Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation
- Emotional and Psychological Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Postpartum Care
- The Newborn
- Breastfeeding
- Foundations for Your Business or Ministry
Requirements
In addition to completing “Requirements for All Perinatal Certification Tracks” listed above, the Lactation Counselor candidate must also complete the following requirements:
- Begin building your lactation library
- Complete 15 case studies provided for you
- Provide lactation counseling services & complete case studies for at least 3 women
- Meet with your Charis coach as scheduled
Course Modules
- Biblical Perspective Relevant to Childbearing
- Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation
- Emotional and Psychological Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Postpartum Care
- The Newborn
- Breastfeeding
- Foundations for Your Business or Ministry
Tuition & Fees
Because the Perinatal Certification Courses are self-paced, the total cost will vary based on the student's rate of progress. Those with more time to devote to their studies or those with previous experience will be able to complete the course more quickly than those with less time or less experience. For example, if one is pursuing the Childbirth Educator and Doula certifications simultaneously, it will take the average part-time student up to 27 months to complete.
Tuition and Fees for Perinatal Certifications:
- $550 Registration/admin fee
- $300 Quarterly tuition
- $30 Yearly membership
- $550 Appx. workshop fees (two Charis workshops at $275 each)
- $100 Diploma fee
Textbooks and midwifery supplies are purchased separately and are the responsibility of the student.
Please visit our contact page to speak with a Charis Childbirth Coach for more information
Enrollment and Admissions
Prerequisites for admission
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate (or the equivalent). Exceptions can be made for mature, academically advanced homeschoolers who are at least 16 years of age and whose parents wish to incorporate the Charis course into their advanced high school science and language arts program. The Charis Course is a challenging college-level course.
To enroll:
- Contact Charis and Interview with Certified Charis Coach
- Complete the application form
- Pay the Enrollment Fee, Annual Membership Fee, and 1st term of tuition (Students pay from invoices generated upon receipt of the completed application form)
Terms start in January, April, July, and October