Childbirth Educators Course

ICEA - Mama bamba- Baby Journey

Birth is a sacred gateway—an instinctive, mysterious unfolding into life.

A childbirth educator walks beside expectant parents, offering knowledge not as rigid instruction, but as a guiding light. They hold space for the unfolding journey, sharing wisdom about pregnancy, birth options, breathing, pain management, newborn care, and the deep, quiet knowing that birth, in whatever form it takes, is more than a process—it is a rite of passage.

Every doula is, in essence, a childbirth educator. In each prenatal conversation, in every reassurance offered, in the gentle guiding of parents toward their own strength, we educate. This course is an invitation to deepen that role, whether or not you seek formal certification.

Who should attend?

Birth practitioners interested in pursuing their International Certification for childbirth classes with ICEA. Particularly, Midwives, Nurses, Physiotherapists or Doulas.

In general a Doula acts as a childbirth educator as they work with couples during the prenatal period. Any Doula would benefit from attending the workshop even if they are not looking for international accreditation.

A Mama Bamba certificate will also be issued/ Certification?

When and how do you attend?

The workshop will be presented online via zoom over an 8 week period.

6 lessons need to be attended live for certification requirement to be met.

Tuesday nights from 17:30-20:00
22 July – 9 September 2025

Course Fee

R6800 early bird
R7500 pay by start date
R8600 payment plan

Additional Fee's

Mentorship and evaluation fee with The Baby Journey – Laura.
R4800. (Usually $300-400 USD)- see below what is included

For International Certification:
ICEA registration – $63; Exam fee – $113

What is included in the Mentorship Fee?

Whatsapp support group
Mentorship for your Curriculum building, manual and creating your class for evaluation.
Evaluating the 6 hour childbirth class series (done via video submission. Private zoom sessions to help guide you and give feedback.
I can also proctor your exam for you.

Please note:

You have two years from attending the course to complete the certification.

All fees other than the original course fee can be paid during the 2 year period.

The ICEA fees are optional. Mentorship and evaluation is required for certification.

Steps to certification:

Completion of the Childbirth educators course. You are required to attend at least 6 of the classes in person. Register will be taken for each session. If you are required to leave early during a class for whatever reason you need to make up the time with other classes as it is minimum 15 hours in person contact. (required for ICEA certification) Mama Bamba requirement?
For ICEA certification you need to register with ICEA for the certification program. You will be assisted with this in an email from The Baby Journey.
Review the ICEA study guide as well as all other manuals and material.
Write up your own curriculum and manual.
Complete an evaluated teaching series of minimum 6 hours covering the required topics.
Observe one childbirth class and 3 births.
For ICEA certification register for the exam.
If you are not registering with ICEA you will be given a certificate of completion from The Baby Journey and ………. from Mama Bamba.

More about:

ICEA

Brief History: ICEA is a nonprofit organization. Since its formation in 1960, ICEA members and member groups have remained autonomous, establishing their own policies and creating their own programs. Family-centered maternity care is ICEA’s primary goal and the basis of ICEA philosophy. In 1986 ICEA adopted the McMaster University definition of FCMC:

Philosophy: The birth of a baby represents the birth of a family. The woman giving birth and the persons significant and close to her are forming a new relationship, with new responsibilities to each other, to the baby, and to society as a whole. Family-cen-tered reproductive care may be defined as care which recognizes the importance of these new relationships and responsibilities, and which has as its goal the best possible health outcome for all members of the family, both as individuals and as a group.

The Baby Journey

The Baby Journey is a solo project. It was born from my own birth experience. As I moved through my pregnancy I found myself on this path that was much more than just the birth of a baby but an awakening inside myself that there is a different way to birth and raise a baby. The way we birth matters – it changes how a mother responds to her baby, how the baby responds to the world and to it’s parents. From my birth came a passion for birth and breastfeeding and a desire to share with other parents and professionals. To help others find that there is a different path to a positive birth experience where the mother can feel empowered not just over her birth but that this power and confidence carries through into parenting. That nature has perfectly designed us for this event in our lives and that when we surrender to nature she can guide us to the most beautiful journey.

Mama Bamba

Mama Bamba is more than a name—it is a calling, a remembering. Meaning Mother Embrace in Xhosa and Zulu, Mama Bamba honours birth as a sacred passage rather than a medical event. Rooted in deep trust for the birth journey, this approach draws from indigenous wisdom and the quiet knowing within every birthing person. Mama Bamba teaches doulas to hold space with presence, compassion, and deep listening. This work is about more than knowledge; it is about connection—guiding parents back to their innate wisdom, their breath, and the ancient rhythm of birth itself.

Course Facilitator: Laura Sayce

Laura has many titles – her are some of her achivevements:

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Childbirth educator (ICCE)
Postpartum Doula (ICPD)
Birth Doula (Village, Mama Bamba)
Internationally Accredited Trainer (ICCE-IAT and ICPD-IAT)