Get To Know Julie Clarke

Advanced Birth and Post-Natal Doula Trainer

Australia’s most experienced Child Birth and Parenting Educator

Hello! I’m delighted you’ve found my website. I can’t wait to help you create a wonderful new future work life for yourself.

Have you been dreaming of becoming a birth and post-natal doula?

Well it’s easier than you realise.

I’ve created Australia’s most popular birth and post-natal doula training courses at very reasonable prices.

Why? I want to help empower women to help empower other women.

Pregnancy, birth and motherhood is a time where women need other women’s empathy, support and guidance more than at any other time in their lives. This is true right across the world, and Australia currently has a severe lack of trained, qualified doulas.

Together we can improve the future for all women. We’re all feeling this, aren’t we? It’s our time to work together to create the changes that we need.

If you’re looking for doula training then I would love to support you on your journey. I invite you to get in touch via phone or email.

Julie's key qualifications

Supervisor for the Associates in Childbirth Education training for Graduate Diploma Students (VETAB Accredited)
Doula: Professional birth support person at more than 150 births, including Delivery Suite, Birth Centre, Operating Theatre, Homebirths and Water Births
Consumer Representative for Maternity for the SESAHS South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service
Involved with developing the direct entry midwifery program at UTS

Certified HypnoBirthing ® Instructor since May 2004
Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner Training, May 2004 (conducted with midwife and hypnotherapist Peter Jackson, HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Trainer for Australia)
Former Karitane post natal depression telephone support counselor
Presenter at national conferences around Australia

PCA Breastfeeding Counsellors Course, 1988
PCA Childbirth Educators Course, 1989 (12 months part-time course)
An adoring mum to 2 sons, Ken and Ryan. Both boys born using all the natural active techniques, pain medication free, instead utilising all the breathing, relaxation, mindfulness skills and with the loving support of her husband Geoff. Julie is now also a proud grandma of beautiful baby girl Riley.

3 New Birth Doulas Describe the Training Experience

Julie's Credentials

Childbirth Education & Training Roles

Independent Childbirth and Parenting Educator in registered business “Transition Into Parenthood” pre-natal classes

Breath Awareness, Relaxation and Mindful Course practitioner since 2006

Qualified with Community Organisation Parents Centres Australia

Advanced Childbirth Educator and Trainer with the National Association of Childbirth Educators (NACE) National Editor of the “Interaction” Journal of the National Association of Childbirth Educators, 2003-2015

Supervisor for the Associates in Childbirth Education training for Graduate Diploma Students (VETAB Accredited)

Doula: Professional birth support person at more than 150 births, including Delivery Suite, Birth Centre, Operating Theatre, Homebirths and Water Births

Consumer Representative for Maternity for the SESAHS South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service

Childbirth Related Maternity Committees

The Sutherland Hospital Birth Centre Development Committee 2003/4/5

UTS Bachelor of Midwifery Planning Committee 2003/4

St George Hospital Homebirth Development Committee

Certified HypnoBirthing ® Instructor since May 2004

Former Karitane post natal depression telephone support counselor

Former trainer and presenter at “Doula Express” in Sydney for doulas – professional birth support)

Presenter at national conferences around Australia (see below)

Regularly attends conferences, seminars and workshops to remain up-to-date

Convener of the St George and Sutherland Shire Homebirth Support Group

Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Newborn Babies Other Qualifications

Management Diploma Gymea TAFE 1986

PCA Breastfeeding Counsellors Course, 1988

PCA Childbirth Educators Course, 1989 (12 months part-time course)

Karitane Mothercraft Society Post-natal Depression Telephone Support Counsellors, 1990 (conducted by Ms Kerry Lockhart, Deputy Director of Karitane, 6 week short course)

CERT IV Workplace Training, October – December 2002

Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner Training, May 2004 (conducted with midwife and hypnotherapist Peter Jackson, HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Trainer for Australia)

Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Newborn Babies Seminars & Conferences Attended

Parents Centres Australia (PCA) Conference, Macquarie University, 1986

Legal, Ethical & Social Issues Pertaining to Childbirth Conference, Sydney University, 1989

Nursing Mother’s Assoc. of Aust. Conference, Melbourne, 1989

Parents Centres Australia Workshop for Educator’s and Midwives, RHW Paddington, 1989

Associates in Childbirth Education Workshop “Presentation Skills for Educators”, 1990

Associates in Childbirth Education Workshop “Coping with Grief – Educators and Parents”, 1990

Associates in Childbirth Education Workshop “Waterbirth – Dr Michel Odent”, 1990

Associates in Childbirth Education Workshop “Teaching Skills for Childbirth Educators”, 1991

2nd International Homebirth Conference Sydney University, 1992, featuring Sheila Kitzinger, Janet Balaskas, Dr. Marsden Wagner, Ina May Gaskin

RHW Workshop for CBEs and Midwives – Update on Birth Centre Philosophy , 1993

National Association of Childbirth Educators (NACE) Conference, “Into the Future” , 1994

National Association of Childbirth Educators (NACE) Workshop, “Childbirth Education – Choices”

Nursing Mother’s Assoc. of Australia (NMAA) Conference, “Breastfeeding“ , featuring Professor Peter Hartman, 1996

Childbirth and Parenting Educational and Resource Service (CAPERS) Teaching Skills Course, Sydney, 1997

Independent Educators Workshop with Swedish Pediatrician Lennart Righartd on Bonding and Attachment Early Parenting, 1998

Royal Women’s Hospital Waterbirth Seminar by the Birth Centre Midwives, 1999

Homebirth Australia National Conference, Byron Bay, 1999

Associates in Childbirth Education (ACE) Seminar “Enhancing Midwifery”, 2000, featuring Pat Brodie, Lynne Staff and Nicky Leap

Bi-monthly workshops throughout 1999/2000 with the Independent Childbirth Educators Alliance, skill sharing

South Eastern Health Workshop “Raising Child Protection Issues in Parenting Education Programs”, Lynne Clune, 2000

South Eastern Health Basic Training for Childbirth and Parenting Educators

South Eastern Health Mentor Training by Lynne Clune and Jane Svensson, 2001

Midwives Association Seminar, held at RHW, “Women and Violence”, 2002

South Eastern Health Lactation Department seminar “Breastfeeding”, 2002

International Lactation Consultants Conference, Sydney , 2003

Training / Talks / Presentations Provided: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Newborn Babies

Julie regularly welcomes student midwives, student childbirth educators, and student doulas attending her ante-natal preparation courses

Conducted a 2 day seminar at Tamworth for the New England Area Health Service, “Making Groups Work”, for midwives and childbirth educators in the region, focusing on adult education, group dynamics and facilitator skills, 2002

Conducted 2 day seminars at Tamworth and also Armidale for the New England Area Health Service, February 2003 and May 2003

Speaker on “Fatherhood Issues” at the April 2001 NACE Conference and also at the CAPERS Conference as well as presenting the “Fatherhood Issues” activity. Very well received at both conferences.

Presenter at the ACE Grad Dip Course 6 day workshop held in Sydney in 2002, 2003, 2004 and again in 2005. Topics included “How to Present Parenting in Groups” and “Facilitating Groups”.

Presenter at the Birth International Conference in Auckland New Zealand March, 2008. Topics: “Teaching Birth: Reducing Fear” and “Parenting 101″

Presenter at the Birth International Conference in Novotel, Brighton, Sydney, Australia March, 2008. Topics: “Starting a Childbirth Education Practice” and “Giving Birth”.

Julie's Most Important, Qualification Gained From Over 3 Decades Of Dedication

An adoring mum to 2 sons, Ken and Ryan. Both boys born using all the natural active techniques, pain medication free, instead utilising all the breathing, relaxation, mindfulness skills and with the loving support of her husband Geoff.

Julie is...

For over 20 years Julie has had the pleasure of meeting with expectant parents, facilitating popular birth and parenting preparation courses, for pregnant couples, and being available as a professional Birth Doula support person during labour.

Julie Clarke is an adoring mother to her own 2 sons, Ken and Ryan. Julie knows, from experience, that information, preparation, comfort and teamwork makes all the difference during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Julie is professionally trained, as a Childbirth and Parenting educator and group facilitator.

The course content Julie provides is in line with current evidence based research.

Learning is an ongoing process and continuing her professional education is a pleasure.

You can rest assured that you are getting the most current information as her knowledge is constantly being updated and includes the latest evidence based studies.

“Helping pregnant couples navigate their way from pregnancy, active birthing and attachment parenting is my passion.”

There is not a type of birth Julie has not attended, over 150 so far and counting.

Julie’s courses are practical and factual.

Julie understands pregnancy is a deeply human experience, which is why couples feel at home in her classes and no longer afraid as they are informed, confident and more bonded as a couple.

Based on 27 reviews

Julie was so supportive, and you can really feel her passion for birth work. The course was put together with so much thought and made learning easy and engaging with a mix of reading, writing, and videos. Anytime I had a question, Julie was quick to respond and always so helpful 💖

Kara Catto

Very happy with Julie’s Postnatal and Birth Doula Courses. Both courses have been very well constructed to cover all aspects of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Julie has many years of knowledge, experience and passion. Very helpful if you ever need some guidance with anything . I found Julie very supportive . It has been a wonderful experience completing both courses with
Julie.

Becky Tait

I have just finished Julie’s birth doula course and I found it super informative and gave me a great foundation of knowledge as I move into my birth doula career. Julie also provides her students with a great network of support - with other doulas and from herself. Thanks Julie!

Anne Chang

I completed the Face to Face Birth and Post Natal Doula Training with Julie and I absolutely loved it! I gained so much knowledge (and therefore confidence) from her and her classes confirmed that taking this course was the right choice for me. She also provided such a warm, friendly environment and it was honestly my favourite class I took compared to school and university. I have never looked forward to a class this much in my life and I am sad that I completed the training because I wish I could keep going to her classes☺️ That said, now that I've completed the training, I am so excited to apply what I learnt to my doula career:)

Nikita Niamh

I recently completed my doula training with Julie, and I truly can’t put into words how incredible the experience was. Julie is the most amazing human—her compassion, wisdom, and kindness are unmatched. With her wealth of experience and genuine heart for birth work, she created a learning environment that felt safe, empowering, and deeply supportive.

The course content was thorough and thoughtfully put together. The workbooks were packed with valuable information, and everything was presented in a way that made learning feel engaging and inspiring. Julie always made herself available—whether it was to answer questions, offer encouragement, or simply check in—she was only ever a phone call away.

This course has not only given me the knowledge and confidence to begin my doula journey, but it’s also given me a deep sense of community and purpose. I’m so grateful to have learned from Julie and would recommend her course to anyone feeling called to this beautiful work.

Casey Elkalal

I decided to do the online birth and postpartum course through Julie. I loved the information that was included and all the birth videos. It was great I could do it within my own time and I was able to complete it quickly. So excited that I am officially a qualified Doula.

Kate Bowern

Julie Clarke is an exceptional teacher and one of the most inspiring mentors I’ve ever had. Completing her Birth & Post Natal Doula training has empowered and equipped me to be the best possible doula for new mothers. The course is incredibly thorough, beautifully structured, and the content was both engaging and insightful. I gained not only all the knowledge I needed, but so much more ~ tools and wisdom that I know I will carry with me throughout my entire doula journey.

Julie’s support has been unwavering, extending far beyond the course itself. She continues to check in and has created a wonderful community for past and current students, offering ongoing guidance and connection with other doulas. I wholeheartedly recommend Julie Clarke’s Birth & Post Natal Doula Program to anyone considering this path. It has been a life-changing experience. Thank you truly Julie xo

annabelle breen

I absolutely loved every minute of completing Julie’s birth and post natal doula training! The Home study made it so accessible, I was able to complete the workbooks in my own time which was amazing since I work full time. Julie is so lovely and always available to answer any questions along the way. After completing the course I feel so confident and excited to start my journey as a Doula! Thank you Julie!

Lily Leacy

I thoroughly enjoyed the birth and postnatal doula course. The workbooks were simply and easy to understand, so packed full of knowledge to reference in the future when I begin working in the field. Studying has never been easier when you are interested in the topics and Julie is so easily contactable and eager to help any way she can. 10/10

Kylie Bourne

Julie's Birth and Post Natal Doula training is a great course, I really enjoyed training under Julie, she is a fantastic mentor and support and was very helpful throughout the course and she is still doing an amazing job supporting doulas through her informative Facebook group.
Thanks so much Julie 😊

Sophia Collins

I couldn't recommend Julie more highly. She is always so lovely to speak to and is so informative. I have completed birth and post-natal doula training with her and she is my go to recommendation for anyone looking to complete these courses.

Melissa McKenzie

I would highly recommend Julie to future doulas, parents-to-be and new parents who want to feel supported and guided in their experience.
Julie is the most experienced and amazing support through your pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula education and parenthood journey. She creates such a light, bright and safe space to learn all you need - making sure that you have all of your information without feeling overwhelmed, unsure or insecure.
Julie's own hands-on experience is truly unmatched and I couldn't be more grateful to have partnered with Julie for my own pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula training. Thanks Julie!

Sarah Nugent

Lovely experience doing the Birth Doula course - Julie is so warm and always there if you need support. Would 10/10 recommend this course.

Tamara T

Julie has been an amazing support for me whilst I commenced my Doula training to become a certified Doula. Julie was so understanding and helpful when I encountered unfortunate circumstances and needed extra time to complete my training. The training so far has been well set out with many resources and support from Julie at your fingertips. Highly recommended.

Amelia Fuller

I did my course with Julie and enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend it

Melissa Jones

I loved training with Julie. It was simple, evenly paced and I had access to Julie's mentorship directly. Julie has a gentle and efficient way of guiding you to become the type of doula you are!

Grace Bartlett

I thoroughly enjoyed my doula training with Julie. It was her guidance, care and encouragement which gave me the confidence to step out and start my own business as a doula. With Julie, there is no such thing as a silly question and she is always ready to support her doula students however she can. I would highly recommend getting in touch with Julie if you would like to train as a doula!

Caitlin Gebhardt

I am a proud student of Julie’s! I studied her birth and postpartum doula course and loved every minute of it. It has opened so many special doors and I’m so thankful to her for the course she has so lovingly, passionately and thoroughly prepared for her students. Not only is her course eye opening and full of every bit of information you need to become a qualified doula but Julie herself is kind and caring and wants to see you succeed. I cannot recommend her course highly enough. Thank you Julie

Motherly Doula

I did Julie’s online course at the end of 2023 and absolutely loved it! I had a bub at the time, so was able to work through at my own pace, whilst bub was strapped into the carrier for endless cuddles. Doing the course online reduced any pressure to meet deadlines, have to be anywhere on a certain date and just generally made it such a great option for a mum with 2 young kids. I found the course really easy and engaging to complete - and Julie was super helpful if you had any questions (via text or email!) I am now a fully certified doula and am 1 year into my business - and things are going so well. Thanks to Julie for creating this affordable and wonderful course. I learnt so much and felt so confident and ready to go after doing it! 🧡

Shannon Culleton

I completed the online post natal doula course and I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to study for this at their own pace. As a postpartum mum myself I loved that I could work away on this when my baby was napping or in bed at night. Julie sends so much additional resources via email for you to use as well as posting you a workbook and some books. She has a Facebook group which also adds another level of support as its full of student or recently certified doulas, whom you can ask questions to. I would really recommend this course and hope that in the further I will be able to compete the birth component too. Thank you Julie x

Faye Crundwell

Amazing training. I can't wait to complete it and start my business. I already know I will feel completely comfortable after Julia's training. I'd recommend to anyone x

virginia martinez dios

Incredible Training Experience with an Amazing Trainer!

I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience training as a Postpartum Doula. Julie is an exceptional educator, and her passion for supporting new families truly shines through.

The course covered everything I needed to confidently assist families during the postpartum period. The way Julie presented the material made it easy to understand and apply in real-life situations.

I am truly impressed by her dedication, knowledge, and the supportive learning environment they created. This training has not only improved my skills but has also given me the confidence to support new families with care and professionalism.

I highly recommend Julie to anyone looking to become a Postpartum Doula!

Ilie B

I recently completed the Birth and Postnatal Doula course with Julie at the Doula Academy of Australia(self paced home study), and I am beyond grateful for the experience. Julie’s expertise, warmth, and dedication to the field are truly unmatched. From the very beginning, it was clear that she is deeply passionate about supporting families through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.

The course was not only informative but also empowering. Julie created a learning environment where we felt safe, respected, and encouraged to ask questions and share experiences. She expertly balanced her workbooks, ensuring that we not only understood the concepts but also felt confident in applying them. Her approach was thorough, and she covered everything from the physiological aspects of birth to emotional support, postpartum care, and self-care for the families who are bringing life into this world but also for the doulas and how to care for themselves.

Julie’s genuine care and compassion shone through the entire course. She made sure we understood the importance of emotional presence and connection with clients, not just the technical aspects of birth and postnatal care.

The postnatal section of the course was incredibly beneficial. Julie provided us with so many resources and insights into how we can best support new parents during the delicate postpartum period. I left feeling not only well-equipped with the practical skills needed to support families but also emotionally prepared for the sacred responsibility of being a doula.

I also love the Facebook group with all of her previous certified doulas and current doulas in training as it’s such a supportive group with real life experiences.

I wholeheartedly recommend Julie to anyone looking to pursue a career in the Birth and Postnatal doula space. Julie’s passion for what she does is infectious, and her course was an investment in not only my career but my personal growth.
Thank you, Julie, for providing such an enriching and transformative learning experience.

Grace Mor

I am working through the at-home course books created by Julie, and I am thoroughly impressed with how extensive, informative, and well-thought-out the Doula Course is. The materials cover everything you need to know about being a doula and starting your own business. I love that Julie makes it clear you are always welcome to contact her for help and advice whenever needed. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to become a doula or anyone who wants to learn in-depth about pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

Stephanie Tsalacopoulos

Julie provided me with the tools, education and knowledge when studying to become a doula under her course. The course was family friendly and easy to do at my own pace within my own home, which was amazing having a little baby myself.
Because of Julie’s course, I now have a very successful Doula business that is growing day by day. Everyone deserves a doula, and I’m so glad I became one. Thank you Julie x

Jenna Langman

Such a great, insightful, accessible Doula certification! I actually completed both courses during my newborn’s nap times and it only took me about 6 months! Julie promptly marked my work and issued me with my certification documents in record time! Now I’m pregnant with my second child and so excited about birth and even potentially having a VBAC (after a breech birth c-section with my firstborn). Julie was and is still so accessible and open to questions or emails and I completely my degree nearly 12 months ago!😇🙏🏼

Amber Clinch

Julie is so welcoming. You instantly feel inspired and know that support is available to you whenever you ask. The course is very straightforward and I am enjoying all my new learning along the way. I feel supported and already part of the community Julie has created.