Wild Ginger Herbal Center in Costa Rica Presents
Doula Training
Certification Program with Nilajah Brown of The Birth Well
May 5-14, 2025
Our training is designed to arm you with the tools necessary to provide physical, emotional and informational support to birthing families; whether they are birthing in a hospital, birth center or home. We will co-create a space to explore ways to reclaim and preserve traditional birthing practices within this modern birth culture.
Some topics we will explore:
Honoring the legacy of Grand midwives, Creating a sacred birthing space , Comfort measures from around the world including aromatherapy, acupressure, rebozo, herbology, homeopathy and more. The business side of being a doula, visualizations and meditations for sacred birthing, How to facilitate a Birth Blessingway, Whole body health during pregnancy, Normal Physiological Labor, Common medical interventions and how to help when they are needed, Positive and Effective communication, Birth plan preparation, Linkage to community resources, Facilitate communication between mother and partner/family and medical personnel, Infant care education and support, motivating and supporting women in breastfeeding, Perinatal Mood Disorder screening and so much more!
Certification
- The attendee will receive a certificate of attendance for the workshop, which is one step toward becoming a certified doula with the Birth Well. They would be certification by The Birth Well
The other steps include taking a childbirth class, breastfeeding, book reviews and attending 3 births as a doula in training.
Some topics we will explore:
Honoring the legacy of Grand midwives, Creating a sacred birthing space , Comfort measures from around the world including aromatherapy, acupressure, rebozo, herbology, homeopathy and more. The business side of being a doula, visualizations and meditations for sacred birthing, How to facilitate a Birth Blessingway, Whole body health during pregnancy, Normal Physiological Labor, Common medical interventions and how to help when they are needed, Positive and Effective communication, Birth plan preparation, Linkage to community resources, Facilitate communication between mother and partner/family and medical personnel, Infant care education and support, motivating and supporting women in breastfeeding, Perinatal Mood Disorder screening and so much more!
Certification
- The attendee will receive a certificate of attendance for the workshop, which is one step toward becoming a certified doula with the Birth Well. They would be certification by The Birth Well
The other steps include taking a childbirth class, breastfeeding, book reviews and attending 3 births as a doula in training.
*EARLYBIRD BONUS*
Participants will also receive the Online Birthkeepers Program from Wild Ginger Herbal Center, this course is full of incredible complimentary classes from Wild Gingers community of dedicated educators. Access to the Birthkeeper Course is immediate upon registration, we will send it to you within 24-48 hours after you place your deposit!
Participants will also receive the Online Birthkeepers Program from Wild Ginger Herbal Center, this course is full of incredible complimentary classes from Wild Gingers community of dedicated educators. Access to the Birthkeeper Course is immediate upon registration, we will send it to you within 24-48 hours after you place your deposit!
Trip Itinerary
Monday
2:30 PM Group Meets at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose Costa Rica & Departs for Wild Ginger Herbal Center
(try to get flights arriving no later that 1pm)
9:30 Arrival
(Bring USD you can use to pay for food when our shuttle stops along the way to Wild Ginger and enough to last you a couple days until we go to an ATM, the town we stay in has no ATM, little cash is needed but is nice for purchasing water, souveniers, snacks etc)
Tuesday
7:30 am Breakfast
8:30 Welcome Orientation and Tour of Manzanillo
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Doula Training Class 1
6:30 Dinner
*Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included on this day
Wednesday
7:30am Breakfast
8:30 Doula Training Class 2
12:00 Group Lunch & Break
1:00 Doula Training Class 3
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Thursday
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Bush Medicine Walk of the Caribe Sur
12:30 Group Lunch & Break
1:30 Doula Training Class 4
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on this day
Friday
7:00 - Breakfast
7:45 Indigenous Plant Medicine & Chocolate Making
12:00 Lunch
1:00-6:30 Doula Training Class 5
Free Evening
*breakfast and lunch are provided this day
Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo!
*breakfast included on this day
Sunday
9:00 Group Breakfast
FREE DAY Enjoy the weekend!
Monday
9:00 Traditional Afro Costa Rican Birth and Post Partum Care of the Caribe Sur with Alda
12:00 Lunch
2:00 Doula Training Class 6
Tuesday
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 am Doula Training Class 7
12:00 Group Lunch and Break
1:00 Free Afternoon
5:00 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class & Despedida Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Wednesday
4:00am Private Shuttle Leaves for San Jose Airport with Locally Baked Breakfast Goodness in Hand! (estimated 10 am arrival)
Monday
2:30 PM Group Meets at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose Costa Rica & Departs for Wild Ginger Herbal Center
(try to get flights arriving no later that 1pm)
9:30 Arrival
(Bring USD you can use to pay for food when our shuttle stops along the way to Wild Ginger and enough to last you a couple days until we go to an ATM, the town we stay in has no ATM, little cash is needed but is nice for purchasing water, souveniers, snacks etc)
Tuesday
7:30 am Breakfast
8:30 Welcome Orientation and Tour of Manzanillo
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Doula Training Class 1
6:30 Dinner
*Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included on this day
Wednesday
7:30am Breakfast
8:30 Doula Training Class 2
12:00 Group Lunch & Break
1:00 Doula Training Class 3
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner included this day
Thursday
7:30 Breakfast
8:30 Bush Medicine Walk of the Caribe Sur
12:30 Group Lunch & Break
1:30 Doula Training Class 4
6:30 Group Dinner
*breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on this day
Friday
7:00 - Breakfast
7:45 Indigenous Plant Medicine & Chocolate Making
12:00 Lunch
1:00-6:30 Doula Training Class 5
Free Evening
*breakfast and lunch are provided this day
Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 am Leave to go to Puerto Viejo Farmers Market - Meet Local Farmers, See Local Tropical Produce!
Free Day to Relax and Have Fun, explore Puerto Viejo!
*breakfast included on this day
Sunday
9:00 Group Breakfast
FREE DAY Enjoy the weekend!
Monday
9:00 Traditional Afro Costa Rican Birth and Post Partum Care of the Caribe Sur with Alda
12:00 Lunch
2:00 Doula Training Class 6
Tuesday
8:30 Breakfast
9:30 am Doula Training Class 7
12:00 Group Lunch and Break
1:00 Free Afternoon
5:00 Traditional Caribbean Cooking Class & Despedida Dinner
*breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on this day
Wednesday
4:00am Private Shuttle Leaves for San Jose Airport with Locally Baked Breakfast Goodness in Hand! (estimated 10 am arrival)
"The training was everything I needed it to be. It was all encompassing. It was more than just a discussion of how to be a doula and the ABC's of our 'role'- it was a cultural awakening both in being a woman of color and how birth was originally conceived through the spirit of our granny midwives. On top of that you allowed us to experience other 'experts' as part of our training and graciously invited us to connect with them outside of the training. Nowadays, that kind of openness and sharing is rare." S. Beacham,CD (TheBirthWell)
"I love your light yet steady touch, and your no bs style of communication. I appreciate how you encourage us to dig deep and bring out our best. The training reminded me to go with Goddess/gut and have faith in our instinct." N. Dalili, CD(TheBirthWell)
"I love your light yet steady touch, and your no bs style of communication. I appreciate how you encourage us to dig deep and bring out our best. The training reminded me to go with Goddess/gut and have faith in our instinct." N. Dalili, CD(TheBirthWell)
Registration:
Program Cost:
$2399 shared room
$2849 private room
*Includes Doula Certification AND the Program in Costa Rica
Deposit $659 holds your spot
Payment #2 $1000 Due March 1, 2025
Payment #3 $740 (Cash Payment Due Upon Arrival - in clean, unmarked and unripped $20 bills, we cannot accept onlinepayments for this final payment.)
Private Room Payments are $150 deposit, and $300 cash upon arrival. Limited spots available.
There are limited spots for this course and they are filled on a first come first serve basis.
All payments are final, non-refundable and non-transferable.
| wild_ginger_waiver.pages |
Only 10 spots available!
*To register please download the above waiver form, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3-4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
Though our trips tend to fill several months before that time. Once payments are made in full Wild Ginger is unable to issue refunds of any kind because we prepay for the activities/accomadations you receive on the trip and do not receive refunds for said payments. All payments are final, non transferable and non refundable.
Donations Needed:
We are truly appreciative of those who are able to bring with them donations of HERBAL BOOKS, plant clippers, garden gloves, Dr. Bronners, tea tree essential oil, beeswax, lavender essential oil, activated charcoal tablets, wide mouth quart size mason jars with lids (plastic lids are best so they don't rust in the tropics), bandaids of all sizes, gauze, ace bandages, gauze, brown tincture bottles 1/2 oz, 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz, yoga mats, towels, books, sketchbooks, art supplies, sheets (single or double), tapestries, massage table, good cookware (hard to get around here!) Bulk organic teas by the pound are super appreciated especially red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, and nettles.
What's included In Your Trip!
The price includes your stay at Wild Ginger in the Caribe Sur of Costa Rica. Accomodations are very very rustic, simple, basic, have wifi, hot water for showers, and are shared. Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
How to Pay:
We accept credit card via Paypal, check or money orders, please contact [email protected] in order to make a payment. You will receive a receipt upon payment.
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.wildgingerherbalcenter.com and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Food - We serve an abundance of beautiful Caribbean and Latin inspired foods during this trip which includes lots of fresh salads, fruits, veggies, legumes, rice, local chicken, eggs or fish, some times wheat based traditional bakes or pasta, beans and rice. Plant based meals are available however if you have specific food needs beyond what we serve to be shared in our group community we invite you to supplement your meals at local shops/restaurants. Meals tend to be pretty abundant, but in case you need extra snacks there are several small farmers markets in town.
Weather/What to Bring/Communication While There
Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and possibly will. We'll just have to do our best for the tour and respect nature - we'll need to be flexible. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HOT and HUMID! Bring rain gear, a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel, are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there, however natural/organic shampoos/soaps/lotions are available. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUN protection! A hat. Sunglasses. Waterbottle (we will provide potable water as you all shouldn't drink out of the taps there). Bugs (mosquitos and sand flies) are very present here, bring clothing as a protection as well as repellent. While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed, and you have a few options for making phone calls. You can purchase a cell phone at the airport, not exactly sure how much those cost but I know they are available. The other very simple options is to use the phone cards there, they sell them at most convenient stores ("supers" or "pulperias") and they are in increments of about 2000 or 5000 colones (about $10) . 5000 colones buys you about 18 minutes of talk time to the US, its great to have for quick conversations, and these can be used from any public or private phone in Costa Rica. If you do bring a laptop then you can use that to Skype or GoogleCall to the states as well, MUCH better rates.
General Health- Malaria, while common in parts of the tropics, is really not issues in Talamanca. Dengue is a very rare issue, but as it is more prevelent in highly populated areas - and there is no prevention besides mosquito protection.
We do ask that you bring a basic first aid kit for yourself, as well any basic immunity support from natural health aids, including vitamin c, iburprofen, tea tree oil, lavender oil, grapefruit seed extract, charcoal tablets, acidophilus or other probiotic supplements, EFA's, and homeopathic remedies for bites, stings, sunburns, and digestive issues. Certain vaccines are required when traveling from certain countries, please check before booking your travel to make sure you are able to comply with all requirements.
Visa:
A visa is not required to enter Costa Rica with a US passport, however you need to bring a printed out copy of your return itinerary to the USA, which serves as proof that you are leaving Costa Rica within 90 days which is a requirement.
Health Insurance:
You can check out http://www.worldnomads.com/ travel insurance for independent and adventurous travellers, available to residents from over 150 countries.
Air Travel
You are responsible for purchasing your own airfare as well as your transportation to Manzanillo, Costa Rica. You can check out various travel websites, many times www.kayak.com will have good deals. You will need to fly into San Jose, the capitol of Costa Rica. If you fly in and need to stay the night in San Jose we love Costa Rica Backpackers, or Hotel Aranjuez, as well as Costa Rica Guesthouse. Costa Rica Backpackers is an inexpensive hostel type environment, pretty young crowd. Hotel Aranjuez is gorgeous, in expensive private hotel rooms, amazing buffet breakfast outdoors under a mango tree, but their reservation process can sometimes be tricky, check their website for more details. Costa Rica Guesthouse is directly across the street from Costa Rica Backpackers, it has clean nice private rooms, and reservations online are simple.
** Please note that if you are from the United States upon entering Costa Rica you do not need a special visa if you are coming from the US, however you need proof of exit (a plane ticket, bus ticket etc you have pre purchased and printed) within three months of the date you enter. Do not forget to print your return ticket and keep it with you. You also need a valid US passport.
**Please also note that the travel time and bus schedule between San Jose, the capitol where you fly in, and Manzanillo the town where we will meet is about 6 hours.
Water - We will provide potable water at your meals. Tap water in San Jose is safe to drink though we do not recommend drinking the water in the Caribbean.
*To register please download the above waiver form, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3-4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
Though our trips tend to fill several months before that time. Once payments are made in full Wild Ginger is unable to issue refunds of any kind because we prepay for the activities/accomadations you receive on the trip and do not receive refunds for said payments. All payments are final, non transferable and non refundable.
Donations Needed:
We are truly appreciative of those who are able to bring with them donations of HERBAL BOOKS, plant clippers, garden gloves, Dr. Bronners, tea tree essential oil, beeswax, lavender essential oil, activated charcoal tablets, wide mouth quart size mason jars with lids (plastic lids are best so they don't rust in the tropics), bandaids of all sizes, gauze, ace bandages, gauze, brown tincture bottles 1/2 oz, 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz, yoga mats, towels, books, sketchbooks, art supplies, sheets (single or double), tapestries, massage table, good cookware (hard to get around here!) Bulk organic teas by the pound are super appreciated especially red raspberry leaf, oatstraw, and nettles.
What's included In Your Trip!
The price includes your stay at Wild Ginger in the Caribe Sur of Costa Rica. Accomodations are very very rustic, simple, basic, have wifi, hot water for showers, and are shared. Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary as well as breakfast each morning. We will include certain lunch and dinners in the trip, please read the itinerary carefully so you know which meals you are responsible for. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
How to Pay:
We accept credit card via Paypal, check or money orders, please contact [email protected] in order to make a payment. You will receive a receipt upon payment.
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.wildgingerherbalcenter.com and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Food - We serve an abundance of beautiful Caribbean and Latin inspired foods during this trip which includes lots of fresh salads, fruits, veggies, legumes, rice, local chicken, eggs or fish, some times wheat based traditional bakes or pasta, beans and rice. Plant based meals are available however if you have specific food needs beyond what we serve to be shared in our group community we invite you to supplement your meals at local shops/restaurants. Meals tend to be pretty abundant, but in case you need extra snacks there are several small farmers markets in town.
Weather/What to Bring/Communication While There
Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and possibly will. We'll just have to do our best for the tour and respect nature - we'll need to be flexible. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HOT and HUMID! Bring rain gear, a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel, are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there, however natural/organic shampoos/soaps/lotions are available. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUN protection! A hat. Sunglasses. Waterbottle (we will provide potable water as you all shouldn't drink out of the taps there). Bugs (mosquitos and sand flies) are very present here, bring clothing as a protection as well as repellent. While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed, and you have a few options for making phone calls. You can purchase a cell phone at the airport, not exactly sure how much those cost but I know they are available. The other very simple options is to use the phone cards there, they sell them at most convenient stores ("supers" or "pulperias") and they are in increments of about 2000 or 5000 colones (about $10) . 5000 colones buys you about 18 minutes of talk time to the US, its great to have for quick conversations, and these can be used from any public or private phone in Costa Rica. If you do bring a laptop then you can use that to Skype or GoogleCall to the states as well, MUCH better rates.
General Health- Malaria, while common in parts of the tropics, is really not issues in Talamanca. Dengue is a very rare issue, but as it is more prevelent in highly populated areas - and there is no prevention besides mosquito protection.
We do ask that you bring a basic first aid kit for yourself, as well any basic immunity support from natural health aids, including vitamin c, iburprofen, tea tree oil, lavender oil, grapefruit seed extract, charcoal tablets, acidophilus or other probiotic supplements, EFA's, and homeopathic remedies for bites, stings, sunburns, and digestive issues. Certain vaccines are required when traveling from certain countries, please check before booking your travel to make sure you are able to comply with all requirements.
Visa:
A visa is not required to enter Costa Rica with a US passport, however you need to bring a printed out copy of your return itinerary to the USA, which serves as proof that you are leaving Costa Rica within 90 days which is a requirement.
Health Insurance:
You can check out http://www.worldnomads.com/ travel insurance for independent and adventurous travellers, available to residents from over 150 countries.
Air Travel
You are responsible for purchasing your own airfare as well as your transportation to Manzanillo, Costa Rica. You can check out various travel websites, many times www.kayak.com will have good deals. You will need to fly into San Jose, the capitol of Costa Rica. If you fly in and need to stay the night in San Jose we love Costa Rica Backpackers, or Hotel Aranjuez, as well as Costa Rica Guesthouse. Costa Rica Backpackers is an inexpensive hostel type environment, pretty young crowd. Hotel Aranjuez is gorgeous, in expensive private hotel rooms, amazing buffet breakfast outdoors under a mango tree, but their reservation process can sometimes be tricky, check their website for more details. Costa Rica Guesthouse is directly across the street from Costa Rica Backpackers, it has clean nice private rooms, and reservations online are simple.
** Please note that if you are from the United States upon entering Costa Rica you do not need a special visa if you are coming from the US, however you need proof of exit (a plane ticket, bus ticket etc you have pre purchased and printed) within three months of the date you enter. Do not forget to print your return ticket and keep it with you. You also need a valid US passport.
**Please also note that the travel time and bus schedule between San Jose, the capitol where you fly in, and Manzanillo the town where we will meet is about 6 hours.
Water - We will provide potable water at your meals. Tap water in San Jose is safe to drink though we do not recommend drinking the water in the Caribbean.