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About Sierra Doula Academy
formerly Sierra Childbirth Institute
SDA
30+ Years of Educating Birth Professionals
Sierra Doula Academy
Blending Modern Science with Instinctual Wisdom
About Sierra Doula Academy
Originally founded as Sierra Childbirth Institute in 2002 by seasoned birth professional Janine Maitri, Sierra Doula Academy is rooted in over four decades of dedication to childbirth education and support. The Academy takes its name from the beautiful Sierra mountains, where Janine relocated after many years in the California Bay Area.
Sierra Doula Academy is the continuation of Janine’s earlier work with Peninsula Birth Connection, an education and resource center she established in Palo Alto, CA, in 1994. That center, now known as Blossom Birth & Family Services, continues to serve Bay Area communities to this day.
Janine began her career in 1982 as a childbirth educator, birth assistant, and advocate, playing an active role in shaping the emerging doula profession. Her mission has always been to transform the childbirth experience in the U.S., with a deep commitment to honoring the instinctual nature of birth.
After two decades of training doulas in various locations, Janine relocated to Sacramento, CA, in 2019 to establish a permanent home for her vision—a comprehensive school for birth professionals. Today, Sierra Doula Academy offers in-depth doula training and continuing education workshops to aspiring and established birth professionals worldwide, supported by a passionate team of instructors and staff.
Reach out to Sierra Doula Academy
Do you have questions about becoming a birth professional? Are you looking for a doula or childbirth educator? Send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you.
Meet Your Instructors
Janine Maitri
Founding Director at SCI | DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer
Brooklyn Gonzales
RN, BSN, IBCLC
Sierra Doula Academy is Different
Evidence Based Doula Training
DONA Approved Doula Workshop
Our in-person and online doula workshops meet all the requirements to become a DONA certified Doula.
In-Person & Online Doula Training
Varying options to meet the needs of busy schedules! 3 days, 5 days or 10 week online programs.
Holistic & Evidence Based
We combine modern sciences with ancient wisdom to offer a uniquely holistic experience.
Doula Mentoring & Coaching
Mentoring and support to birth and postpartum doulas at any stage of their journey.
