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About Sierra Doula Academy
formerly Sierra Childbirth Institute
SDA
30+ Years of Educating Birth Professionals
Sierra Doula Academy
Where Modern Science meets Instinctual Wisdom
About Sierra Doula Academy
Founded by longtime birth professional Janine Maitri, Sierra Doula Academy carries forward more than four decades of dedication to childbirth education, doula training, and family support.
The Academy began as Sierra Childbirth Institute, established in 2002, and takes its name from the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains—where Janine relocated after many years serving families and professionals in the California Bay Area.
Sierra Doula Academy continues the legacy of Janine’s earlier work with Peninsula Birth Connection, an education and resource center she founded in Palo Alto in 1994. That center, now known as Blossom Birth & Family Services, still thrives today as a cornerstone of the Bay Area birth community.
Janine’s journey began in 1982 as a childbirth educator, birth assistant, and advocate at the forefront of the emerging doula movement. Her lifelong mission has always been to help transform the childbirth experience in the U.S., with a deep commitment to honoring the instinctual nature of birth.
In 2019, Janine established a permanent home for her school in Sacramento, California. Today, Sierra Doula Academy offers comprehensive doula training and continuing education for aspiring and experienced birth professionals worldwide—supported by a passionate team of instructors and staff dedicated to uplifting the next generation of doulas.
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.
