Training offered

Train with Tayna Chessman, California LM/CPM and ProDoula Labor Doula and Postpartum & Infant Care trainer. SoCal Doulas welcomes aspiring doulas throughout California and nationwide for live virtual workshops. Each interactive workshop includes 20 training hours over two days. Labor Doula training explores birth support, comfort measures, communication, partner support, informed choices, and professional practice. Postpartum & Infant Care training explores recovery, newborn care, feeding support, family adjustment, and professional boundaries. 2026 TRAININGS October 24-25: Labor Doula, virtual. December 5-6: Postpartum & Infant Care, virtual. December 12-13: Postpartum & Infant Care, in person in San Francisco; confirm venue with ProDoula. 2026 hours: 8:45 AM-7:00 PM Pacific each day. 2027 LABOR DOULA - VIRTUAL March 6-7; June 12-13; August 7-8; November 13-14. 2027 POSTPARTUM & INFANT CARE - VIRTUAL January 2-3; May 22-23; July 24-25; August 28-29; December 4-5. 2027 hours: 9:00 AM-7:00 PM each day. July 24-25 uses Central Time; all other listed 2027 weekends use Pacific Time. Workshop fee: $645. ProDoula membership and other certification requirements are additional. Workshop attendance is one step in the applicable certification pathway. Dates, registration, and full details: https://socaldoulas.com/doula-training-1/ For expectant families: midwife-led childbirth, birth-planning, newborn care, infant feeding, and postpartum preparation classes are separate from professional doula training. Explore https://socaldoulas.com/class-inquiry/.

Summary of qualifications

Tayna Chessman is a California Licensed Midwife (LM), Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), ProDoula Labor Doula trainer, ProDoula Postpartum & Infant Care trainer, and VBAC specialist. A 2025 graduate of the National College of Midwifery, she brings four years of doula trainer experience, 10 years of birth doula experience and experience supporting more than 300 births. Tayna leads SoCal Doulas and Birthstone Midwifery. Her teaching centers on respectful, inclusive support, informed choices, practical preparation, and helping partners take an active role. She connects birth knowledge with the communication, boundaries, and relationship skills doulas use every day. Her classroom welcomes questions and different backgrounds and learning styles, with opportunities to discuss, reflect, and practice. Students learn how to offer calm support while respecting each family’s preferences and the professional doula role.

Style of teaching

Expect an interactive classroom with clear explanations, real-world scenarios, guided discussion, and opportunities to practice. I welcome questions and different learning styles, and I make room for reflection as well as hands-on participation. We practice listening without judgment, communicating with families and care teams, supporting a partner, respecting each client’s choices, and maintaining professional boundaries. My goal is for you to leave with practical skills, a realistic next-step plan, and a stronger sense of how you want to serve families. I teach with warmth, honesty, and high standards. You do not need to arrive knowing everything; curiosity, respect, and a willingness to participate are a strong place to begin.

Years offering training

4

Profile last updated: 10/19/2026 8:35:25 AM