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Obereg Maternity Support Center · Samara · in person

Become a doula: the “Into the Profession” course

In-person training for birth doulas — ten sessions, practice in a maternity hospital and mentor support. For women who want to accompany other women through pregnancy and birth — and for those who already work in helping professions.

Second cohort · starts October 17, 2026 · about 2.5 months · ₽60,000 · The course is taught in Russian.

Taught by Tatiana Petko and Galina Malysheva. A doula is neither a doctor nor a midwife: she performs no medical procedures, and the limits of competence are the course’s first topic.

01 — Who it’s for

A course for those who feel: this is for me

A calling

You want to help women in birth

To be there at the most important moment — calmly, with knowledge and without fear.

Helping professions

You already work with women and families

For psychologists, counselors and everyone already in the helping professions — to deepen your practice with knowledge of the physiology and psychology of birth.

Your own experience

You want to reflect on your own births

The course is also a way to reflect on your experience as a mother and find strength in it.

After the course

Start supporting births

With a ready toolkit and a team at your side. The best graduates may join the Obereg center’s team.

02 — Program

Ten sessions — from the basics to your own practice

Session 1

The basics of the doula profession

What a doula is, the code of ethics, the limits of competence, legal aspects, combining it with other specialties.

Session 2

The physiology of pregnancy and birth

The stages and terminology of birth, warning signs — when a doctor is needed.

Session 3

Prenatal support

The first meeting with a client, the structure of prenatal meetings, the birth plan, trust within the triad.

Session 4

Interventions and informed choice

Types of interventions in birth, their benefits and risks, evidence-based information and talking about choice.

Session 5

A doula’s tools: hands and heart

Non-drug pain relief: positions, massage, breathing, rebozo, aromatherapy. The doula’s bag.

Session 6

Navigating the medical setting

How the environment affects birth, adaptation strategies, choosing a maternity hospital and a doctor.

Session 7

Support in difficult situations

Complicated births, cesarean sections, perinatal loss, trauma, postpartum depression.

Session 8

The postpartum period

The “fourth trimester”: the doula’s role after birth, home visits, boundaries, closing the contract.

Session 9

Your own practice

From idea to first clients: a personal brand, finding clients, promotion, working in a team.

Session 10

Closing the cycle

A women’s circle, consolidating what you’ve learned, questions and gratitude.

Plus a practical module in a maternity hospital — in a real setting, alongside the center’s experienced doulas.

03 — How it works

Saturday — a session, Wednesday — a call, plus hospital practice

  • Sessions on Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and evening calls on Wednesdays
  • About 2.5 months, starting October 17, 2026
  • Two weeks before the start — self-study materials in a private group
  • Practice in a maternity hospital with mentors
  • In person, in Samara: 41 Maslennikova Avenue, the Obereg center
  • The course is taught in Russian
Who teaches

Tatiana Petko — founder of the Obereg center, perinatal psychologist, doula.

Galina Malysheva — perinatal and family psychologist, a doula at the center, co-author and teacher of its doula training program. Galina’s page for mothers and families →

04 — Fee and sign-up

₽60,000 for the course — sign up with Galina

Leave your name and how to reach you — Galina will tell you more, answer your questions and help you see whether this path is yours.

Or right away: +7 927 260 69 09 · Telegram @Galina_more.

Thank you — Galina will reply personally

The fastest way is Telegram @Galina_more or phone +7 927 260 69 09.