Elemental Birth School: Reweaving Memory & Culture through Birth Care

 

 

 

 

The Elemental Birth School was created to cultivate doulas and monitrices who are elementally embodied, ethically grounded, and evolutionarily attuned—committed to improving maternal, infant, and community health within bilingual, bicultural, and diasporic lineages.

 

Join our Elemental Doula & Monitrice Training

ESPAĂ‘OL
ENGLISH

 

The Elemental Doula & Monitrice Training offers both profound personal transformation and rigorous professional preparation. It is rooted in ancestral wisdom, evidence-based medicine, and intercultural dialogue—and grounded in the belief that every birth attendant carries unique gifts for their community.

You will emerge ready to support your community as a doula or monitrice.

 

Program Details

Certification Pathways: Doula and Monitrice

Each is a five-month online immersive program, culminating in an intensive eight-day, in-person hands-on training.

Start Date: Phase 01 ELEMENTAL DOULA January 2026

IN PERSON PORTION: June 2026

Start Date: Phase 02 ELEMENTAL MONITRICE AUGUST 2026

IN PERSON PORTION: November 2026

The Elemental Doula & Monitrice Training is a living, co-creative tapestry where ancestral wisdom is activated and professional mastery takes root.


It’s an initiation into the sacred art and responsibility of walking with families through the perinatal threshold. 

 

We live in a time of globalized and mixed realities. Families are more diverse than ever. Health systems are strained and often disconnected from the cultural, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of birth. 

The Elemental Birth School arises in response to this reality, recognizing that birth is where culture begins—and where living culture can be renewed.

We prepare birth workers who serve as bridges—walking between worlds, grounded in elemental wisdom, and consciously advocating for perinatal health and community well-being.

Our training invites you to weave ancestral wisdom and elemental consciousness with evidence-based science—while honoring your unique gifts as you walk this evolutionary path of caring for maternal, infant, and community health

The Call to Birth Work

Every birth is a threshold—
not only for the family welcoming new life, but for the community that embraces them.

To stand at this threshold as a doula or monitrice is to accept a sacred responsibility:
to honor life, dignity, culture, and choice.

Beyond being a calling, birth work is a proven way to transform outcomes for mothers-fathers, babies, and communities.

What Is the Difference Between a Doula and a Monitrice?

The Doula

A doula is a repair response to a fractured modern culture—one that has forgotten the ancestral knowledge of how to tend, guard, and honor the birthing process.

The doula’s role is to restore this living wisdom by supporting the physiological, emotional, and spiritual unfolding of birth. Through presence, education, and compassionate care, doulas hold space for families to reconnect with the innate intelligence of birth and reweave this memory into the fabric of family and community life.

Their work is an act of cultural remembering—supporting the rebirth of cultural coherence and embodied care.

And, empowering each woman and family to reclaim their power, remembering themselves as extensions of raw natural power and divesting from predatory and denigrating institutionalized systems of 'healthcare'.

The Monitrice

A monitrice bridges the worlds of doula and midwife. While grounded in the continuous emotional and physical support characteristic of the doula role, a monitrice also brings certain clinical assessment skills—such as monitoring fetal heart tones, observing vital signs, and assessing labor progress.

This allows her to support families who wish to labor at home for as long as possible before transferring to a hospital birth, ensuring safety, continuity, and calm presence. Monitrices may also serve as midwife apprentices or assistants, offering skilled, integrative support throughout labor until the attending midwife arrives.

The Evidence Is Clear

When families receive support from doulas, monitrices, and childbirth educators, birth outcomes improve dramatically.

With doula or monitrice support, families experience:

  • 39% decrease in the likelihood of cesarean birth
  • 15% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
  • 31% reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin
  • 38% lower risk of reporting a negative birth experience

Neonatal outcomes also improve:

  • Babies are 14% less likely to require NICU admission
  • Apgar scores at 5 minutes are significantly higher
  • More stable breastfeeding initiation and bonding in the first hours of life

Childbirth education amplifies these benefits: increasing confidence, reducing fear, and helping families make informed choices that reflect the integrity and uniqueness of their experience. 

This is the measurable power of birth work: healthier births, stronger families, and thriving communities.

Our unique Curriculum and Approach

The Elemental Doula & Monitrice Training is organized in two distinct phases, each designed to provide both theoretical grounding and practical application.

  • Didactic Component:

     Each phase opens with a five-month curriculum that weaves together lectures, readings, case studies, and guided discussions. Students engage in an in-depth exploration of subjects such as embryology, anatomy and physiology, perinatal processes, history + anthropology of birth-work, cultural perspectives on birth, somatic practices, trauma-informed care, ethics, and the evolving role of doulas and monitrices across diverse contexts. 

  • Immersive Intensive:

     The didactic coursework culminates in an eight-day immersive training that centers on experiential learning. Through simulations, skills practice, community dialogue, and supervised application, participants integrate knowledge into embodied practice. This intensive component also incorporates elemental ceremony and ritual, offering a unique space to consolidate learning, refine competencies, and cultivate the presence essential for birth work.

 

Phase 01: Elemental Doula Training

unfolds over 16 weeks, with 34 immersive classes (about 102 credit hours), an 8-day in-person gathering, and 36 hours of guided hands-on practicum.
Module 01: Foundations-Orientation, Root, & Authenticity
    • Orientation, Agreements, & Group Tapestry
    • ELEMENTAL Philosophy: Radical Ethics, Authenticity, Community
    • History and Anthropology of Birth Attendants/Guardians
    • Personal Birth Map (Exploration of one’s own perinatal history)
 
Module 02: Cyclical Foundations- Menstrual Wisdom and Preconception Preparation
    • Menstrual Cycle and Hormones (Hypothalamus–pituitary–ovaries: GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone)
    • Preconception Nutrition and Fertility Wisdom
    • Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis
    • Ovulation, Fertilization, Implantation, and Early Pregnancy (hCG)
    • Prenatal Interviews and Preconception Support
 
Module 03:The Physiology of Gestation- Adaptation and Design
    • Embryonic Development (Weeks 1–8) and Fetal Development (Weeks 9–40)
    • Maternal Physiological Changes: Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Psycho-Emotional
    • Common Discomforts and Holistic Support (Nutrition and Recipes to Support Pregnancy)
    • Matrescence and Patrescence: Identity Transformation
    • Strategies for Supporting Fear and Uncertainty During Pregnancy
    • Case Study 1
Module 04: The Physiology of Birth- Design, Intelligence, and Flow
    • Neurohormones: Oxytocin, Prostaglandins, Endorphins, Endocannibinoids, Adrenaline
    • Stages and Phases of Labor
    • Birth Biomechanics, Labor Progress, and Baby’s Cardinal Movements
    • Brain Waves and States of Consciousness in Labor – Birth as an evolutionary experience
    • Non-Pharmacological Pain Management, Comfort Measures, and Deep Emotional Support
    • Case Study 2: Home Birth vs. Hospital Birth – Support and Differences
 
 
Module 05: Medical Interventions, Impacts, and Informed Choice
    • Induction, Membrane Rupture, Monitoring, Epidural, Synthetic Oxytocin
    • Cesarean and VBAC: Support Before, During, and After
    • Cascade of Interventions and Decision-Making Support
    • How to Support Without Judgment and Uphold Autonomy
    • Reducing Birth Trauma and Protecting the Mother’s Memory
    • Case Study 3: When Birth Takes a Different Turn
 Module 06: Human Rights in Childbirth  and Cultural Realities
    • Sexual and Reproductive Rights
    • Obstetric Violence and Obstetric Racism
    • Informed Consent and Advocating for Family Wishes in Alignment with Their Culture

 

 

 

 

 
 
Module 07: The Postpartum Landscape- Bonding, Balance, and Mental Health
    • Early Postpartum: Uterine Involution, Lochia, Mother’s Experience
    • The Golden Hour: Newborn’s Postpartum Experience
    • Bonding, Attachment, and Listening to the Baby’s Narrative
    • Breastfeeding, lactation foundations
    • Maternal Mental Health and the First 100 Days
    • Placenta Wisdom and Its Cultural Significance
    • Case Study 4
 
 
Module 08: The Doula’s Path- Practice, Purpose, and Embodied Service
    • “On-Call” Lifestyle: Self-Care in the Life of a Doula
    • Being a Doula in Community: community outreach
    • Contracts, Fees, Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

In person training

The in-person training is a requirement for certification. During these eight days, we gather in community to engage in hands-on learning, somatic and evolutionary practices that support practitioner embodiment and self-care. Trainings are held at Finca Ocelote in Tenjo, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

 
 
Curriculum

    • Assesing/Analyzing & supporting he Biomechanics and Progression of Labor

    • Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Pain-Intensity & discomfort

    • Comfort Measures and Deep Emotional Support in Birth

    • Carnatic Chanting and Conscious Breathing Techniques

    • Embodied Rebozo Techniques for Labor Support

 

 

 

 

 
 
Somatic Ritual & Elemental Evolution- Practices for Practitioner Development

    • Inipi (Sweat Lodge) Ceremony: Prayer, Purification and Spiritual Strength

    • Elemental Breathwork: Awakening the Inner Currents- psycho emotional release

    • Earth Offering: Reciprocity and Grounded Presence

    • Elemental Connection: Reweaving Relationship with Nature and Self

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Phase 02: Elemental Monitrice Training

places a strong emphasis on theoretical integration, case study analysis, and practice development. This phase expands the student’s skillset through in-person accompaniment, applied case studies, and community outreach projects that deepen both clinical and relational competence. It unfolds over 16 weeks, with 20 classes (about 60 credit hours), and an immersive 8-day in-person training, with 36 hours of guided hands-on practicum.

 

Foundations of Maternal–Fetal Wellbeing

    • The Microbiome at the Beginning of Life

    • Calculating Estimated Due Date and Gestational Age

    • Assessing Maternal Vital Signs

    • Fetal Heart Monitoring and Assessment of Wellbeing

    • Practical application of polyvagal theory for perinatal support

    • Warning Signs in the Health of the Mother–Baby Dyad

    • Grief & Bereavement: miscarriage, pregnancy release and fetal demise   

 

Supporting the Physiology and Variations of Labor

    • The Biomechanics of Birth: Understanding Variations of Normal (Posterior and Breech Presentations)

    • The Onset of Labor: Physiological Processes and Medical Inductions

    • Phytotherapy and Herbal Allies for Labor Support

    • Homeopathy and Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Labor Support

    • Attending the Precipitous Birth: Presence and Preparedness

In person training

The in-person training is a requirement for certification. During these eight days, we gather in community to engage in hands-on learning, somatic and evolutionary practices that support practitioner embodiment and self-care. Trainings are held at Finca Ocelote in Tenjo, Cundinamarca, Colombia.

 
 
Curriculum

    • Rebozo and Advanced Biomechanics of Labor

    • Assessment of Maternal Vital Signs 

    • Fetal Heart Monitoring + fetal wellbeing assessment

    • Non invasive assessment of labor progress + dilation
    • Early postpartum binding + womb abdominal massage

 

 

 

 

 
 
Somatic Ritual & Elemental Evolution- Practices for Practitioner Development

    • Inipi (Sweat Lodge) Ceremony: Prayer, Purification and Spiritual Strength

    • Elemental Breathwork: Awakening the Inner Currents- psycho emotional release

    • Earth Offering: Reciprocity and Grounded Presence

    • Arte-Sana workshop; crafting tools of power, intuition and protection 

 

 

 

The Format

All virtual classes are held live on Zoom and later uploaded to the Elemental Birth School learning portal for on-demand access.

Amapola teaches in Spanish, and Aya Maria teaches in English. Each class includes live translation and comprehensive transcriptions, ensuring that every participant—no matter their primary language—receives the full depth of the material seamlessly and accessibly.

Upon enrollment, you’ll also gain access to our private cohort community—a space for questions, reflections, integration, and connection. Think of it as a private social network where shared inquiry and mutual support can take root and grow.

Throughout our time together, we’ll gather for integration sessions designed to deepen learning, embodiment, and community cohesion.

Certification Path & Requirements

Lifelong and Immediate Certification

Certification as an Elemental Doula or Monitrice is granted to those who meet all program requirements.
Unlike many other programs, our certification:

Has no standardized exams or costly renewals

Emphasizes integration of knowledge, self-reflection, and authentic practice

Honors your cultural diversity, autonomy, and ethical responsibility

1. Academic & In-Person Training

Must Attend at least 70% of live virtual classes (24 out of 34 )

Must Complete all virtual training hours

Participate fully in the 8-day in-person immersion, engaging in all experiential, somatic, and ritual activities

2. Academic Requirements

Complete all assignments from the virtual modules: reflections, case studies, and self-exploration

Submit evidence of assigned readings (essays, notes, or creative reflections: format will be explained within training)

Present a final integrative reflection, synthesizing your learning and vision for practice

3. Community Practice

Accompany at least 3 families through pregnancy, birth, and/or postpartum

Create an ethical, reflective record for each accompaniment—focused on insights, challenges, and growth, not clinical data

4. Authenticity & Personal Coherence

Develop a personal doula/monitrice identity project that expresses your authenticity and cultural roots (written, artistic, audiovisual, or ritual)

Participate in at least two mentorship circles (individual or group) exploring fears, biases, and personal coherence in accompaniment

5. Ethics & Community Engagement

Sign and commit to the Code of Ethics and Authenticity, rooted in autonomy, cultural diversity, and radical responsibility

Participate in at least one community action supporting maternity, parenting, or family wellbeing (e.g., volunteering, support circles, solidarity-based care)

Certification Conditions

Access to Materials

Access to pre-recorded classes is available for up to 13 months from the start of your cohort

Extensions are available in special circumstances

In-Person Immersion

Attendance at the 8-day in-person immersion is required for full doula/monitrice certification

Those unable to attend will receive a certificate of academic completion (not full certification)

Immersions are offered regularly in Colombia, with the possibility of the U.S., Mexico in the event the cohort prefers that, pricing will adapt in such scenario.

Maximum Time to Certify

You have up to 2 years from the start of the program to complete all certification requirements.

Community Practice Requirements

Students must accompany at least two complete in-person birth processes, including:

3 prenatal sessions

Presence during the birth (vaginal or cesarean)

3 postpartum sessions

These are considered learning practices, which may be:

Free or low-cost

Clearly communicated as part of training

Completed independently or in shadowing with another doula or midwife

Advancing to Monitrice Level

Completion of Phase 01 is required before entering Phase 02.
Applicants with prior training, active practice, or relevant experience may request an individual interview to assess theoretical and practical readiness before advancing to the Monitrice level.

Those who complete both phases of the Elemental Birth School training will receive first priority for admission into our upcoming Midwifery + Postpartum Residency Program, currently in development.

 Tuition

 

We offer a tiered pricing structure to honor global economic diversity and make this training accessible to students from different regions.
 Find our complete tuition and scholarship breakdown here : ELEMENTAL BIRTH SCHOOL TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS 2025-2026

If you’re applying from the U.S., Canada, Europe, or Australia, you’ll find your tuition tiers and application links below.

 

Elemental Doula Training (Virtual)

  • Regular Enrollment: 

    $2,497

  • Early Enrollment (12% off)

    $2,117

  • 3-Part Payment Plan

    3Ă— $865 / 3Ă— $735

     

Apply now

Elemental Monitrice Training (Virtual)

  • Regular Enrollment: 

    $1,963

  • Early Enrollment (12% off)

    $1,727

  • 3-Part Payment Plan

    3Ă— $590 / 3Ă— $520

     

Apply now

Combined Package: Doula + Monitrice Training (Virtual)

  • Regular Enrollment: 

    $4,194

  • Early Enrollment (12% off)

    $3,690

  • 3-Part Payment Plan

    3 × $1,455 / 3 × $1,280 

Apply now

In-Person Training (same price for each phase)

 

$1,950

Includes lodging, daily breakfast + lunch, and all materials

 
 
Enrollment upon Doula or Monitrice Program Acceptance

About us

Amapola Pacheco
I am a midwife, anthropologist, and perinatal educator with thirteen years of experience accompanying families toward respectful births and home births.
My practice integrates the science and art of birth work, weaving together empirical and professional knowledge from a perspective that honors women’s autonomy and innate wisdom.

I believe that motherhood and fatherhood are evolutionary schools where the peace and health of society are first sown. For this reason, I dedicate my life to supporting families through these sacred transformations.

Drawing from my own experience as a mother, I offer a personalized model of care that integrates body and emotion — understanding that each birth is a unique and universal rite of initiation.

 

Aya Maria Maldonado
I am a mother, a Midwife and an Elemental Fertility Guide & Educator.

I work with women and families who wish to awaken their cyclical–elemental memory and approach their reproductive care consciously and ceremoniously.
I also organize in-person retreats to reconnect with ancestral technologies and original birth arts — for our collective empowerment and regeneration.

I am rooted in the understanding that menarche, our first sexual experiences, gestation, childbirth, and postpartum are sacred physiological rites of passage that transform the biography of our bodies and initiate us into new psycho-social roles and responsibilities.

Moving through these initiations consciously — while witnessed and supported by the elements, our families, and our communities — is ceremony.
Ceremony sustains harmony: ser-en-armonía.

I have supported over 300 births, including VBACs and teen pregnancies, both in birth centers and at home.
Since 2017, over 400 women and families have participated in my online and in-person immersions and trainings.

 

From the Andes Mountains of Colombia

We are dreaming of a world with more guardians of birth — more caretakers of expectant families.
We dream of more women walking alongside other women as they are born into motherhood.

We know that the beginning of life — birth, the intrauterine world, and the primal stage — is transcendent. It is there that the roots of human existence are woven.

After many years walking the path of midwifery and motherhood, we feel it is time to open our knowledge and create spaces for learning and transformation.
We want more women to learn the art of caring — in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum — so that the possibility of a respected and dignified birth can continue to grow.

This is our way of contributing to the world.
We believe in the revolution of care.
In community.
In the value of tending to the seeds.

We know there are many women across the continent who feel this same calling — who recognize the depth of this purpose and wish to be guided in discovering their own way of being doulas within their communities.

That’s why we have created a bilingual and bicultural training — a space woven from cultural and physiological knowledge that allows us to meet in a virtual classroom without losing the essence of being face-to-face.

Because at the end, there will be an in-person immersion in the mountains, where we will embody everything we’ve been learning:
To reconnect.
To recognize ourselves as caretakers of life.
To recognize ourselves as community.

2026 will be the year we embark on this journey.
If you feel the call, your first step is simple:
Join the waitlist now.

Great transformations begin with small gestures.

Join Our Waitlist

You’ll be automatically enrolled in our free class, “Weaving Memory + Culture through Birthwork,” on October 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (Bogotá time) — and you’ll be the first to receive early enrollment rates and application access.