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    Advanced Skills Retreat

    Continuing Education for Birthworkers

    June 19-27, 2023

    Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from a group of world-renowned teachers – a dream team for your learning.

    Our 2023 retreat occurs just one week prior to the largest gathering of midwives from around the world at the International Confederation of Midwives meeting in Bali. Plan two life-changing events and a nurturing holiday in between to recharge you and your practice.

    Learn from world renowned doula trainer and Director of Orgasmic Birth, Debra Pascali-Bonaro and CNN Hero and Bumi Sehat Founder, Midwife, Ibu Robin Lim for seven days of blissful teaching, learning, connecting and loving. 

    Continuing Education Units

    All participants will receive continuing education units from Lamaze International. (Additional units to be determined)

    Advanced Skills Retreat is for you if...

    You are currently working in the field of birth and you are looking for more gentle birth tools in your toolkit.

    Our retreat meets the specific needs of providers who come with experience and wish to deepen their skills in pleasurable birth – an opportunity to discuss, heal and refresh skills for supporting challenging births, ways to nurture yourself all while you relax and revitalize your passion for childbirth in the gorgeous setting of Bali.

    Experienced doulas, alternative health practitioners, midwives, massage therapists, doctors, nurses, students…anyone who works offering clinical, emotional and/or hands-on support to birthing families is welcome.

    “Eat Pray Doula has been an insightful and wonderful experience in allowing me to learn and expand my knowledge from great teachers like Ibu Robin Lim and Debra Pascali Bonaro”

    Cheryl

    Immersive Learning

    Our unique immersive experience allows time to dive deeper into learning, understanding, practicing and connecting.

    “Coming to Eat Pray Doula, I had a chance to go back to myself and fill my cup. I can give more of myself with all of the knowledge and love I have received here.”

    Ros

    Bali Bliss

    The Island of the Gods

    Eat Pray Doula is located in the clean, safe, and beautiful town of Nyuh Kuning, just a short walk from Monkey Forest, Bumi Sehat Birth Clinic, shopping, and restaurants.

    We'll spend each day together at our retreat home, Peace Kitchen, with ample time in the evenings for exploration of local treasures.

    Our teachers, the perfect combination

    Wise - Dedicated - Loving

    In 2012 Ibu Robin Lim & Debra Pascali-Bonaro came together to teach the first Eat Pray Doula Workshop in Bali, Indonesia, and have been joined by Midwife Mala Landt, CPM since 2017.

    Since then, their vast individual and collective experience and passion for culturally safe, gentle birth including informed and respectful decision-making as the pathway to Peace On Earth has offered retreat participants an un-quantifiable wellspring of tools, inspiration, information, and hope for their own futures as Doulas, Midwives, Nurses, Physicians, Acupuncturists, Therapist and Body Workers to become change-makers in birth for the future of planet earth.

    Together, they provide our promised doulas with wisdom, research, song and ceremony which has been acquired from traditional birthkeepers from around the world.

    Learn more about our teachers

    *click to expand

    Robin Lim is an internationally-recognized midwife, well-known author and talented poet. Bumi Sehat International,  her non-profit Indonesian birthing and educational clinics have saved hundreds of lives and delivered thousands of babies, serving the poor and medically disenfranchised citizens of Bali and in the tsunami-ravaged province of Aceh, Sumatra and the Philippines. Ibu Robin remains indefatigably committed to changing the world, one gentle birth at a time.

    Debra has trained thousands of doulas, birth keepers and parents around the world in the practices of gentle birth support.  She is the Founder & President of Pain to Power Childbirth Experience, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret , author and inspirational international speaker, and chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization.   Debra’s passion comes from her years as a Lamaze International childbirth educator, and birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International where she has worked with women, men, midwives, doulas, nurses and physicians in over 40 countries bringing comfort, love and pleasure to birth and life!

    Mala has been a CPM for over 20 years and lives on the Big Island of Hawaii on a small organic farm with three of her four sons and their families. Her farm has been dedicated as a Gentlebirth Sanctuary and Education Center. Mala has had a home birth practice on the Big Island for 18 years now yet she has spent 10 of those years traveling to Bali to work with Ibu Robin in Ubud, Bali.

    Mala has a BA in Anthropology and Psychology and a Masters in Special Education. She worked as a Dance Therapist in the North Carolina State School for the Handicapped and later on in the Virgin Islands Public schools, she taught Adaptive Physical Education. She orchestrated Preschools to begin combining special needs children and “normal” children, and proved the benefits for both populations in social adaptation and motivation in learning.

    She is an International Yoga Teacher of 40 years, a professional Massage therapist of 20 years, a Cranial Sacral Therapist and Prenatal Yoga instructor and Postpartum Exercise Instructor. She studied at the Oneness University in India and became a Trainer of “Deeksha”, which is a
    force for Global Awakening. She was an Instructor of Doula Certification and training with
    the Barefoot Doctors Academy in Hawaii in 2004, 2009 and 2014.

    Naolí Vinaver is a Mexican midwife who combines traditional Mexican and contemporary home birth practices, with a profound respect for the physiology of natural birth, having attended over 1700 home births in both Mexico and Brazil. Naolí is a passionate speaker and educator, teaching hundreds of workshops and seminars in over 30 countries around the world.

    Sarah J Buckley is a New-Zealand-trained GP/family physician with qualifications in GP-obstetrics and family planning. She is the mother of four home-born children, and currently combines motherhood with her work as a writer on pregnancy, birth, and parenting. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland,, where her research is focused on the hormone systems of labour and birth and the impacts of interventions..

    Dr Buckley’s work critiques current practices in pregnancy, birth, and parenting from the widest possible perspectives, including scientific, anthropological, cross-cultural, psychological, and personal. She encourages us to be fully informed in our decision-making; to listen to our hearts and our intuition; and to claim our rightful role as the real experts in our bodies and our children.

    Her bestselling book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices, published by Celestial Arts/PenguinRandomHouse (US, 2009), builds on her acclaimed first edition, published in Australia as Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The Wisdom and Science of Gentle Choices in Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting (One Moon Press, Brisbane, 2005, available as ebook here ).

    Our hOMe, Bumi Peace Kitchen

    … a DREAM realized

    It became apparent that Eat Pray Doula and many other Awakening Birth gatherings needed a hOMe of our own, a place where we could learn, grow and heal together. 

    This safe haven for BirthKeepers would function as the center of a mandala. From this fulcrum Doulas, Midwives, Nurses, Doctors, Childbirth Educators, Prenatal Yoga Teachers, and BirthKeepers of all descriptions from all parts of our Earth, could be nourished.  

    This strength, we believed, would have a profound impact upon access to gentle respectful skilled, loving MotherBaby care, worldwide.  Human rights in pregnancy, birth & postpartum, begins in circles, circles of Women.

    Who makes a wish, like… “I need a big recycled house for BirthKeepers.” and gets that wish fulfilled, the very next day? Ibu Robin… of course.  When my friend Katia offered me the ancient teak house, all I could do was cry, laugh, hug and be in gratitude!

    The Divine plan for a place for Women, Children, Families… for BirthKeepers has sprouted.

    Our daily ritual

    Sample Daily Schedule

    *times and topics subject to change

    Registration Information

    Reserve your spot by paying our deposit of $850. This will be applied to the total retreat fee of:

    *pricing below based on double occupancy lodging. Pricing varies slightly if you book without accommodations or choose a single bedroom.

    Our retreat fills quickly – join today for the best pricing and lowest payment plan options. Your deposit will be applied to the balance, please note it is non-refundable, no matter the circumstances. As soon as you book be sure to purchase travel insurance that will cover your retreat expenses even in the event of postponement or cancellation. Mother Nature and Father Time do not always share their plans. Volcanos, earthquakes, and pandemics have caused our retreat to be postponed in the past.

    *pricing is in US dollar and based on double-occupancy lodging. Pricing varies slightly if you book without accommodations or choose a single bedroom.

    Peace on earth...begins with YOU!

    If you find it necessary to cancel your reservation, the following cancellation policy will apply:

    Four months (or more) prior: We will refund all workshop funds received, less your deposit and unrecoverable funds from accommodations and other deposits made on your behalf.

    Less than four months prior: A cancellation charge of 50%, as well as your deposit and unrecoverable monies from accommodations and other deposits made on your behalf will be withheld.

    Two months prior: No refunds will be made within 2 months of the start of the event.

    Your deposit is non-refundable, no matter the circumstances. As soon as you book be sure to purchase travel insurance that will cover your retreat expenses even in the event of postponement or cancellation. Mother Nature and Father Time do not always share their plans. Volcanos, earthquakes, and pandemics have caused our retreat to be postponed in the past.

    Common Questions

    Our retreat meets the specific needs of providers who come with experience and wish to deepen their skills in pleasurable birth – an opportunity to discuss, heal and refresh skills for supporting challenging births, ways to nurture yourself all while you relax and revitalize your passion for childbirth in the gorgeous setting of Bali.

    Experienced doulas, alternative health practitioners, midwives, massage therapists, doctors, nurses, students…anyone who works offering clinical, emotional and/or hands-on support to birthing families is welcome

    You will receive continuing education units from Lamaze International and the Australian College of Midwives for attending.

    Absolutely! You are welcome to book your own accommodations and have your family join you in Bali. The retreat is less if you stay offsite, and your welcome to include your family in the Welcome Dinner and Celebration Dinner for a small additional fee. Non-mobile babies can join you at the retreat each day, but mobile children will need a care-taker so that you can fully engage in the retreat. Small children are welcome to come by during the training to snuggle and nurse as needed. 

    When purchasing your flight to Bali, you will be flying into Denpasar airport (country code DPS).  

    Once you book your retreat, you’ll receive a number of forms to fill out letting us know when you’ll be arriving in Bali. We are happy to arrange aiport pick up for you. You will pay the driver directly, and they will bring you to Peace Kitchen or the location of your choosing. 

    Please check here to determine if you live in a country which requires a visa upon arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months Indonesia will NOT allow you into the country and your airline will NOT let you on the plane. If your passport is due to expire in 6 months or less, please have it renewed before coming

    If you are traveling from outside Indonesia, you will require a passport. Please be sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.  Indonesia will not allow you into the country and your airline will not let you on the plane, if your passport is due to expire in 6 months or less, please check and have it renewed before coming if necessary.

    There are currently no travel warnings for Bali, but you can check for current travel warnings. Bali is a small island province of Indonesia and the country’s most popular tourist destination.  The Balinese tend to be kind and helpful people. As for safety in the streets, there is very little violent crime in Bali, especially in Ubud.  As a traveler you must take common sense precautions against petty crime, just as you would in any tourist resort.

    Our welcome dinner takes place on the first day of the retreat in the evening. You are welcome to check in to Peace Kitchen anytime after 2PM, or let us know when you will be arriving so that we can make early arrival arrangements.

    You may want to arrive a day or so early, so you can adjust to the time difference. We welcome early arrivals at Peace Kitchen for an additional fee, or you can stay locally at Villa Sonia, Bali Spirit or search for an Air B&B in Nyuh Kuning.

    If you prefer to stay near the beach, the Village of Sanur is lovely and not far from the airport. 

    The last evening of our retreat is our celebration dinner – we’d love to have you join us! Many leave the retreat after the dinner, or the next morning depending on flight times. If you choose to stay in the area to site see, there are many wonderful things to do with your new doula sisters or your family. 

    If you book the retreat with accommodations, you’ll be staying at the retreat hOMe, Peace Kitchen. Peace Kitchen is located in Nyuh Kuning. The exact location will be sent after registration. 

    Once our retreat rooms fill, we suggest our overflow participants book at Villa Sonia, located within walking distance. 

    Be prepared to be hot!  The average temperature during the day is 84 with occasional brief rainstorms.

    Bumi Sehat appreciates your wishes to volunteer as a doula. Unfortunately, the county has restrictions on foreign volunteer doulas. Bumi Sehat does have a non-doula volunteer program. Learn more HERE.

    Want to help in another way? More than anything, the birth center is in need of financial support. If you are an organizer and can put together a fundraiser in your local community to raise funds for Bumi Sehat, that would be amazing! 

    It is hot outside during the day and a bit cooler in the evening. Bring light clothing in natural breathable materials and layers. When you arrive in Bali, you will have ample opportunities to shop for any clothes which you may need/want in order to help acclimate to the difference in climate.  There is GREAT shopping in Bali!

    Be advised that if you want to go to a temple you will need a blouse or shirt to cover your shoulders and a sash and sarong, which you can purchase in Bali. The Balinese welcome you to their temple festivals but you must dress properly.

    Summer clothing is perfectly appropriate for classes.

    You will need an electrical converter available at drug stores or office supply shops. 

    Please bring a reusable water bottle and refill with filtered water. The water in Bali is unsafe for tourists to drink or brush teeth unfiltered.

    Most restaurants catering to westerners use bottled water for all cooking purposes. There is ample bottled water available all over the island and at all small food shops and convenience stores.  

    You will be traveling in a civilized, built up area.  Your doctor may suggest all kinds of vaccinations for traveling in the jungle. Please impress upon your provider that you are staying in nice resorts and eating at good restaurants and discuss the question.

    There are plenty of international medical clinics near the clinic. These clinics usually do not accept health insurance, but they do not cost much. Should you need specialized care in an emergency, you would be evacuated to Singapore. We require you purchase travel insurance. 

    There are pharmacies in Bali that have most common drugs, such as antibiotics, anti diarrhea, cold and flu remedies. If you are on a prescription, you need to bring enough for your trip.  Make sure they are in pharmacy bottles with your doctor’s name on the label.  Be sure to bring any and all natural remedies you like to have on hand. 

    The easiest way to access money in Ubud is via the ATM or to bring cash (large bills have better exchange rates) and exchange it at the airport, bank or authorized money exchangers. Banking hours are usually from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from Monday to Friday and until 1:00 pm Saturday. 

    Please be sure to exchange enough money to pay your driver upon arrival as you will be responsible for their fee + gratuity.

    Prior to your trip, please tell your bank and credit card companies the dates that you will be in Bali, as they may cut off your funds for fraud protection if they don’t know you are using your cards in a foreign country. 

    PLEASE NOTE: 
    Using a credit card or traveler’s checks for purchases is almost impossible anywhere in the village or in Ubud except in hotels and larger establishments.  Be sure you travel with sufficient funds in your bank account to be able to access them via ATM.  Your other alternative is to have money sent via Western Union to numerous locations in Ubud.

    You can easily stay for about $100 per day. This includes housing, meals, local transportation, and some spending money.

    During the retreat, breakfast and lunch is included each day, so you will only need money for dinner, shopping and attractions. 

    Will you join our circle?

    2023 Retreat: Important Dates

    Check in Welcome Dinner Daily Retreat Celebration Dinner Check out
    June 19 after 2PM June 19 at 7PM June 20-26th June 26 at 7PM June 27 at 11 AM

    There will be one free day to explore on your own or join for a special group activity.