Carolyn is the founder of Doula Beginnings and Oceania’s only DONA International-approved doula trainer. She has more than 35 years of experience supporting birthing families and training doulas.
Carolyn Tranter
Oceania's Only DONA International Approved Doula Trainer
CD/PCD(DONA), BDT/PDT(DONA), LCCE (Lamaze), CVD(TVL)
A life dedicated to Doula training, Birth Support and Family Care
“Every family deserves to be supported by someone who truly believes in them.”
I founded Doula Beginnings in New Zealand in 1990 and after moving to Australia in 2016, I continued the work because I believe all families deserve better support and that doulas bring positive change to birth culture globally. Three decades on, I’ve trained hundreds of doulas and watched this profession grow into something extraordinary. My commitment hasn’t changed: small, intimate cohorts, deep connection through our membership and a refusal to compromise on quality. This work matters too much.
- DONA International approved Birth & Postpartum trainer
- 35+ years supporting families through birth
- Founder of Doula Beginnings (Est. 1990)
- Mentor to graduates across Australia, NZ & beyond
Three Decades of Doula Trainig and Services. CArolyn Tranter's Journey
Milestones that shaped Australia and New Zealand's leading Doula Training Program
1990
Founded Doula Beginnings — one of Australia’s first dedicated doula training organisations.
1995
Became DONA International-approved Birth Doula Trainer.
2003
Added DONA Postpartum Doula Trainer credential — the only person in Oceania holding both.
2025
Expanded mentorship to a full 12 months as standard for every graduate because community is a vital component of this work
Today
Hundreds of certified graduates supporting families across Australia, NZ and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT CArolyn Tranter & Doula Beginnings
Who is Carolyn Tranter?
What makes Doula Beginnings different?
Doula Beginnings offers the only DONA-approved Doula training programs in Oceania. We include 12 months Doula Beginnings membership at no extra cost with all our programs. Carolyn personally leads every workshop. We’re offer small, intentional program delivery — not a factory.
When was Doula Beginnings founded?
Doula Beginnings was established in 1990 making it one of Australia’s longest-running and most respected doula training organisations.
Is Carolyn still teaching personally?
Yes. Carolyn personally leads every workshop and remains directly involved in the Doula Beginnings membership activites. This is one of the reasons class sizes are intentionally small.
Does Carolyn still attend births?
Yes – Carolyn still provides birth and postpartum services
How can I work with Carolyn directly?
Every student of Doula Beginnings works directly with Carolyn through workshops, Doula beginnings membership activities and one-on-one check-ins. Book a discovery call to start.
Want to learn from Carolyn?
Every student works directly with Carolyn through workshops,
Doula Beginnings membership and ongoing community.