The curriculum

• Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal development, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding
• Components of prenatal care and the midwifery model of care
• Emotions of pregnancy
• Pain management techniques
• Medical procedures used in labor
• Labor variations and complications, including Cesarean birth
• Communication and listening skills
• The emotional and psychological aspects of giving birth and its significance in women's lives
• The doula's role, professional ethics, standards of practice, and certification
• Emotional support and physical comfort measures
• Support for difficult labors, Cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after Cesarean
• Newborn care and breastfeeding support
• Values clarification and cultural sensitivity
• Includes Introduction to Childbearing (DONA International certification requirement)

Course Notes

Required Texts: (click here for information on where to obtain texts.)

• Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (2001) by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler (must be read prior to class)
• The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth (2008) by Penny Simkin
• The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth (2002) by Marshall Klaus, Phyllis Klaus, and John Kennell

The following required text is NOT included in the course manual you will receive at the start of class. A new edition will be available in April 2010 from www.ppmdsupport.com/publications.html

• Beyond the Birth: What No One Ever Talks About (1999) by Dawn Gruen & Rex Gentry

Instructor

Two DONA-approved birth doula trainers, see Simkin Center Faculty, lead each Birth Doula Training.

More Information: See Seattle Midwifery School Website

Location

All courses are held at Bastyr University unless otherwise noted.  Directions

Contact us for lodging information: 425-602-3075.

Contact Us:
Call us at (425) 602-3361