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 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 by Penny Simkin
• The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Marshall Klaus, Phyllis Klaus, and John Kennell
• Beyond the Birth: A Family's Guide to Postpartum Mood Disorders by Gruen et. al.

Instructor

Two DONA-approved birth doula trainers, see Simkin Center Faculty, lead each Birth Doula Training.
More information: See Simkin Center Website

Location

All courses are held at Bastyr University unless otherwise noted.

For information on lodging options and a map, please click here.

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