Background - Postpartum Doula Training
The Simkin Center has played an integral role in developing the postpartum doula movement in the Northwest. Participants in our first classes in 1995 founded the Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS), a professional organization providing peer support, continuing education and referrals. Since then, more than 560 women have completed our training. The Postpartum Doula Training meets NAPS’ training standards for certification. To contact NAPS, send them an email or call (206) 956-1955.
In February 2004, our postpartum doula training workshop received approval by DONA International. Our training was the first in the western U.S. to be approved. DONA approval allows someone who completes the course to begin the process of becoming a DONA International-certified postpartum doula.
Upcoming Postpartum Doula Workshops
Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994.
Wednesday-Saturday, July 10-13, 2013
8am-5pm
$649
Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994.
Thursday - Sunday, September 19-22, 2013
8am-5pm
$649
Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994.
Saturdays and Sundays, October 5-6 and 12-13, 2013
8am-5pm
$649
Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994.
Thursday - Sunday, March 6-9, 2014
8am-5pm
$649
Postpartum Doula Training Course Description
The Simkin Center Postpartum Doula Training is a four-day course. Cost is $649. The curriculum includes:
- The role of the doula in supporting breastfeeding
- Bottle feeding safety and techniques
- Nurturing families with more than one infant
- New mother care
- New baby care
- Listening and communication skills
- Integrating the birth experience
- The emotional transition of the new family
- Ethical conduct of postpartum doulas
- Business aspects of a doula practice
- Prenatal contact
- Postpartum mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Comforting touch for new mothers
- Case scenarios - the doula's role
- Comfort and care for new babies
- Community resources
Prerequisites
If you wish to become DONA International-certified as a postpartum doula, you will need to complete a few prerequisites before taking the class. These are the requirements prior to attending a 27-hour DONA-approved postpartum doula workshop:
- Verify completion of a breastfeeding requirement. Submit required documentation with completed certification application. Choose one (1):
- Proof of completion of lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or community breastfeeding educator training.
- Proof of completion of an online lactation study program. Options include:
- Proof of participation in a breastfeeding class or workshop:
- Submit a class outline and signed Breastfeeding Class Observation Form as documentation of attendance at a three-hour (minimum) breastfeeding class taught by an educator with recognized breastfeeding credentials (IBCLC, CLE or CLC).
- Read at least one book from each of the following categories: “Becoming a Mother,” “The Newborn,” and “Breastfeeding” from the Postpartum Doula Required Reading List. Please direct any questions to your trainer.
Faculty
Two DONA-approved postpartum doula trainers (see Simkin Center faculty) lead each postpartum doula training.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
The "fourth trimester," the period following birth, is often the most challenging and overlooked period in the transition to parenthood. Many new families in our society lack the continuity of care they need following the birth of their baby.
The postpartum doula helps meet this need by educating, nurturing and empowering mothers and families toward confidence in their new roles. Doulas may provide assistance with breastfeeding, newborn and mother care, and housework. They also provide referrals to community resources as needed.
Texts for Postpartum Doula Training
Required Reading
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide (2010) by Penny Simkin, April Bolding, Ann Keppler and Janelle Durham.
- Beyond the Birth: A Family's Guide to Postpartum Mood Disorders (2010) by Gruen et al
- Your Amazing Newborn (2000) by Marshall and Phyllis Klaus
- Nurturing the Family (2002) by Jacqueline Kelleher
Recommended Reading
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (2003) by Marshall Rosenberg
- Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year (1994) by Anne Lamott
- Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client Development in a Multi-Cultural Society (2002) by Allen Ivey and Mary Ivey
- The Nursing Mother's Companion (1999) by Kathleen Huggins
What Our Students Say
- I feel with my life experience I will be able to [practice as a postpartum doula] with confidence [especially] with the added information about postpartum mental health and the business aspects [of doula practice].
- You’ve opened my eyes in ways I never thought possible. This has really helped me for my new role as a grandmother!!
- The Training was incredible! The healthy (physically/emotionally/mentally) attitude of instruction touches my heart. There is hope for this world, with all the wonderful trained doulas out there. One Mom at a time!