Postpartum Doula Program

The postpartum doula supports a woman’s transition(s) after birth, serving as a “mother’s helper”. Birthingway’s new Postpartum Doula Program has been developed with the biodynamic model at its core. Educating the new family is a large portion of the postpartum doula’s role, including basic baby care and breastfeeding skills. A doula is not a baby nurse and is not trained to provide health care for mother or baby. There are several organizations that offer workshops and certification for doulas. At Birthingway, we offer a course and certification for postpartum doulas, as well as a web page to facilitate matching doulas in our program with pregnant women/ women who have just given birth.

Application Process

Application forms are available from the College and are accepted at any time of the year.

Postpartum Doula Workshop

The workshop typically takes place over a three-day period. Though-out the 20 hours of classroom time, students will learn about a variety of topics pertinent to the postpartum period, including Birthingway's Philosophy and the Biodynamic model of the postpartum period.

In addition, students will learn the scope of practice for a postpartum doula, the hormones of the postpartum period and their effects, and the dynamic of maternal/infant health (i.e. baby care, birth recovery, nutrition, etc.). The workshop also covers breastfeeding and trouble-shooting, baby carriers, and addressing different cultural and parental styles within a community. Students will be given community resources, as well as ideas on how to market and develop a business as a postpartum doula.

Program Requirements

The Postpartum Doula Workshop is one part of the program and is offered several times a year. It may be taken independently or as a first step toward certification. If you are interested, please call the College to be put on a list to be notified of the next scheduled workshop. The cost of the workshop is $ 375. Late registration fees do apply. See calendar for upcoming workshops and payment deadlines.

To be certified by Birthingway as a postpartum doula, students must successfully complete:

• Birthingway’s Postpartum Doula Workshop, “Supporting Transitions After Birth”. The workshop can be taken as a stand alone class or as the first stop towards certification. Students are expected to complete readings before the class meets. After completing the workshop, you must fill out the Application for Postpartum Doula Practicum, being sure to include character references (students will have the option of being listed on our website as a student postpartum doula).
• When a student is ready to enter the practicum, turn in the application with the $100 practicum fee.
• Begin mentorship with an experienced doula through half the hours of postpartum work, serving at least 2 families. Birthingway will help coordinate the mentorship program. A total of 15 hours of postpartum work is required. For the additional hours, students are required to find their own clients.
• Fill out self-evaluation forms and client feedback forms (provided by Birthingway), for each of the practicum experiences. Turn these forms into the Auxillary Programs Practicum Coordinator, who will review them.

 To request certification, the following items must be submitted to the College:

• A completed Postpartum Doula Certification Request (available from the college)
• A check or money order for $100.00 for the Practicum Fee, as listed above
• All evaluation forms completed and signed
• A check of money order for $50.00 for the Certification Fee

 Birthingway will evaluate and verify all documentation within 2 weeks of receipt.

Upon successful completion of all the above requirements, Birthingway College of Midwifery will certify that the student has met the requirements of the Birthingway Postpartum Doula Program and is qualified to serve as a Certified Postpartum Doula. The Birthingway Postpartum Doula Certification is valid for four years. Re-certification is $90.00 and requires documentation of 10 hours of postpartum care during the four year period as well as 15 hours of documented continuing education (i.e. classes, workshops, lectures, etc.). Check out our website for ongoing continuing education opportunities.

Program Costs