We are in the process of winding down our Postpartum Doula program and are focused exclusively on supporting currently enrolled students who are working toward certification. We no longer offer an initial training workshop for admission into this program. Please contact us with any questions.
A postpartum doula is someone who helps families during the transition after birth, assisting the family with needs as they change on a day-to-day basis. They nurture the mother, and provide experience and education on maternal/infant care. Doulas also recognize the family’s needs and help guide new parents in making informed choices about newborn care, breastfeeding, and family well-being. Above all, Birthingway postpartum doulas provide compassionate, non-judgmental care.
Postpartum Doula Program Requirements
Postpartum Doula Workshop
The workshop can be taken as a stand alone course or as the first step toward certification. Students are expected to complete readings before the class meets. During the workshop, students will learn about a variety of topics pertinent to the postpartum period, including:
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- Scope of practice for postpartum doulas
- Hormones of the postpartum period and their effects
- Infant care
- Perinatal mood disorders
- Tools for supporting breastfeeding
- Various ways that birth effects the postpartum period
Practicum
If students choose to certify, they will be well supported in finding leads and engaging with clients by the Doula Program Mentor. Students are required to fulfill 48 hours of postpartum doula care in order to be certified.
Postpartum Doula Program for College Credit
Students may choose to take the Postpartum Doula Program for two college credits. Students choosing this route will pay the current Birthingway credit price for two credits and will be required to complete additional work. If the student is enrolled in the midwifery program, the course may count as one of their required elective courses.
Students who are not taking the program for credit may take the workshop alone or choose to move forward toward certification, completing additional homework and a mentored practicum experience over the course of an additional 10 months. Students who are taking the workshop for credit MUST complete additional homework (see syllabus for the specific homework details), but may choose whether or not to certify by completing a mentored practicum experience. The additional homework must be completed before the end of the term in which they take the workshop. If they choose to certify, they will have an additional four months in which to complete their practicum.
Postpartum Doula Program Fees
Application Fee $25.00
Enrollment Fee $75.00
Workshop Fee $450.00
Registration Fee $75.00 per term
Certification Fee $50.00
Re-certification Fee $50.00
Postpartum Doula Program
• You must be able to communicate in English with accuracy, clarity, efficiency, and sensitivity both verbally and in writing.
• You must have the skills to analyze and synthesize information, solve problems (within scope) and reach therapeutic judgments.
• You must be able to acknowledge evaluation and respond appropriately.
• You must possess the interpersonal skills to develop rapport and positive relationships with clients, care providers, hospital staff, and colleagues.
• You must have perseverance, diligence and consistency to complete the practicum. Therefore, you must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads; to function effectively under stress; to adapt to changing environments/family structures; to display flexibility and to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the problems and needs of many clients.
• To train students in postpartum doula skills.
• To assist students in acquiring postpartum doula work experience.
• To train students with competence in basic research and information literacy skills.
• To provide students with postpartum doula applications for a variety of therapeutic modalities.
• To prepare students with individualized doula care.
• To provide clarity around scope of practice of a postpartum doula.
• To teach and promote biodynamic principles.
• To use diverse methodologies based on biodynamic educational principles that encourage integration. of intellect, senses, intuition, and judgment in learning situations.
• To support students with reaching their educational and professional goals.
• To encourage an evolved awareness of professional ethics and relationships with peers, preceptors, clients and others as articulated in the MANA Statement of Values and Ethics.
• To encourage and support students to be change agents in their communities.