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

Certificates of completion will only be issued to students present for all of the sessions and who have completed the Online Learning Modules. In order to receive your certificate of completion, you must complete all of the Online Learning Modules before the end of the workshop. Read Simkin Center Registration Policies. 

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

• Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler (must be read prior to class)
• The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions 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

Instructors

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

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