The Simkin Center at Bastyr University offers multiple Postpartum Doula Training Workshops throughout the year. The workshop covers many aspects of postpartum care, including lactation and parent and newborn care. Those who complete the course can begin the process of becoming DONA International-certified postpartum doulas. Length of workshop: four day or 10-day formats Campus: Kenmore, Washington
The "fourth trimester," the first twelve weeks 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 families toward confidence in their new roles. Doulas may support with newborn, new parent and sibling care, lactation, emotional support and household organization. They also provide referrals to community and professional resources as needed.
The Simkin Center has played an integral role in developing the postpartum doula profession in the Pacific 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. The Postpartum Doula Training meets NAPS’ training standards for certification. Contact NAPS at, info@napsdoulas.com 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.
The Simkin Center Postpartum Doula Training curriculum includes:
There is no required reading for this training
A DONA-approved postpartum doula trainer (see Simkin Center faculty) leads each postpartum doula training with informative guest speakers to enrich the learning experience.
