Postpartum Doula Training

Background

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.

Training @ Simkin Center

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. 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.

Workshop Description

The Simkin Center Postpartum Doula Training is a four-day course. 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

Required Reading (latest editions encouraged)

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, April Bolding, Ann Keppler and Janelle Durham
Your Amazing Newborn by Marshall and Phyllis Klaus
Nurturing the Family by Jacqueline Kelleher

Faculty

Two DONA-approved postpartum doula trainers (see Simkin Center faculty) lead each postpartum doula training.

Calendar

Postpartum Doula Skills Workshop (21230)

Jul

Friday, 2020

Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations

Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994. Fridays & Saturdays: July 10-11 & 17-18, 2020 8am-5pm $689 Please contact us directly for more information on our Course Assistant positions.

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Location:

Postpartum Doula Skills Workshop (21231)

Aug

Monday, 2020

Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations

Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in 4 days, team-taught by qualified faculty since 1994. Monday-Thursday: August 31 - September 3, 2020 8am-5pm $689 Please contact us directly for more information on our Course Assistant positions.

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Location:

Postpartum Doula Skills Workshop (21232)

Oct

Wednesday, 2020

Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations

Gain postnatal competence, tools & capacity in our new evening series format, taught by qualified faculty since 1994. Thursday-Sunday: October 7th-11th. October's workshop will be hosted as a three-and-a-half-day retreat, this is a terrific opportunity to be in community with your peers, feeling encouraged and supported while earning your postpartum doula certification. There will be plenty of hands on learning, including meditation, yoga, hikes and a cooking demonstration geared towards providing easy and nutritious meals for your postpartum families. $1200 (includes training, lodging, food and materials) If you have any questions, and/or interested in our Course Assistant position, please contact the Simkin Center at (425) 602-3361.

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Location: Kenmore Campus

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!