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Printer-Friendly Brochure (PDF,
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Background
Course Description
Prerequisites
Course Texts
Instructors
Seattle Midwifery School 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.
Since then, more than 370 women have completed our training. The Postpartum
Doula Training meets NAPS’ training standards for certification. To contact NAPS,
email them, visit their
web site or call 206.956.1955.
In February 2004, the SMS Postpartum Doula Training
received approval by Doulas
of North America (DONA). Our training was the first in the western
US to be approved. DONA approval allows
someone who completes the course to begin the
process of becoming a
DONA-certified postpartum doula.
There are a variety of work opportunities for postpartum doulas. A
postpartum doula may work for a doula agency, use the training to enhance her current
employment, or start her own business. Many labor support doulas expand their practices by
training to provide postpartum doula care as well.
Seattle Midwifery School’s Postpartum Doula Training is a 4-day
course (each day is 7.5 class hours). 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 & Communication Skills
Integrating the Birth Experience
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
If you wish to become DONA-certified as a
postpartum doula, you will need to complete a few prerequisites before
taking the class.
PDF of DONA prerequisites
Where to
obtain texts.
After the Baby’s Birth: A Complete Guide for
Postpartum Women
(2nd edition, 2001) by Robin Lim
Nurturing the
Family (2002) by Jacqueline Kelleher
The
Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers (2000) by Jack Newman and
Teresa Pitman
Your Amazing Newborn (2000)
by Marshall Klaus and Phyllis Klaus
Beyond the Birth: What No One Ever Talks About (3rd edition,
1999)
by Dawn Gruen and Rex Gentry (included in course manual)
Recommended Texts
Operating Instructions: A Journal of
My Son's First Year (1994)
by Anne Lamott
Intentional Interviewing and Counseling: Facilitating Client
Development in a Multi-Cultural Society (5th edition, 2002)
by Allen Ivey and Mary Ivey
Margaret Bergmann-Ness, MSW, CD and PCD (DONA), is a birth and postpartum
doula, birth and postpartum doula trainer, childbirth educator, and perinatal social
worker.
Dana Blue, MSW, CCE, CD (DONA), is a birth doula, birth and
postpartum doula trainer, childbirth educator, and psychotherapist in private practice.
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