Why Attend a DONA International Workshop

DONA International has been training and certifying doulas since 1992. Their certification is known and respected worldwide. A DONA certified doula knows that no matter where they live,   their certification is recognized around the globe.

Attendance at Nurturing Doula Dreams’ DONA International Postpartum Doula Workshop counts as one step towards certification as a postpartum doula through DONA International. The certification process is covered in the workshop but details may also be found here.

The 27 hour workshop was developed after several years of researching the true needs of new families and who could meet those needs. It is evidence-based, thorough and thought-provoking. It encompasses all aspects of new parenting and allows the participant in the workshop to explore ideas, apply life knowledge and learn how to separate out personal beliefs from those of clients.

After attending the workshop you have the foundation needed to work with families during the postpartum period. You will have assessed your own skill set, know what you need to do further your own development and can begin your work with confidence.

Are you passionate about new families...Do you yearn to do work that truly matters?

If so, being a postpartum doula may be your calling. A postpartum doula's role is fluid. From family-to-family, day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, her role is constantly changing.

She is a teacher and a source of information and will provide reliable, evidence based information on infant feeding and care, as well as integrating a baby into the family. She offers practical support with meal preparation and household organization. The postpartum doula also has a thorough knowledge of services, products and professionals available in her community and offers quality, reliable referrals when they are needed.

At all times the doula provides reassurance, support and the belief that these parents can and will be successful in nurturing their family. Her support and information extend to all family members equally in her role of nurturing the family. 

Topics in the Workshop Include

• Introduction to the Doula Role
• Doula Business Basics
• Practical support
• Effective Listening
• Emotional Issues from Birth
• Physical Changes in the Mother
• The Doula as Education Facilitator
• The Doula and Multiples
• Breastfeeding
• DONA International and the Certification Process
• Integrating a Baby into the Family 
• Referrals
• Postpartum Mood Disorders
• Values Clarification
• The Newborn and the Doula
• Prenatal Contact
• Loss and Grief
• Rehearsal of Learned Skills
• Networking and Connecting