Programs for Professionals
The Center offers a variety of training and continuing education opportunities for aspiring doulas and other professionals who work with pregnant, birthing, and newly postpartum women and their families. Our birth and postpartum doula trainings are approved by DONA International for professional doula certification purposes.
Continuing Education credits or CEs have been awarded for all eligible programs. For readers unfamiliar with CEs (also referred to as CEUs), they are a requirement for certified doulas and many other licensed professionals to keep their credentials active. The DONA-certified doula is required to complete 15 hours of continuing education in every three-year re-certification period. CEs have been approved for nurses, social workers, and doulas for most programs, as noted with each course description. Any program approved for nursing CEs will also satisfy doula CE requirements.
Please note, however, that because a program has been approved for nursing or social work CEs, it does not follow that one must be a nurse or social worker in order to take the training! Pre-requisites are listed where they apply, but a medical or professional background is not required in order to become a doula.
“I was really impressed with Patty’s expertise and ability to share it in a comfortable classroom. She provided a quality and informative experience. I was very impressed with DONA as a certifying body and with Patty as a representative. I chose to certify with DONA instead of ICEA based on the personnel I interacted with in my decision-making process. This class further supported my decision. It’s a great thing you have going. Thank you!” — Class participant
DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshops
With Patty Brennan & Kate Stroud
“I would recommend this course with three thumbs up (if possible). Amazing, powerful, intense! Wow!” — Class Participant
“Becoming a doula has literally changed my life. I’ve learned so much over the past year and I know I will be a much better physician because of my involvement with the Center. Thank you for introducing me to more holistic ways of caring for women and their families. Your work has touched the lives of so many families.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am–6pm, November 8 & 9 (ERD 10/17) in Ann Arbor, MI
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $375; $340 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
A limited number of scholarships for this training are available through the Doulas Care Program.
15.5 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
Are you interested in a career working with moms and babies? Experience the honor of being present at the moment of birth. This training teaches you the skills necessary to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and their families. You do not need to be a mother yourself nor have a medical background to become a doula — just a passion for birth and the desire to be in a support role for other moms (see pre-requisites below). This comprehensive workshop fulfills one step towards professional Birth Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for more information on the DONA certification requirements and associated fees. Topics covered include:
- The doula professional’s scope of practice and ethical standards
- The doula’s role during pregnancy — building rapport, meeting educational needs, setting boundaries, and creating the client/doula contract for services
- Emotional support in labor and meeting the mother’s needs
- Pain theory, comfort measures, and pain relief techniques
- Positioning for labor and birth
- Labor support strategies for normal and challenging births
- Cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
- Essential communication and mediation/advocacy skills for doulas
- The doula’s role with the newborn and initiation of breastfeeding
- The birth doula’s role postpartum
- The DONA International certification process
- And more!
Pre-requisites for DONA Birth Doula Training
Choose ONE of the following options:
- Your best option is to take our Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class offered on the Friday immediately preceding the doula training weekend. By taking this class, you fulfill not only the pre-requisite, but also a DONA certification requirement for birth doulas. Please note that in order for this training to count towards DONA certification, it must be taken PRIOR TO the Birth Doula Training. In other words, if you take the three-day training that includes the Intro course, you will have fulfilled steps #1 and #4 in the DONA certification process. You are not required to take the Intro course, but you are required to fulfill one of the three options listed here prior to the training.
- Observe a series of Childbirth Preparation Classes for expectant parents. The class must be a minimum of 12 hours in length to fulfill this requirement. It is possible to fulfill a certification requirement here as well, provided that the class meets DONA requirements.
- Read one book from each of the following four categories from the DONA Reading List. These books are available for you to borrow from the Center’s Lending Library or available for purchase through the DONA Boutique. By reading these books, you are also on your way to fulfilling DONA’s Birth Doula certification requirements.
- At least one of the following:
- The Doula Book, Klaus, Klaus, & Kennell
- The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman through Childbirth, 2nd Edition, Simkin
- At least one of the following:
- The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, revised, Kitzinger
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, revised, Simkin, Whalley, & Keppler
- The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, Douglas
- At least one of the following:
- Gentle Birth Choices, Harper
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Gaskin
- The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, Goer
- At least one of the following:
- The Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd Edition, La Leche League International
- The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Newman
- The Nursing Mother’s Companion, 4th Edition, Huggins & Lawrence
- At least one of the following:
DONA-Approved Postpartum Doula Workshops
With Patty Brennan & Guest Speakers
“The qualities of respect and caring for childbearing women, confidentiality, and respect for caregivers was evident in all aspects of presentation.” — Class Participant
“Patty really emphasized the importance of supporting women’s choices.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
Friday-Sunday, 8am–6:30pm, December 5–7 (ERD 11/14)
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $425; $385 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
A limited number of scholarships are available for this training through the Doulas Care Program.
25.5 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
This 27-hour training prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to families in the postpartum period and has been approved as fulfilling one step towards Postpartum Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for information on DONA certification requirements and fees. Topics include:
- the doula’s multi-faceted postpartum role
- effective listening and communication skills
- importance of the birth experience and its impact on postpartum recovery and adjustment
- normal physiologic recovery for the mother and holistic support measures
- the newborn baby
- supporting families with twins (or more)
- providing support to the breastfeeding mother and troubleshooting common problems
- integrating a new baby into the family
- postpartum mood disorders
- support for the grieving family
- and more!
Pre-requisites for Postpartum Doula Training:
Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the following:
- Physical and emotional adjustment in the mother following birth
- Newborn characteristics and care
- Breastfeeding basics
- Common breastfeeding difficulties and possible solutions
To be sure that participants are adequately prepared for their Postpartum Doula Training Workshop, the following are required BEFORE attending the training:
- Reading Requirements. From the DONA required reading list, the participant must have read one book from each of the following categories under Postpartum Doula Certification. (These books are available for you to borrow from the Center’s lending library or are available for purchase through the DONA Boutique.) By reading these books, you are also on your way to fulfilling DONA’s Postpartum Doula certification requirements.
- Becoming a Mother
- The New Mother, Eagan
- Misconceptions, Wolf
- Ourselves as Mothers, Kitzinger
- Mothering the New Mother, Placksin
- The Year After Childbirth, Kitzinger
- The Newborn
- Your Amazing Newborn, Klaus and Klaus
- The Mind of Your Newborn Baby, Chamberlain
- Infancy, Field
- The Year After Childbirth, Kitzinger
- Touchpoints, Brazelton
- The Vital Touch, Heller
- The Baby Book, Sears
- Breastfeeding
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Newman
- The Breastfeeding Answer Book, La Leche League International
- Breastfeeding Preparation: The participant must have completed at least one of the options listed below before attending the Postpartum Doula Training:
- Proof of participation in a breastfeeding workshop, of at least 3 hours in length, such as our Professional Education in Breastfeeding & Lactation class
- Lactation Consultant, La Leche League, or local mother’s group peer counseling training
- Completion of an on-line study program (Lactation Education Resources offers a basic, Complete Self-Learning Program that is affordably priced. For more information, www.leron-line.com.)
Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas
With Patty Brennan & Kate Stroud
2008 Schedule & Fees
Friday, 10am–6:30pm, November 7 (ERD 10/17)
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $120; $105 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed.
Want to become a doula and wondering where to start? Start here! Get grounded in the basics of childbirth education. Learn how to facilitate informed decision making for your clients with up-to-date information on the benefits/risks/alternatives to medical interventions in the birth process and with the newborn. Topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth; optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy; the midwifery model of care versus the medical model; and more! This class fulfills the pre-requisite for DONA Birth Doula Training as well as a certification requirement for Birth Doulas through DONA International. Please note that it will only fulfill the DONA certification requirement if it is taken PRIOR TO the Birth Doula Training.
Professional Education in Breastfeeding & Lactation
With Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC
“I feel more confident working with breastfeeding women, and will be a better observer and problem solver.” — Class Participant
“Barbara was so energetic and devoted to breastfeeding that it made me motivated to learn as much as possible. I wish every doula was trained by her and every mother received her care.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
NEW Addition! Thursday, 12:30–5pm, July 24
Saturday, 9am–1:30pm, November 22 (ERD 10/31)
Fee $75; $65 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
4.0 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
If you haven’t taken this dynamic, cutting-edge workshop, then you are really missing out! Learn the very latest in evidenced-based breastfeeding support from an expert lactation consultant and breastfeeding educator. This class will enhance the ability of doulas, L&D nurses, and other professionals to assist their breastfeeding clients in the early days postpartum. You will learn the counseling skills necessary to assess and correct breastfeeding problems. This class fulfills both the breastfeeding training pre-requisite and a certification requirement for DONA Postpartum Doulas. It also fulfills the new certification requirement for Birth Doulas to take a breastfeeding class designed for professionals. Topics include:
- breast anatomy and physiology
- importance of skin-to-skin contact
- newborn self attachment at the breast
- a new view of positions and latch-on
- getting off to the best start
- common problems and their solutions
Supporting Mothers in the Early Weeks Postpartum
With Patty Brennan
2008 Schedule & Fees
Saturday, 9am–5pm, September 20, 2008 (ERD 8/29)
Fee $120; $105 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD)
6.5 Nursing and Social Work CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
NOTE: We can bring this training to you! Email Patty for more information. (This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it.)
Supporting Mothers in the Early Weeks Postpartum — Adjustment Needs, Depression Screening, & Support Strategies is a unique training is designed for birth doulas, nurses, social workers, and home visitors who provide services for new moms and their families in the early weeks postpartum. We will discuss a variety of concerns that typically manifest during this period and identify strategies for support. Emphasis is placed on identifying and supporting depressed mothers. Topics covered include:
- Signs and symptoms of postpartum mood disorders
- How the “myths of motherhood” create unrealistic expectations for new mothers
- Sensitive use of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale with clients
- Impact of the birth experience on postpartum recovery
- Normal physiologic recovery of the mother and comfort measures
- Care of the newborn and safety concerns
- Enhancing mother/baby attachment
- Emotional support for the whole family
- Concrete strategies for providing support to depressed moms
- How to create a postpartum care plan–mobilizing resources for families in need
Rebozos, Palpation, Belly Mapping, & More!
With Patty Brennan & Amanda Smith, CPM
2008 Schedule & Fees
The 2008 program completed in June. Seven doulas participated with four pregnant women joining us for a fun and instructive day. Our 2009 date to be announced.
Fee $120; $105 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
6.5 DONA CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
This one-day hands-on workshop is appropriate for all birth attendants, including doulas and aspiring and practicing midwives. We will explore together the following topics:
- The art of palpating baby’s position in utero
- Belly “mapping” and optimal fetal positioning
- Techniques for turning mal-positioned babies
- Use of the rebozo with women in labor
- Preventing burnout — the art of being “on call”
Participants will practice belly mapping and palpation on pregnant mothers, keeping alive the lost art of determining fetal position with our hands and senses. We will practice various techniques with the rebozo designed to enhance relaxation in labor, support normal progress in labor, and re-position posterior babies. In addition, we will present a range of alternative therapeutic approaches to turning mal-positioned babies (breech, posterior). And, finally, we will discuss how to keep on keeping on while maintaining our sanity and health at the same time!
Clinical Prenatal Skills
With Patty Brennan & Amanda Smith, CPM
2008 Schedule & Fees
5 Fridays, 1–4pm, September 19–October 24 (no class on 10/17) (ERD 8/29)
Fee $240; $215 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
This hands-on training is designed for aspiring midwives and midwife assistants. We will practice on each other and on pregnant women. The following aspects of clinical prenatal care are covered:
- How to take and interpret a health history
- Estimating the due date
- Nutritional counseling and case studies
- Diagnostic skills – blood pressure, pulse, urinalysis, interpreting blood work
- Palpating baby’s position in utero
- Estimating baby’s size in utero
- Measuring uterine growth
- Estimating amniotic fluid levels
- Checking for edema
- Listening to fetal heart tones
- Pulling it altogether — case studies
Small Business Development
With Patty Brennan
2008 Schedule & Fees
Saturday, noon–4:30pm, September 27 (ERD 9/5)
Fee $75; $65 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Deadline (ERD) listed
4.0 DONA CEs approved
Make a living doing what you love! Come and learn the skills necessary to be successfully self-employed in a service-oriented business. How do you shape and define your practice? What are the basic business components necessary to your work? This class is appropriate for doulas, midwives, massage therapists, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, counselors, and other professionals who have self-employed income or want to establish a small business. Topics include:
- Pros and cons of self-employment
- Establishing yourself as a business entity
- Money matters: setting and collecting fees, bartering, sliding scales, small claims court
- Financial record keeping
- Small business guide to taxes
- Insurance reimbursement for health-related services
- Marketing your practice on a limited budget
- Creating effective promotional literature
- Networking for fun and profit
- Limiting liability and creating effective client contracts
- Small business ethics
CPR & First Aid classes
NEW! Infant CPR, First Aid & Safety
With Janetlynne Erickson, RN, CCE
2008 Schedule & Fees
Wednesday, 6:30–9pm, July 30
Monday, 6:30–9pm
- September 15
- October 13
Thursday, 6:30–9pm, December 11
Fee $45 per person or $85 per couple; discounts for multiple classes
This training is designed for expectant/new parents, grandparents, babysitters/nannies, and other caregivers. We will provide up-to-date information on child passenger safety, accident prevention in the home, first aid topics, safe sleep issues, and SIDS prevention. Hands-on training in infant CPR and choking is emphasized. Enrollment is limited to 9 people to ensure that everyone has sufficient opportunity to practice hands-on skills.
*Please Note: This class does not provide Infant CPR credentialing, but does follow recommendations set forth by the American Heart Association. Participants will receive an AHA completion card at the end of training. If you prefer a more comprehensive training that includes credentialing, please see our Infant/Child/Adult CPR & First Aid class below.
NEW! Infant/Child/Adult CPR & First Aid
With Janetlynne Erickson, RN, CCE
2008 Schedule & Fees
Saturday, 9am–2:30pm
- September 13
- November 1
Fee $85 per person; $155 per couple (includes manual;* add $6 to the fee if you need us to ship the manual to you). Bring a bag lunch.
This class provides Infant/Child/Adult CPR credentialing through the American Heart Association and includes the AHA Heart Saver Pediatric First Aid training. It meets Michigan State guidelines for daycare providers and fulfills the DONA International postpartum doula certification requirement. This credential is recognized for two years post completion by the AHA. Enrollment is limited to 9 people to ensure that everyone has sufficient opportunity to practice hands-on skills.
*Please Note: You must have a copy of the American Heart Association’s Pediatric Heartsaver First Aid manual in your possession prior to taking this class. We recommend that you do a full review of the book prior to coming to class. At the very least, you must review the steps of CPR and do the review/test questions provided.
Additional Scheduling for CPR Classes
Additional sections of both courses may be added, depending upon demand. If the above dates do not work for you, please let us know. We can also bring this training to your work place. Email Patty for more information.