Program Overview
Birthing families across the U.S. and the globe are looking for the emotional, informational, and evidence-based support that only a birth doula can provide. Upon completion of this program, you will feel empowered to start supporting families as a doula, as you will have in-depth knowledge of pain management techniques, labor variations and complications, newborn care, lactation support, and more.
Program Length: 32 or 36 hours - depending on the workshop format.
$825
Course Details
Doula (doo’-luh) is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. Today, the word is used to refer to a trained person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their families before, during, and after childbirth.
Doulas recognize that childbirth is a transformative life experience and strive to ensure that birthing people and their families feel empowered and informed throughout the birthing process and beyond, no matter what type of birth they have.
The Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations offers various formats to meet the career, certification, and learning needs of our students. Our workshops are taught by experienced, working doulas and address the same objectives, preparing you for entry-level work as a birth doula. Check out our Course Calendar to explore available workshops. Below, you’ll find descriptions to help you choose the right workshop format for you:
DONA-Approved Birth Doula Skills Workshop (In-Person)
The in-person, 4-day, 32-hour, workshop is held on Bastyr University’s Kenmore campus. This in-person workshop meets three requirements for DONA International Birth Doula certification: the DONA-approved Birth Doula Workshop, Introduction to Childbirth Education, and Lactation for Doulas classes. This workshop is fast-paced and intensive. Please be prepared to complete prep work before each class in addition to reading “The Birth Partner.” Workshop taught by Kim James, BTD(DONA), ICCE, LCCE, CLE, NA-C.
Simkin Center Birth Doula Skills Workshop (Live-Remote)
The live-remote, quarter-long, workshop also meets three requirements for DONA International Birth Doula certification: the DONA-approved Birth Doula Workshop, Introduction to Childbirth Education, and Lactation for Doulas classes. Its extended format provides more time for in-depth learning and skills application. Some preparation is required before each session.
The Birth Doula Skills Workshop curriculum includes:
Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal development, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding
Components of prenatal care and the midwifery model of care
Emotions of pregnancy
Pain management techniques
Medical procedures used in labor
Labor variations and complications, including Cesarean birth
Communication and listening skills
The emotional and psychological aspects of giving birth and its significance in women’s lives
The doula’s role, professional ethics, standards of practice, and certification
Emotional support and physical comfort measures
Support for difficult labors, Cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after Cesarean
Newborn care and breastfeeding support
Values clarification and cultural sensitivity
Includes Introduction to Childbearing
Includes Breast/Chestfeeding for Doulas
The Birth Partner (Penny Simkin)
All cancellation, transfer, make-up, and refund requests must be received in writing via email.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation requests made at least 30 calendar days before the first day of the workshop are eligible for a full refund, minus a $150 processing fee.
- Cancellation requests made less than 30 calendar days before the start of the class are not eligible for a refund.
Transfer Policy
- Transfer requests must be made at least 30 calendar days before the first day of the workshop and will incur a $100 processing fee.
Make-Up Policy:
- Attendance for 100% of the live course sessions (in-person or remote) is required.
- No refunds are provided for no shows or missed portions of the course.
- To obtain your certificate of completion, it is necessary for you to attend all sessions and successfully complete all assignments.
- It may be possible to make-up missed sessions of the course with approval from the instructor and the Simkin Center Director, please note this option is not guaranteed.
- Some sessions will require make-up attendance during a future Birth Doula Skills Workshop, please note that a $100 processing fee, plus $100 per makeup session will apply.
- Make-up sessions must be completed within 9 months of your initial workshop.
- If you have missed any sessions and need to explore your options for make-up, please contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
To be eligible for a refund or transfer, you must submit your request in writing via email, simkincenter@bastyr.edu, even if you initiate the process via Catalog.
The Simkin Center reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
If you have any questions about our registration policies, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at simkincenter@bastyr.edu or give us a call at (425) 602-3378.
This training fulfills the prerequisite for the Bastyr Master of Science in Midwifery Program. More information here.
This training is DONA International approved. Completion of this training meets the criteria for three requirements towards DONA International Certification:
Birth Doula Workshop
Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas
Breastfeeding/Chest feeding for Doulas
More information on how to certify with DONA International here. The topic of how to certify through DONA or other certifying organizations will be discussed in class.
This training is an Approved Training Program to become a Washington state-certified birth doula. More information here.
