A Madriella certified postpartum doula provides guidance to new parents on important subjects like infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother & baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care.

The Madriella certified postpartum doula curriculum is an evidenced-based, academic program designed to fully prepare the applicant to serve a new family in those critical first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby.

To be certified as a Madriella Postpartum Doula you need to pass the online certification examination that is based on the material in this curriculum.  All certification candidates must be over the age of 18 and are required to obtain a valid CPR/First Aid certification prior to being certified. You may enroll in the program and take the certification examination without it, but we will not process your certification until you notify us that you have received it.

Course Prerequisite: Madriella Birth Doula Certification
(The Madriella Birth Doula course MUST be completed before this course can be started. No exceptions!)

Course Requirements:
Textbook for course (see reading list)
A working Internet connection
A computer or mobile device capable of:
a) Accessing the Internet
b) Uploading a written assignment/digital photo
c) Posting/reading messages in the forum

 


Module 1 The Postpartum Doula
Unit 1 The Job Description
Unit 2 Term of Employment
Unit 3 Working Hours
Unit 4 How Madriella's Five Facets of Support apply to the Postpartum Doula
Unit 5 Summary, Footnotes and Quiz
Module 2 Physical needs and care
Unit 1 What, you thought we were done with terms?
Unit 2 Understanding the postpartum period
Unit 3 Perineal Wound Care
Unit 4 The Pelvic Floor
Unit 5 Recovering from Cesarean Births
Unit 6 Emotional Bonding
Unit 7 Attachment
Unit 8 Mom's Needs
Unit 9 Getting adequate rest
Unit 10 Physical Changes
Unit 11 Regaining a healthy weight and shape
Unit 12 Bathroom issues
Unit 13 Summary, Footnotes and Quiz
Module 3 Emotional needs and support
Unit 1 Emotional Needs of New Mothers
Unit 2 About sexual relations in the postpartum period
Unit 3 The worries of a new parent
Unit 4 Summary, Footnotes and Quiz
Module 4 Teaching Mothering skills
Unit 1 The Baby's Appearance
Unit 2 Feeding Options
Unit 3 Helping her succeed at breastfeeding
Unit 4 Breastfeeding Basics
Unit 5 Breastfeeding Issues and Resolutions
Unit 6 Bottle Feeding
Unit 7 Formula Options - Part 1
Unit 8 Formula Options - Part 2
Unit 9 Diaper Changing
Unit 10 Bathing the Baby
Unit 11 Sleeping Babies
Unit 12 The Dreaded Colic
Unit 13 Keeping the baby asleep
Unit 14 Summary, footnotes and Quiz
Module 5 General support
Unit 1 What is General Support
Unit 2 Household Assistance
Unit 3 Mt. Washmore
Unit 4 Meals and Food Prep
Unit 5 General Errands
Unit 6 Required Reading
Unit 7 Research Assignment Resources
Unit 8 Summary and Quiz
Module 6 Safety issues
Unit 1 Introduction
Unit 2 Postpartum Hemorrhage
Unit 3 Preventing a Cesarean Wound Infection
Unit 4 Post-Cesarean Wound Infection
Unit 5 Psychological Safety
Unit 6 Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Overview
Unit 7 Psychosis in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Unit 8 Summary and Quiz
Module 7 Standards of Practice Review
Unit 1 Standards of Practice Review
Module 8 Madriella Postpartum Doula Certification Examination
Unit 1 Postpartum Doula Certification Exam