If you are interested in becoming a Certified Postpartum Doula through Madriella please be aware that the Madriella Birth Doula course must be completed first, it is the prerequisite and it cannot be skipped.

The Birth Doula course is included in both levels of membership at Madriella, so you do not have to pay for an additional course.

If you are already a certified Birth Doula
Let us know and we can waive the longest assignments (The Research Assignments and the Practical). This will allow you to get through the Birth Doula course much faster, it will just be a review. It should only take you a few days and it’s important that all of our Doulas are on the same page (see the Rationale below). We will require you to submit a copy of your certificate from the other organization.

If you only want to work as a Postpartum Doula
If you have no plans to work as a Birth Doula you will still need to complete the Madriella Birth Doula course before starting the Postpartum Doula course. There are no exceptions to this.

The Rationale for the Postpartum Doula Course Prerequisite
The Madriella curriculum is designed to equip Doulas with comprehensive skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. The Birth Doula course covers fundamental concepts, such as the Five Facets of Support model, our code of ethics, and standards of practice. These foundational principles serve as the framework for all our courses, including the Postpartum Doula program. By completing the Birth Doula course, you lay the groundwork for success in subsequent courses.

Supporting a woman during the postpartum period requires insight into her unique childbirth experience. By undertaking Birth Doula training, you develop a deep understanding of the physical and emotional changes a woman undergoes during pregnancy and birth. This understanding enables you to empathize with her journey, anticipate her needs, and provide tailored support during the postpartum period.

While your primary interest may lie in postpartum support, it’s essential to recognize that the journey of supporting a mother begins long before she enters the postpartum period. Pregnancy, labor, and birth are interconnected stages of the childbirth continuum. As Doulas, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire process to provide holistic support to expectant mothers. By completing the Madriella Birth Doula course, you gain invaluable knowledge about the physiological, emotional, and psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth, which are foundational to effective postpartum support.

We understand that some students may be concerned about additional costs associated with enrolling in multiple courses.

To address this concern, we’ve structured both our membership plans to include the Madriella Birth Doula course at no extra charge. This means that regardless of your primary focus, you’ll have access to comprehensive training that prepares you to excel in both birth and postpartum support roles.

While your interest may lie primarily in postpartum Doula work, we believe that a well-rounded education is essential for effective Doula practice. By completing the Madriella Birth Doula course, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and insights necessary to provide holistic support to mothers throughout their childbirth journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way and look forward to seeing you thrive in your Doula practice.