DONA Workshop Prerequisites

Attendance of this course constitutes one step toward becoming a DONA International certified doula.

At times we will be sitting on the floor so wear comfortable clothing. Refreshments will be provided each day. You may bring your lunch or choose a restaurant in the area.

Please register here.

To be sure that participants are adequately prepared for their Postpartum Doula Workshop, the following 2 prerequisites are required BEFORE attending the workshop:

Prerequisite 1. Required Reading:

From the DONA International required reading list, the participant must have completed reading ONE book from each of the 3 following categories...

Becoming a Mother (please choose one):
The New Mother: Eagan
Misconceptions: Wolf
Ourselves as Mothers: Kitzinger
Mothering the New Mother: Placksin
The Year After Childbirth: Kitzinger

The Newborn (please choose one):
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 (please choose one):
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: Newman
The Breastfeeding Answer Book: La Leche League
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Morbacher and Kendall-Tackett

***A selection of these books is available through the DONA Boutique: online at www.dona.org. Used books are also available through Amazon.com or local book stores.
You will not be tested on your book selection.


Prerequisite 2. Breastfeeding Preparation:

The participant must have completed at least ONE of the options listed below before attending the postpartum doula workshop. Send a copy of your certificate with your enrollment and payment or please bring the copy to class on day one.


A: Certificate of attendance (a letter dated and signed by the teacher stating your attendance) of Lactation Consultant/Breastfeeding counseling education program or peer counseling training through LLL or local nursing mother's group. The required topics for this course include:

a. Benefits of breastfeeding
b. Basic anatomy and physiology (let down, supply and demand)
c. Infant's contribution and readiness to breastfeed (reflexes and feeding cues)
d. Latch
e. Early breastfeeding challenges (engorgement, nipple soreness, milk supply)
f. When to make referrals


B. Completion of an on-line breastfeeding study program:
leron-line.com click on "Training Programs" then "Lactation Management for Doulas". Please bring a copy of your certificate to class.

C. Proof of participation in a breastfeeding workshop (at least three hours long). Have the instructor sign and date a note stating you observed the class and that the following topics were discussed:

a. Benefits of breastfeeding
b. Basic anatomy and physiology (let down, supply and demand)
c. Infant's contribution and readiness to breastfeed (reflexes and feeding cues)
d. Latch
e. Early breastfeeding challenges (engorgement, nipple soreness, milk supply)
f. When to make referrals

D. Investigate project series with essays. This project would need to be approved by the trainer and DONA International Postpartum Committee.

Please register here.