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Module 5: Postpartum Recovery and Family Support
7 Lessons-
StartUnderstanding Postpartum Recovery (physical and emotional)
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StartNourishment and physical wellness in the fourth trimester
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StartSupporting postpartum healing and rest
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StartFamily dynamics and partner involvement
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StartRecognizing signs of postpartum depletion and burnout
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StartNavigating identity shifts and role transitions
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StartReferrals and resources for family support
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Module 6: Lactation & Infant Feeding Support
10 Lessons-
StartAnatomy and Physiology of Lactation Fundamentals
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StartUnderstanding milk production and supply
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StartUntitled lesson
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StartSupporting Breastfeeding Initiation
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StartCommon breastfeeding challenges and solutions
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StartPumping, milk storage, and bottle feeding
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StartInclusive approaches to breastfeeding
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StartDonor milk, formula, and supplemental feeding methods
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StartCulturally responsive feeding support
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StartWhen to refer
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Module 7: Newborn and Infant Care
7 Lessons-
StartFundamentals of newborn care
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StartFeeding cues and hunger signs
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StartNewborn bonding and attachment
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StartInfant sleep and soothing techniques
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StartSafe sleep and infant safety
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StartSupporting early development and sensory needs
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StartAlternative forms of infant feeding (bottle, donor milk, formula, spoon/cup, syringe, etc.)
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Module 8: Perinatal Mental Health
7 Lessons-
StartOverview of mental health in the perinatal period
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StartScreening and identifying PMADS (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)
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StartWhen and how to refer for professional and mental health care
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StartTrauma-informed support strategies
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StartSupporting partners and coparents
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StartCreating emotional safety in your doula practice
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StartSelf-care, boundaries, and burnout prevention for doulas
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Wholistic Doula Foundations
Live Sessions, Self-Paced Modules, Applied Practice
Course Summary
The Wholistic Doula Foundations Training is an 8-module course designed to strengthen essential birth and postpartum care skills while grounding doulas in wholistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices. The course combines synchronous live sessions with asynchronous coursework, offering both real-time engagement and flexible, self-paced learning. Trainees will also participate in an in-person hands-on skills workshop to apply what they’ve learned in practice.
Developed as the first step in the Wholistic Doula Certification pathway, this training ensures that doulas are fully prepared to serve families with competence, compassion, equity, and professionalism.
Course Curriculum
