Requirements for Postpartum Doula Certification from Postpartum Doula Academy or from American Academy of Drugless Practitioners
1. Either
A. Completed the Postpartum Doula Academy’s full Postpartum Doula course and received your completion certificate. OR
B. You are a current student of an approved NCSA course and have a certificate of completion from that course and completed the Postpartum Doula course for students and received the completion certificate.
2. Supported three families for a minimum of 40 hours each, within a two-year period. Support this in your resume with complete name, phone number and email addresses.
3. Client Evaluations: Obtain evaluations or feedback from the families you have supported. This may be submitted to the certifying organization by the client or provided in the form of a reference letter written to you.
4. Supported at least Three postpartum clients using holistic measures. This could include the use of herbal remedies, essential oils, homeopathy, remedies, lotions, or concoctions. Submit details of what you did and how it helped.
5. Breastfeeding Education: You must take an additional breastfeeding course the following are two approved for PPD work. There are others that may be approved on individual basis.
A. Christy Jo Hendricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/375196415866932
B. Lactation Training: https://www.lactationtraining.com/bundles-lactation-classes (Please choose two optional classes and the required #3)
6. Attach a recent resume including your Postpartum Doula experience with the contact information for the clients
7. Include a current background check (under a year) or a Trustline https://www.trustline.org/ check. This is a economical way for anyone in the U.S. to get a background check.
8. Complete three of the reading requirements from the following:
a) "The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality" by Kimberly Ann Johnson
o This book provides comprehensive guidance on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of postpartum recovery.
b) "The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother" by Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger
o This book focuses on the importance of postpartum care and nourishment during the first forty days after childbirth.
c) "Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood—and Trusting Yourself and Your Body" by Erica Chidi
o A holistic guide that covers pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood with practical advice and supportive resources.
d) "The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression" by Karen Kleiman
o This book is essential for understanding the impact of postpartum depression and how partners can support each other.
e) "Mothering the New Mother: Women's Feelings and Needs after Childbirth: A Support and Resource Guide" by Sally Placksin
o This book offers valuable insights into the emotional and practical needs of new mothers.
f) "Supporting the Postpartum Family: A Doula’s Guide to Providing Psychosocial Support, Practical Assistance and Postpartum Care to Families after Birth" by Paulina Perez
o A comprehensive guide for doulas on providing emotional and practical support to postpartum families.
g) "Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women’s Stories of Trauma and Growth" by Walker Karraa
o This book shares real stories of women who have experienced postpartum depression, providing valuable perspectives for doulas.
These books offer a well-rounded foundation for understanding and supporting the needs of postpartum families.
9. Complete and submit the Workbook (you received the link with your welcome letter)
10 To become certified, please pay a $150 application processing fee. If you choose to be certified by the American Academy of Drugless Practitioners, there will be an additional $245 fee payable directly to them. Processing through the Postpartum Doula Academy is included in the initial $150 fee.
11. Download and fill out an application here then send it to the official certificate email
