Heart and Hands Postpartum Doula Training & Certification Program

Programa de capacitación y certificación de Doula posparto de Corazón y Manos

 

Make a lasting difference in the lives of new mothers and their infants. Help parents adjust to having a newborn baby, and provide emotional support to mothers and help with household duties and infant care.

This course has no affiliation with Elizabeth Davis, LM, CPM, or Heart and Hands Midwifery Workshops.

Dates of Next Online Courses

Saturdays, August 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025 | 9:00 am-4:30 pm (PDT)

FORMAT: Virtual, On Zoom

FINAL DAY TO REGISTER: AUGUST 1, 2025

BIPOC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION OPENS JULY 18, 2025 AND CLOSES ON 7/31/2025

REGISTER FOR THE COURSE ON EVENTBRITE

Download Flyer

 

Curso Espanol: January 2026 [email us si está interesada]

CAN’T ATTEND IN PERSON? TAKE OUR ONLINE COURSE AND STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE! CERTIFICATION INCLUDED {$200.00 Discount!}

 
ABOUT THIS COURSE

Participants in this class will learn essential skills to provide support to new mothers and care for newborns during the first few months after birth. Postpartum Doulas offer a range of services, including emotional support, physical care, health information, and comfort for new mothers. They also provide guidance on baby care and self-care, and help new mothers gain confidence in their maternal abilities. In addition, Postpartum Doulas may offer breastfeeding support, newborn care instruction, and meal preparation. They also connect families with supportive services in the community.

It’s important to note that African-American, Native-American, and Latina mothers and babies have the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality in the USA, California, and Los Angeles County. Therefore, the role of Postpartum Doulas in saving lives cannot be overstated!

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The course is structured around The Biopsychosocial Framework which takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors, and their intricate interplay in comprehending health, illness, and healthcare delivery. This comprehensive approach is endorsed in this course.

COURSE DETAILS

Instructional methods include online/web lectures, demonstrations, discussions, experiential processes, role-play exercises, and videos and exercises.

Classes meet for four sessions from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm PST. There will be a 30-minute lunch break each day and two15-minute breaks morning and afternoon.

This can also be offered as an in-service for agency staff  or for community groups. Please feel free to contact us for more information and to schedule.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

No prior experience, education, or training is required. Instruction is conducted in English with some Spanish materials (a Spanish instructor and course manual can be provided if requested). Professions who will benefit from this training are:

• Home visitors working with mothers and infants
• OB/GYN or Pediatric Medical Assistants
• WIC Nutrition Workers
• Perinatal Case Managers & Coordinators
• Community Health Promoters
• Parent Coaches
• Family Health Advocates (FHAs)
• Early Childhood Intervention Specialists
• Infant Mental Health Specialists
• Promatoras de Salud/Community Health Workers
• Medical Assistants (MAs)
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
• Home Health Aides (HHAs)
• Students of maternal-newborn nursing, midwifery, public health, medicine, psychology
• Pre-School Teachers, Nannies & Babysitters
• LCSWs/MFTs or Interns or Associates  working with pregnant  women and new mothers
• Health Educators
• Childbirth Doulas
• Midwife Assistants or Midwifery Students
• Nursing Students
• Pre-med and medical students who want to practice Pediatrics or Neonatology

COURSE FEES

Regular Tuition: $1000.00 per person. Materials are included in the course including a PowerPoint, and Student Manual and handouts.

Early Bird Special: $900.00. Opens three months prior to course. Ends two months prior to course.

Group Discounts: $850.00 per person for 4-10 people registering together from one agency (or four friends registering together). Invoicing is available for companies (not for individuals). Please contact us to request invoice.

Student Rates: $550.00 per person. This is for students majoring in public health, nursing, medicine, or midwifery. Student ID required.

Payment Plans: $100.00 per person. Must call to make payment arrangements and be approved. Call (626) 388-2191 ext. 1.

Scholarships: These are available to low-income BIPOC individuals. If you are interested in applying, fill out the online application below or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 or Email: Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net. The selection of candidates will be based on financial need, commitment to the profession, and willingness to volunteer with HMHBA for one-year working with three families after completing the training. After certification, candidates will be eligible for employment. Please do not register for the training scholarship until you receive an email from us letting you know you have been selected. Please complete the application here:

Scholarship Application Form

Discounts for Graduates of Birth Doula Training: For graduates of our Community Birth Doula Training, a discount is offered of $900.00 per person.

Two for One Special: $500 per course. For a limited time, we are offering a two for one special when you register for both the Heart and Hands Postpartum Doula Training and the Community Birth Doula Training at the same time, you receive $500 off of each course.

CORE COMPETENCIES OF POSTPARTUM DOULAS

• Describes the role of the Postpartum Doula as a member of the maternity care team and discusses ethical guidelines for Postpartum Doulas.
• Describes social, political and personal reasons why women don’t breastfeed.
• Describes the benefits of breastfeeding to mothers, infants, fathers, grandmothers and society.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness when working with mothers of diverse cultures.
• Demonstrates communication skills to help address mothers concerns about breastfeeding, newborn care and postpartum.
• Identifies and describes the anatomy of the lactating breast and the physiology of how the breasts make milk.
• Describes the nutritional components of breastmilk and how they are uniquely suited to support the growth and development of human infants.
• Demonstrates how to support a breastfeeding mother and get the baby latched on.
• Discusses how to manage breastfeeding so it works for the mother.
• Discusses how to address common problems of breastfeeding and parenting the growing baby.
• Describes an approach to childrearing which promotes strong family bonds and security in infants called Attachment Parenting.
• Describes Kangaroo Mother Care—a method of caring for newborns which promotes physiological regulation of the newborn.
• Discusses Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexplained Infant Death and two approaches to prevention.
• Discusses the impact of birth interventions on breastfeeding.
• Identifies normal and abnormal adjustments to motherhood in the postpartum woman.
• Describes cross-cultural practices of co-sleeping and promotes safe co-sleeping of mother-baby dyads.
• Supports basic breastfeeding management.
• Identifies and describes the anatomy and physiology of lactation.
• Provides non-medical care and non-medical assessment of full-term and premature newborns.
• Provides non-medical postpartum physical care and emotional support for  new mothers.
• Describes an approach to childrearing which promotes strong family bonds and security in infants called Attachment Parenting.
• Understands issues of Perinatal Health Justice and how to work for more equitable maternity care.
• Recognizes complications and emergencies in postpartum women and newborns and knows when to seek medical assistance.
• Can perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Basic Pediartric and Adult CPR on adult women and newborn babies.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Participants are required to attend and participate fully in all sessions, including class discussions, skill demonstrations, role-play exercises, and experiential exercises, and complete the certification requirements listed below: 

Within one WEEK, participants will:

• Complete online written exam. You must score 80% to pass. May retake the exam once if the score is lower than 80%.

Within SIX MONTHS, participants will:

• Complete an Infant/adult/child CPR course and submit proof of certification.
• Compile a Community Resource List for families.
• Write as 1-2 page essay on the Postpartum Doula’s role on the maternity care team and your ambitions and plans in the profession.
• Assist three families in the postpartum period and submit three parent evaluations and three self-reports. Reporting forms are here:

Client-Doula Evaluation Online 
Client-Doula Evaluation Online (Spanish Version).

Self-Report Form (Online)

Please note: If requirements are not met within the 6-month time frame, then, candidate will need to retake the course. You can take our online course. 

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

• Fee is $100 annually. Certification is good for two years; to pay renewal fee. Point your phone at the QR code below to make a payment.
  
• Read a peer-reviewed journal article (written within past 3 years) on any topic related to pregnancy, childbirth, doula support or midwifery:
  • Write a 2-3 page summary on what you learned from this article and how you will apply it to your doula practice OR:
  • Attend a workshop, training, seminar or conference related to childbirth, newborn care, infant mental health, postpartumdoula support, midwifery, lactation, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, or maternal and infant health and submit proof of attendance (Certificate of completion) AND
• Write a 2-3 page summary of how you will apply the knowledge to your postpartum doula practice.
• Submit one Client Evaluation of your doula services.
• Submit one Self-Report on what you learned at this birth, what you would do differently and how this birth has helped you develop as a doula.
• Send everything together in one email to: Cordelia Hanna at Cordelia.Hanna@motherbabysupport.net

DOULA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

We offer an apprenticeship program for Postpartum Doulas in training. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with a more experienced Postpartum Doula to acquire valuable instruction and guidance while assisting families. The initial three clients with whom you engage will be as a volunteer, during which you will obtain the experiences required for certification. Upon completing the assignment with three families, you will submit your Client Evaluations and Self-Reports, as well as all other requirements necessary to obtain certification from Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance. Once certified, you will have the capability to become a Medi-Cal doula and receive compensation through Medi-Cal. We will provide support to you in a step-by-step manner throughout the credentialing process with Medi-Cal. You will then be eligible to receive clients through our organization, and we will bill Medi-Cal on your behalf. Credentialing with our organization does not preclude you from establishing your own business and billing Medi-Cal simultaneously. Additional benefits of joining our team include coverage under our malpractice insurance, promotion through our website and social media channels, and eligibility for employment through our grant-funded programs.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE TOPICS

• The Integral Role of Postpartum Doulas in Maternity Care Teams
• Overcoming Breastfeeding Barriers: Unraveling Historical, Social, Political, and Personal Obstacles
• Elevating Breastfeeding: Positive Impacts on Mothers, Infants, Fathers, and Societal Well-being
• Guidelines and Innovations in Breastfeeding Support
• Practicum on Effective Communication: The Three Step Strategy
• Mastering Lactation Fundamentals: Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology of Breastfeeding
• The Nutritional Wonders of Breastmilk: A Basic Exploration of Nutritional Benefits
• Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding: Maximizing Benefits for Both Mother and Child
• Empowering Mothers to Initiate and Navigate the Breastfeeding Journey Through the First Year and Beyond
• Addressing Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Nurturing Growing Infants
• Advocating for Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for Optimal Newborn Well-being
• Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Promoting Safe Co-Sleeping Practices While  Respecting Cultural Norms
• Analyzing the Impact of Childbirth Interventions on Breastfeeding Challenges
• Navigating the Spectrum of Postpartum Adjustments: From Normalcy to Challenges
• Identifying and Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
• Fostering Informed Decision-Making in Postpartum and Newborn Care
• Decoding Newborn Behavior States: A Guide for Parents
• Deciphering Newborn Appearance: Insights for New Parents
• Deconstructing Newborn Medical Procedures: Empowering Parents with Knowledge
• Holistic Support for Postpartum Women: Balancing Physical Care and Emotional Well-being
• Guiding Clients through Perinatal Loss and Birth Trauma: A Compassionate Approach
• Mastery of Newborn Care Techniques and Soothing Practices
• Essentials of Diapering, Swaddling, and Bathing Newborns: A Practical Guide
• Child Development Milestones: Nurturing Growth Through the First Year
• Attachment Theory Basics: Cultivating Strong Parent-Infant Bonds
• Embracing a Trauma-Informed Approach to Maternal and Infant Mental Health
• The Pivotal Role of Postpartum Doulas in Family Transition: Nurturing Bonds
• Advocating for Perinatal Health Justice: Ensuring Equitable Maternal and Infant Well-being

COURSE LEADERS

Cordelia Hanna, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA- Principal Course Leader (English Course), Curriculum Developer
Email: Cordelia.Hanna@Motherbabysupport.net    Phone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 1

Cordelia Hanna is a highly skilled professional in the field of maternity care, with over 35 years of experience. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Dance from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1986 and later earned her Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Health Education and Promotion/Maternal Child Health from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, in 2008. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in Health Psychology at Walden University. Cordelia is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), regarded as the gold standard for professional health educators accredited by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Additionally, she is an ICEA-Certified Childbirth Educator, CAPPA-Certified Lactation Educator, and ALACE-Certified Birth Assistant. Since 1991, she has taught Childbirth Preparation Classes and Breastfeeding Education to hundreds of couples from diverse ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses in various settings, including private practice, clinics, public health, hospitals, and communities.

Cordelia is a midwife who received training through apprenticeship. Since 1991, she has worked as an Assistant Midwife and Labor Companion/Monitrice in different settings, including homes, birth centers, and hospitals throughout Los Angeles County and Oregon. Cordelia is passionate about promoting grassroots health promoters, such as breastfeeding peer counselors, doulas, and community midwives, to address ethnic health disparities within their communities. These disparities include low rates of breastfeeding, high rates of premature cesarean sections, and maternal and infant mortality rates occurring in communities of color. Cordelia possesses a global perspective on maternal-child health while focusing on local action.
From 2002 to 2012, Cordelia served as a Perinatal Health Educator and Promoter for The Pasadena Public Health Department’s Black Infant Health Program, which was funded by the California Department of Health to reduce African-American/Black perinatal health disparities. During this time, she collaborated with her mentor, the late Ms. Geraldine Perry-Williams, PHN, MSN, CD, CLE, LCCE, to launch and manage a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. They also established the first-ever Community-Based Doula Program for African-American/Black families in Los Angeles County, successfully reducing the high rates of infant mortality and cesarean sections among Pasadena’s African-American population.

Between 2014 and 2019, Cordelia collaborated with Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promatora de Salud/Community Health Worker Program in South Los Angeles and the Harbor Corridor. In her role, she provided training on perinatal health and Doula support to Community Health Promoters/Promotores de Salud in South Los Angeles, a region known for having some of the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality linked to negative social determinants of health.

Cordelia is a mother of two children who were born at home with a Licensed Midwife/Certified Professional Midwife, breastfed for 18 months, and slept in the family bed. They have now grown into bright and capable young adults. Cordelia is also a grandmother to two granddaughters and a grandson. Her life partner hails from Ghana, West Africa, and together they enjoy an international lifestyle that spans two continents.

Tai Carson, BA, CPSS, CPD, CMA

Email: Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net Phone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 3

Tai Carson is a retired midwife with over 35 years of experience who has attended over 700 births and has many years of experience providing postpartum doula support to families. She is the Coordinator of Happy Mama Healthy Baby’s Nurturing Roots Postpartum Doula Service for Black Families. Born and raised in Los Angeles she comes from a mixed heritage of African, Asian, and European backgrounds. Tai has over three decades of  experience in maternity and newborn care, as well as general healthcare. She currently focuses on postpartum doula support and palliative care. Ms. Carson has a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services from California State University, Los Angeles, along with an Associate’s Certificate in Counseling Psychology. Additionally, she is a Registered Medical Assistant in Washington State, where she worked at a rural primary health clinic.Tai is a certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Perinatal Support Specialist, Certified Childbirth Educator. From 1999 to 2005, she was the owner/midwife at The Hollywood Birth Center in Los Angeles, where she trained several apprentices and doulas. She has worked in home birth and birth center midwifery practices in Washington, Los Angeles, and Mt. Shasta, California.  As a perinatal health educator, Tai served as a trainer for Birth Emergency Skills Training (B.E.S.T.) and co-conducted Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance’s  Perinatal Support Specialist Training at Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promotora de Salud Program from 2013 to 2015. “As a woman of color, doula, health educator, midwife and a maternal-infant health advocate, I am dedicated to eradicating health disparities among childbearing women of color in my community. I am thrilled to work on programs aimed at improving  perinatal health inequities,” says Ms. Carson.

 

INSTRUCTORA DE ESPAÑOL

Ines “Augie” Rigual, CD, CPD, IBCLC, LCCE (Spanish Course)

Phone: (321) 287-4833 Email: augiedoula@yahoo.com 

Augie Rigual es Doula Avanzada de DONA y está certificada con DONA International desde hace 15 años, habiendo trabajado también en el Comité de Certificación de DONA International. Implementó y supervisó un programa de doulas comunitarias en el condado de Osceola, Florida, durante seis años a través de una subvención del Fondo Onza de Prevención de Florida, habiendo logrado la meta de reducir la tasa de cesáreas en un 14 % durante los primeros dos años en dos hospitales. en el condado A través de este programa comunitario de doulas, brindaron educación sobre el parto y servicios de doulas a las reclusas de la cárcel del condado de Osceola en Florida. Augie se convirtió en capacitadora de doulas de nacimiento en 2013 y ha estado ofreciendo capacitaciones principalmente en Puerto Rico, donde dos de los hospitales ya han capacitado a la mayoría de sus enfermeras de trabajo de parto y parto en un esfuerzo por reducir las tasas de cesáreas del hospital. Estas capacitaciones en hospitales han incluido médicos que han sido educados sobre lo que realmente es una doula y entienden el trabajo de la doula. Se ha capacitado en la República Dominicana, donde un médico obstetra se capacitó y ahora es una entrenadora de DONA Doula para su país. Augie ha estado ofreciendo capacitaciones de DONA Birth Doula en español en otros estados que tienen grandes comunidades hispanas como Utah y Carolina del Norte. Como educadora de parto de Lamaze durante los últimos 18 años, Augie ofrece clases de educación de parto en inglés y español semanalmente para dos departamentos de salud del condado en Florida. En 2010, Augie se certificó como IBCLC y se recertificó en 2015. Estableció el Grupo de Posparto CAFÉ en el Hospital Winnie Palmer para Mujeres y Bebés y este programa se extendió al Departamento de Salud del Condado de Osceola, Florida, donde el grupo todavía se reúne todos los miércoles por la mañana. . El CAFÉ no solo ofrece apoyo para la lactancia sino también apoyo posparto en general y se ha convertido en el lugar donde las mamás sienten que pueden ayudar a otras mamás y sentirse bien consigo mismas. CAFÉ significa Compasión, Apoyo (Apoyo), Fe y Educación. Augie es el especialista en programas de la Coalición Healthy Start del condado de Osceola, Florida.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

Contact: Cordelia Hanna, CEO/Executive Director

Telephone: (626) 388-2191 ext. 3 or Email: cordelia.hanna@motherbabysupport.net

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation must be made in writing by the deadline (30 days before the course). Tuition will be reimbursed less the $50.00 administrative fee if notification is received by this date. After this date, there will be no refunds. However, in extenuating circumstances such as documented illness or emergency, the tuition is fully transferable to another person or training (this course or another topic); credit is good for the amount of training. The additional balance will be required if the course is registered at a higher price. If it is a lower price, the balance will not be refunded. Credit will be honored for one year from the training. If used by that time, the credit will stay active.

Particular Cancellation Policy for Doulas: If you are “on call” and have a birth during the training, please notify the instructor as soon as possible that you will not attend. The total tuition will be transferred to another person or different training (this course or another topic) to be used within one year of the training date. The additional balance will be required if the course is registered at a higher price. If it is a lower price, the balance will not be refunded.