Simkin Center: 2026 Birth Doula Skills Workshop, MAR 20-23 (in-person)

Course Date and Time
This workshop is in-person, at Bastyr Seattle Campus
14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028

Registration Fee: $825

Course Details
This in-person, 4-day course is perfect for those who want to complete their doula training in a short timeframe. Upon completion of this program, participants feel empowered to support families as a birth doula with in-depth knowledge of pain management techniques, labor variations and complications, newborn care, lactation and infant feeding support, and more.

Completion of this training meets the criteria for three requirements towards DONA International Certifications: (1) Birth Doula Workshop, (2) Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas and (3) Breastfeeding/Chest feeding for Doulas.

We offer a Course Assistant position to provide classroom support in exchange for a discounted tuition. For more information regarding this position or if you have any questions about this training or attending in-person classes at Bastyr University, please contact us at simkincenter@bastyr.edu or call us at 425-602-3378.

To review the Simkin Center refund and cancellation policy visit https://bastyr.edu/simkin-center-allied-birth-vocations (scroll down to Registration Policies). Please note our policy indicates a processing fee will be charged for cancellations, transfers, make-ups, and/or refunds. Requests must be made 30 days prior to the start of the workshop. 

Class Preparation & Participation

You will receive class logistics about two weeks before your training begins. This timing ensures you have space to review the course content and complete approximately 12 hours of pre-work prior to Day One. The workshop is hosted on Google Classroom, which you’ll use as your online learning platform. To make the most of your experience, we encourage you to begin the pre-work as soon as you receive access. This preparation will help you feel well-prepared and confident when the training begins. Thank you for your commitment—we look forward to a strong start together!

The Curriculum

·        Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal development, labor, postpartum, and lactation
·        Components of prenatal care and the midwifery model of care
·    Emotions of pregnancy
·        Pain management techniques
·        Medical procedures used in labor
·        Labor variations and complications, including Cesarean birth
·        The emotional and psychological aspects of giving birth and its significance in birthing women's/people’s lives
·        The doula's role, professional ethics, standards of practice, and certification
·        Emotional support and physical comfort measures
·        Support for difficult labors, Cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after Cesarean
·        Newborn care and lactation support
·        Values clarification and cultural sensitivity
·        Includes Introduction to Childbearing (DONA International certification requirement)
·        Includes Breast/Chestfeeding for Doulas (DONA International certification requirement)

Course Notes
Certificates of completion are issued only to students present for all sessions and who complete the online learning modules before the end of the workshop.

Required Textbook 
“The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions” by Penny Simkin (5th edition or latest) 

Click here for information on where to obtain texts.

Instructor
Kim James, ICCE, LCCE, CLE, BDT(DONA) is a senior instructor and faculty leader. Kim is a DONA International Certified Birth Doula, and DONA International-approved birth doula trainer and holds international childbirth educator certifications through ICEA and Lamaze International. Kim currently serves on the Education Committee at DONA International. Kim is a currently practicing doula within the Swedish Doula Program at the Swedish Medical Centers and owns and operates DoulaMatch.net.

Most of our trainings provide guest speakers who share their areas of expertise and bring a wealth of diversity and wisdom to our learning communities. We are proud that our guest speakers include a roster of actively working local doulas who share their pathways to success.

See Simkin Center Faculty

Contact Us
(425) 602-3378
simkincenter@bastyr.edu
Simkin Center | Bastyr University