(916) 999-0210

This is a DONA International approved workshop and one step toward certification as a Postpartum Doula.

The workshop is experiential and interactive, offering participants a broad-based learning experience. Participants learn in an environment that fosters self-growth while providing both didactic and hands-on experience. During the workshop participants will gain in-depth knowledge about the role of a doula during the postpartum period as well as a personal understanding of the emotions and spiritual nature of birth and life with a newborn.

Course Outline:

  • Understanding the role of the postpartum doula.
  • How pregnancy and birth influence the postpartum period.
  • The importance of bonding.
  • The physical care and emotional and spiritual aspects of the newborn and mother
  • Understanding newborn characteristics and infant care.
  • The dynamics of family and friends after birth.
  • Differentiating ”Baby Blues” from Perinatal Mental Health.
  • Dealing with loss and grief.
  • Household management.
  • Breastfeeding
  • DONA International
  • Communication Skills
  • Business aspects of the postpartum doula practice (contract, invoices, etc.)
  • Certification process in details
Kathrin Auger, instructor at Sierra Childbirth Institute

Trainer: Kathrin Auger, RN, PPDT(DONA)

A bit about Kathrin:

I started my training as a pediatric RN in Switzerland in 1993 where I worked on the NICU at one of the leading university hospitals in Switzerland for several years before moving to the USA. During my years on the NICU I expanded my training in infant massage, baby wearing, reflexology, kinesthesia (conscious handling of the newborn), lactation, homeopathy, and flower essences which broaden my expertise tremendously. My work also included the supervision of pediatric nurses and midwife interns.

My years of conventional medical training fed my desire to step outside the typical medical model and go deeper into more personal care during pregnancy and the birth and postpartum period. After my move to the United States (Los Angeles) in 2002 I got certified as a birth doula in 2003 and as a postpartum doula in 2004 through DONA International.

I was the director of postpartum services at the Chapman Family Center from 2005 till 2008 which included assistant teaching of birth and postpartum doulas as well as running the postpartum doula agency.

In 2007 I became a DONA International approved postpartum doula trainer.

The Bastyr University in San Diego welcomed me to their faculty in 2013 as a postpartum doula trainer until they closed their doors in 2015.

In short, my passion about all things pregnancy and postpartum knows no bounds and I strongly believe in a culture where birth is just, inclusive and free of fear.

I live with my husband in Los Angeles and gave birth to our son in 2006 via surgery and in 2007 to our second son at home.