HEART AND HANDS POSTPARTUM DOULA TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Heart and Hands Postpartum Doula Training & Certification Program  Mastering the Art of Mother and Baby Care

HEART AND HANDS POSTPARTUM DOULA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Four Saturdays, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026 | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (PDT) | Virtual Format

CAN'T ATTEND IN-PERSON? THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE IN A PRE-RECORDED FORMAT FOR SELF-PACED STUDY. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE SELF-PACED COURSE.

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.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Join us for an exciting online event conducted by two seasoned maternity care providers with 70 years combined knowledge on the art of new mother and baby care. This comprehensive training program is designed for individuals interested in becoming Certified Postpartum Doulas (CPDs).

During this training, you will learn essential skills and knowledge to provide nurturing support to new parents during the postpartum period. Our experienced instructors will cover a range of topics, including newborn care, breastfeeding support, emotional well-being, and more.

By becoming a Certified Postpartum Doula, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of new families, offering them the support and guidance they need during this transformative time. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply passionate about helping others, this training is perfect for you.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career as a Postpartum Doula. Register now and take the first step towards making a difference in the lives of new parents and their precious babies.

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. Class sessions will be held on the Zoom platform.

Classes meet for four sessions from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm PST. The classes will be held on ZOOM. The link will be sent prior to the course.

DATES OF SESSIONS

Session 1: Saturday, May 2nd

Session 2: Saturday, May 9th

Session 3: Saturday, May 16th

Session 4: Saturday, May 23rd

INTENDED AUDIENCE

No prior experience, education, or training is required. Instruction is conducted in English. For best results, some college is suggested. Must be 18 years of age and a High School graduate or GED holder.

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
• Pre-med and medical students who want to practice Pediatrics or Neonatology

SCHOLARSHIPS

Low-Income BIPOC Scholarship

Limited scholarships are available each course for low-income BIPOC persons. Must show proof of income eligibility (Medi-Cal Card, EBT card, etc.). Candidates are selected by application and interview. Selected candidates will commit to working with HMHBA for one year following the course providing postpartum care. The first three families served to obtain certification are unpaid. Following certification, candidates selected may apply to be Medi-Cal Doula Providers. We will assist you through the process. To be considered for a scholarship, please send email to: Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3. Application period: February 21-April 21, 2026. We will notify candidates of interview date if selected. Final announcements will be made on April 25, 2026.

Low-Income Work-Study Scholarship

If you are not a BIPOC but are low-income and would like to apply for a Work Study Scholarship, please contact us. We have one position available. The requirement is to show proof of being low-income (Medi-Cal Card, EBT card, etc.) and commit to working 3 hours per week prior to the course and for 2 weeks after the course ends. Please contact Tai.Carson@motherbabysupport.net or call (626) 388-2191 ext. 3. for more information and to apply. The deadline to apply is February 25, 2026.

COURSE FEES

Regular Tuition: $850.00 per person. Materials are included in the course including a PowerPoint, and Student Manual and handouts.

Early Bird Special: $700.00. Opens January 21, 2026. Ends March 21, 2026.

HMHBA Training Graduate: $750.00. If you have previously taken one of our courses, you may take this course for a discounted rate.

Take Two: $350.00. If you register for both our Community Birth Doula Training and the Postpartum Doula Training at the same time, you can receive $500 off.

Group Discounts: $650.00 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. 3 or email: Training@motherbabysupport.net.

COURSE MATERIALS

Each participant will receive a Student Manual, a PowerPoint and handouts in a PDF format. We recommend you print these and put inside a 3-ring binder to follow along.Estimated cost is $60.00.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Each person should have a personal computer ( laptop, or tablet), to follow along during the course with strong internet connection, and earphones are recommended.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Participants are required to attend and participate fully in all sessions, including class discussions, skill demonstrations, role-play exercises, and experiential exercises.

Within one WEEK, participants will:

• Complete an online, open-book written exam. You can refer to the PowerPoint and Course Manual to find and write your answers. 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 CPR course and submit proof of certification.
• Complete HIPAA training and submit certificate (offered for free to doulas who join HMHBA's team).
• Compile a Community Resource List for Families. This should be on doula's letter head and include resources by categories (ie. Domestic Violence, Food Banks, Mental Health Support, etc.) with complete contact information for resource (email. address, phone, website, contact person).
• Write a 1-2 page essay on the role of the Postpartum Doula on the maternity care team, and how you plan to put this knowledge to work.
• Assist three families in the postpartum period and submit three parent evaluations and three self-reports. Reporting forms will be provided.

RECERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

$100.00 USD re-certification fee along with proof of attendance at a continuing education seminar on any topic covered in this course, or by reading a scientific, peer-reviewed journal article on any topic covered in this course, and writing a summary of the article and submitting it. If requirements are not met within one year, will result in an additional $100 USD administrative charge.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE https://motherbabysupport.net

LEAD INSTRUCTOR: CORDELIA HANNA, MPH, CHES, ICCE, CLE, CBA

Cordelia Hanna has been working in the field of maternity care for over 35 years. She obtained her Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in Health Education and Promotion/Maternal Child Health from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California in 2008 and her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1986. Cordelia is currently pursuing her doctorate in Health Psychology at Walden University. Cordelia is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), the gold standard for professional health educators, accredited by NCHEC. She is also an ICEA-Certified Childbirth Educator, CAPPA-Certified Lactation Educator, and ALACE-Certified Birth Assistant who since 1991 has taught Childbirth Preparation Classes and Breastfeeding Education to hundreds of couples in private practice, clinics, public health, hospital and community settings.

She is an apprenticeship-trained midwife, who has worked as an Assistant Midwife and Labor Companion/Monitrice in homes, birth centers, and hospitals throughout Los Angeles County and Oregon since 1991 and has attended hundreds of births and taught hundreds of couples childbirth education and trained over 350 persons through her doula trainings.

Cordelia is passionate about promoting indigenous health promoters– breastfeeding peer counselors and doulas and community midwives– to address ethnic health disparities such as low rates of breastfeeding, high rates of prematurity cesarean section, and maternal and infant mortality occurring in communities of color. Cordelia thinks about maternal-child health globally and acts locally. Cordelia worked as a Perinatal Health Educator and Promoter for The Pasadena Public Health Department Black Infant Health Program from 2002-2012, a California Department of Health-funded program to reduce African-American/Black perinatal health disparities. Here, along with her mentor and collaborator the late Ms. Geraldine Perry-Williams, PHN, MSN, CD, CLE, LCCE, she initiated and managed a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program and established the very first Community-Based Doula Program for African-American/Black families in Los Angeles County; succeeding in lowering the high rates of infant mortality and cesarean section among Pasadena’s African-American population.

From 2011 to 2019, Cordelia worked with Esperanza Community Housing Corporation’s Promatora de Salud/Community Health Worker Program, providing training in perinatal health and Doula support for Community Health Promoters/Promatores de Salud working in South Los Angeles, one of the Los Angeles county regions with the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality due to negative social determinants of health.

Cordelia is a mother of two home-born, breastfed, and family-bedded children who are now bright and capable young adults. She is a grandmother of two granddaughters and a grandson. Her life partner is from Ghana, West Africa, and they enjoy an international lifestyle spanning two continents.

CO-INSTRUCTOR: TAI CARSON, BA, CPSS, CPD, CMA

Tai Carson is a retired midwife with over 35 years experience who hass attended over 700 births. 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.