Course curriculum

Doing the FREE preview? You'll find these lessons in the Introduction, Module 1 & Module 6!

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Your Mission

    • The art of beginning: A welcome from the founder

    • Course Goals and Competencies

    • What to Expect from your Student Journey - Important Course Information!

    • Who do we support?

    • Introduction to the 8 Modules

    • The Compass and Framework for Mindfulness in our Course

    • About Safety, Language and Inclusivity

    • Contacting Student Services

    • Survey: Before we begin...

    • Resources – Case Reviews: Community and Mentorship in Action

    • Resources – FYS/PPD Workbook - Please Download

    • Resources – The Learning Framework: The Compass Domains and Commitments

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Resources – Care Guides

    • Resources – Meditation Instructions from First Steps Commitments Workbook

    • Resources – G.R.A.C.E. Exercise

    • Resources – BLOB Exercise

    • Resources – Needs Inventory

    • Resources – Covid Best Practice Guidelines

    • Resources – WisdomWay Code of Ethics and Conduct

    • Let's dig in!
  • 2

    Module 1: Model and Scope of Care

    • Celebrating What Brings Us Here

    • Syllabus for Module 1

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Wheel of Health and the Model of Care: Part 1

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Wheel of Health and Integrative Part 2: Our Role in the Wheel

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Integrative Medicine: Quiz

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Circles of Support

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Other Professionals and their Scope of Practice

    • Chapter 1: Model and Scope of Care – Care Models and Guides

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – What does it mean to be a Mindful Caregiver?

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – Setting ourselves up for a sustainable path

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – The Commitments of Mindful Caregiving: Aims, Vows, and Intentions

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – The Compass Questions

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – Workbook Exercise: G.R.A.C.E.

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – Meditation Instructions: Tools from our workshops

    • Chapter 2: The Compass of Mindful Caregiving – The heart of caregiving: Quiz

    • Chapter 3: Skills & Knowledge – Evidence-Based Practice

    • Chapter 3: Skills & Knowledge – Why we Learn From Experts in Stress, Health, Lactation, Physiology, Emotional Health and Infant/Child Development...

    • Chapter 4: Empathy and Compassion – Helping, Fixing or Serving? Rachel Naomi Remen

    • Chapter 4: Empathy and Compassion – Part 1: Understanding Sympathy, Empathy, Empathic Distress & Compassion: Making a difference without burning out

    • Chapter 4: Empathy and Compassion – Part 2: Understanding Sympathy, Empathy, Empathic Distress & Compassion: Making a difference without burning out

    • Chapter 4: Empathy and Compassion – Empathy, Compassion & Caregiver Burnout: Quiz

    • Chapter 5: Awareness and the Work of Caregiving – Part 1: Emotional Regulation Systems, Red Zone/Green Zone, & Caregiving

    • Chapter 5: Awareness and the Work of Caregiving – Part 2: Emotional Regulation Systems, Red Zone/Green Zone, & Caregiving

    • Chapter 5: Awareness and the Work of Caregiving – Emotional Regulation, Stress Response and Mindfulness: Quiz

    • Chapter 5: Awareness and the Work of Caregiving – Experiencing the Compass and Commitments: Quiz

    • Chapter 6: Right Relationship

    • Chapter 6: Right Relationship – Passion & Purpose: What roles do we fill?

    • Chapter 6: Right Relationship – Role of Advocacy: Right Relationship and Partnering: Quiz

    • Chapter 6: Right Relationship – The Joys of Caregiving and Your Emotional Regulation System: Quiz

    • Ready for what's next?

    • Module 1 – Resources
  • 3

    Module 2: Caring for Parents – Chapters 1-3

    • Syllabus for Module 2

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – Gender, Sexuality, & Relationships: Language and Definitions

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – The Path to Parenting

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – LGBTQ Families and the Law: Vulnerabilities

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – About Fatherhood

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – Parenting Beliefs: Survey

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – The Male Brain on Baby: Stress and Depression in new parents who do not give birth

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – Parental vulnerabilities: Quiz

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – Adoption and Surrogacy: Supporting the family on their path

    • Chapter 1: Diverse Family and Caregiver Relationships – Porch Meditation

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Defining Stress

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Stress Can Be N.U.T.S.!

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Your Own Unique Stress Alarms

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Disease and Aging: Telomeres, Mindfulness and Stress Buffering

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Parental Support to Meet Parental Stress

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Care Guide: Overnight Model of Care

    • Chapter 2: Stress and Parenting – Parental Stress: Quiz

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Part 1: The Ecology of the Postpartum Woman–The Brain on Baby

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Part 2: The Ecology of the Postpartum Woman–The Brain on Baby

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – 3 Perspectives on the Postpartum Transition: Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – System Support: Hormonal Changes

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Hormonal Profiles: Quiz

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Part 2: Uterine Involution and Lochia

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Part 1: Uterine Involution and Lochia

    • Chapter 3: EEcology of the Postpartum Woman – Preventing Uterine Atony and Hemorrhage

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – System Support: Endocrine Changes

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – System Support: Musculoskeletal Changes

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Lactation Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and Returning Menses

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Sexual Health in the Year After Birth

    • Chapter 3: Ecology of the Postpartum Woman – Ecology of the Postpartum Woman: Quiz

    • Let's take a moment...
  • 4

    Module 2: Caring for Parents – Chapters 4-5 & Resources

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Pelvic Injury

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Diastasis Recti (DRA)

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Postpartum Thyroiditis and other Thyroid Conditions

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Pituitary Disorders

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Engorgement, Sore Nipples, Blocked Ducts, Blebs, & Mastitis and More

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Uterine and Other Infections

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Pregnancy Induced Hypertensive (PIH) and Pre-eclampsia

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Cesarean Recovery

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Discomforts: Causes, Comfort and Concerns

    • Chapter 4: Postpartum Complications – Theory into Practice: Quiz

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Circles of Support: Family Members

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Partnering For Best Outcomes: The Lactation Consultant

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Partnering For Best Outcomes: Pelvic Health

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Partnering For Best Outcomes: Midwives, OBs, And Family Practice

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Finding Resources: Making Connections In Your Community

    • Module 2 – Resources: Glossary of Terms

    • Module 2 – Resources:: More Resources for You

    • You've completed Module 2!
  • 5

    Module 3: Care of the Newborn – Chapters 1-4

    • Syllabus for Module 3

    • Chapter 1: The 'New-Being' – What Are Our Basic Human Needs? Workbook Exercise

    • Chapter 1: The 'New-Being' – Connecting With Human Needs

    • Chapter 1: The 'New-Being' – About Resiliency

    • Chapter 1: The 'New-Being' – Newborn Needs Exercise: Survey

    • Chapter 1: The 'New-Being' – Children at risk

    • Chapter 2: Newborn Appearance – Part 1: Newborn appearance

    • Chapter 2: Newborn Appearance – Part 2: Newborn appearance

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – 6 Infant States of Consciousness

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – Infant sleep states

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – The Senses

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – Tonicity and Temperament : Behaviors and Tendencies in Context

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – Supporting Modulation and State Regulation

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – Coming to our Senses Exercise

    • Chapter 3: State Regulation and Sensory Integration – State Regulation and Sensory Integration: Quiz

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Take It From A Mum

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Eat, Play, Love: A view of the growing and developing infant

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Newborn Care

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Swaddling

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Babywearing

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Infant Car Seat Safety

    • Chapter 4: Care and Soothing of the Newborn – Best Approaches to Difficult Conversations

    • Dance!
  • 6

    Module 3: Care of the Newborn – Chapters 5-8 & Resources

    • Chapter 5: Infant Feeding – Best Practices and Position Statements on Feeding the Newborn

    • Chapter 5: Infant Feeding – Infant Feeding and Expected Weight Gain: The Breast/Chestfed Baby

    • Chapter 5: Infant Feeding – Considerations for Choosing and Feeding Human Milk Substitutes

    • Chapter 5: Infant Feeding – Introducing Bottles to a Breast/Chestfed Baby

    • Chapter 5: Infant Feeding – 10 Steps to Successful Breast/Chestfeeding

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – SUID and SIDS

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – Sleep Science

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – Sleep Theories and Experts

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – Sleep Theories - Elizabeth Pantley

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – Safer Sleep: Quiz

    • Chapter 6: Newborn and Infant Sleep – Mindfulness-based approaches to sleep interventions

    • Chapter 7: The Premature or Medically Fragile Infant – Care Guide: The Vulnerable or Premature Infant

    • Chapter 7: The Premature or Medically Fragile Infant – Skin-to Skin and Kangaroo Care

    • Chapter 8: Circles of Care: The Pediatrician or Family Practice – Newborn and Well Baby Exams

    • Chapter 8: Circles of Care: The Pediatrician or Family Practice – Jaundice

    • Chapter 8: Circles of Care: The Pediatrician or Family Practice – Newborn and Infant output: Common questions about constipation, unusual stools and more

    • Chapter 8: Circles of Care: The Pediatrician or Family Practice – Warning Signs in the Newborn: When Further Support is Indicated

    • Here's What's Next!

    • Module 3 – Resources: Glossary of Terms

    • Module 3 – Resources: Recommended Videos, Web Links, and Books

    • Module 3 – Resources: The Compass and the Care of the Newborn

    • Module 3 – Resources: Needs Inventory
  • 7

    Module 4: Sibling Care/Childcare Competencies

    • Syllabus for Module 4

    • Chapter 1: Best Practices for Infant Care – Feeding the Growing Baby

    • Chapter 1: Best Practices for Infant Care – Eat, Play, Sleep, Love

    • Chapter 1: Best Practices for Infant Care – Teething, fevers, and fussiness: Major transitions in the first year

    • Chapter 1: Best Practices for Infant Care – Circles of Care

    • Chapter 2: Developmental Milestones – Developmental Milestones Chart

    • Chapter 2: Developmental Milestones – Early Detection

    • Chapter 2: Developmental Milestones – The Importance of Play

    • Chapter 3: Safely Caring: Safety Issues When Caring for an Infant or Child – Disease Prevention

    • Chapter 3: Safely Caring: Safety Issues When Caring for an Infant or Child – Handwashing

    • Chapter 3: Safely Caring: Safety Issues When Caring for an Infant or Child – The Safe Home

    • Chapter 3: Safely Caring: Safety Issues When Caring for an Infant or Child – CPR, Neonatal Resuscitation, and First Aid: Recommendations For Your Practice

    • Chapter 3: Safely Caring: Safety Issues When Caring for an Infant or Child – Resources for Staying Safe

    • Chapter 4: Sibling Care and Adjustment – New Babies Ruin Everything: Emotions For Siblings and Parents

    • Chapter 4: Sibling Care and Adjustment – Sibling Adjustment

    • Chapter 4: Sibling Care and Adjustment – Checklist For Childcaring The Toddler to the School Aged Child

    • Chapter 4: Sibling Care and Adjustment – Keeping Kids Safe

    • Chapter 4: Sibling Care and Adjustment – Quiz

    • Chapter 5: Family Adjustment in the First Year – Managing Difficult Emotions and Behaviors with Mindfulness

    • Chapter 5: Family Adjustment in the First Year – Family Stress

    • You did it! You completed Module 4!!!!

    • Module 4 – Resources: Glossary of Terms

    • Module 4 – Resources: More Resources
  • 8

    Module 5: Practical Caregiving Competencies

    • Syllabus for Module 5

    • The meaning of "Home"

    • Chapter 1: Home as Sanctuary – Checklist for sensitive support for the household

    • Chapter 1: Home as Sanctuary – Laws of Kashrut: Kosher Kitchens, Shabbat ( a primer for the non-Jew)

    • Chapter 1: Home as Sanctuary – The care of Muslim families

    • Chapter 2: Nourishment – Food Safety

    • Chapter 2: Nourishment – Food as Medicine: Top Foods to Nourish New Parents

    • Chapter 2: Nourishment – Meal Planning

    • Chapter 3: Pets – Meet the Spaniel

    • Chapter 3: Pets – Pets and Their People: The First 'Family Members'

    • Chapter 3: Pets – Dogs and Their People

    • Chapter 3: Pets – Cats and Their People

    • Chapter 4: Cleanliness, Hygiene and Maintaining a Happy Nest – Cleanliness and the Goddess

    • Chapter 4: Cleanliness, Hygiene and Maintaining a Happy Nest – Flu Season: Caring for Those with a Contagious Illness

    • Chapter 4: Cleanliness, Hygiene and Maintaining a Happy Nest – Laundry

    • Queen of Clean!

    • Module 5 – Resources
  • 9

    Module 6: Lactation

    • Syllabus for Module 6

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Introduction

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – The Change Process: Exercise

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Change Process- Part 1

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Change Process - Part 2

    • Copy of Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Change Process - Part 3: Review

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Applying the Change Model to Caregiving

    • Chapter 1: Lactation Counseling and the Change Process – Change Process: Quiz

    • Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Human Lactation – Breast Anatomy

    • Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Human Lactation – Lactogenesis: Colostrum & Mature Milk Onset & Maintenance

    • Chapter 3: Benefits and Best Practices – The Benefits of Breast/Chest feeding and the Pushback

    • Chapter 4: Mechanical Milk Removal and Alternative Feeding Methods – Mechanical Milk Removal and Storage

    • Chapter 4: Mechanical Milk Removal and Alternative Feeding Methods – Flange fit

    • Chapter 4: Mechanical Milk Removal and Alternative Feeding Methods – Hand expression

    • Chapter 4: Mechanical Milk Removal and Alternative Feeding Methods – Alternatives to the Bottle

    • Chapter 5: Support for the Breast/Chestfeeding Dyad – Positional Stability and Comfort

    • Chapter 5: Support for the Breast/Chestfeeding Dyad – Latch

    • Chapter 5: Support for the Breast/Chestfeeding Dyad – Recognizing and Responding to Newborn needs

    • Chapter 5: Support for the Breast/Chestfeeding Dyad – Breast Health: Engorgement, Sore Nipples, Blocked Ducts, Blebs, & Mastitis

    • Chapter 5: Support for the Breast/Chestfeeding Dyad – Pain Detective

    • Chapter 6: Milk Supply – Establishing and Maintaining a Milk Supply

    • Chapter 6: Milk Supply – When are We Concerned About Supply?

    • Chapter 6: Milk Supply – Oversupply: The challenges of 'too much'

    • Chapter 7: Circle of Care: Referrals and Collaborations – Collaborative Models of Care

    • Chapter 7: Circle of Care: Referrals and Collaborations – When to call a lactation consultant and why parents don't...

    • Happy Dance!

    • Module 6 – Resources: Glossary of Terms

    • Module 6 – Resources:: Obstacles to Change for Postpartum Families Chart

    • Module 6 – Resources: Change Model Wheel Summary

    • Module 6 – Resources:: Making a Saline Solution to Wash Nipple Wounds

    • Module 6 – Resources: Recommended Videos, Web links, and Books
  • 10

    Module 7: Perinatal Mood Disorders

    • Syllabus for Module 7

    • Chapter 1: Understanding Mood Disorders of the Childbearing Year – Perinatal Mental Health: The Scope of the Challenge and the Path of Progress

    • Chapter 1: Understanding Mood Disorders of the Childbearing Year – Parenting Stress

    • Chapter 1: Understanding Mood Disorders of the Childbearing Year – Postpartum Endocrine Changes

    • Chapter 1: Understanding Mood Disorders of the Childbearing Year – The Impacts of Untreated Depression and Mental Illness

    • Chapter 2: Recognizing Risks, Signs and Symptoms – Risk for Perinatal Mood Disorders

    • Chapter 2: Recognizing Risks, Signs and Symptoms – In the Margins: Race, Gender, Trauma and Mental Health

    • Chapter 2: Recognizing Risks, Signs and Symptoms – Signs and Symptoms

    • Chapter 2: Recognizing Risks, Signs and Symptoms – Test your learning

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Prevention and Treatment: Stress Buffers

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Prevention and Treatment: Supporting Recovery

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Scope and Roles: Referrals, Trauma Informed Care and the Healing of the Home Environment: Part 1

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Scope and Roles: Referrals, Trauma Informed Care and the Healing of the Home Environment: Part 2

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Test your learning

    • Chapter 3: Theory to Practice: Treatment Options – Power of slowing down

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Vigilance, Scary Thoughts, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Bipolar Disorders and Postpartum Psychosis

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – PADS- Post-adoption Depression

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Trauma Responses and PTSD

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Anxiety and Panic Disorders

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Differential Diagnosis

    • Chapter 4: Not Just Depression: Introductions to Mood Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses – Not just depression: Quiz

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Circles of Support: Family Members

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Partnering for Best Outcomes: The Lactation Consultant

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Partnering For Best Outcomes: Midwives, OBs, And Family Practice

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – Support Groups

    • Chapter 5: Circles of Care – The Mental Health Team: Psychologists, Counselors and Psychiatrists

    • You've completed Module 7

    • Module 7 – Resources: Glossary

    • Module 7 – Resources: Recommended Reading

    • Module 7 – Resources: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Screening Tools

    • Module 7 – Resources: From the Internet
  • 11

    Module 8: Ethics, Systems & Business Models

    • Welcome to Module 8... and the final steps of achieving your Certification!

    • Syllabus for Module 8

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Branding

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Intakes and First Impressions

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Care Flow and Communication

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Resolving Tensions: Part 1

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Resolving Tensions: Part 2

    • Chapter 1: Supporting the Client Journey – Mindful Money: Do we Charge Friends and Family? Considerations

    • Chapter 2: The Art of the Interview – The Home Visit Interview

    • Chapter 2: The Art of the Interview – Language for our Scope of Practice

    • Chapter 3: Clarity and Agreements – Agreements and Expectations

    • Chapter 4: Ethics & Best Practices – WisdomWay First Year Specialist/Postpartum Doula Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

    • Chapter 4: Ethics & Best Practices – Confidentiality, Privacy & Protecting Shared Information

    • Chapter 4: Ethics & Best Practices – Your Health Status: Health Screenings, Immunizations and Other Considerations

  • 12

    RESOURCES

    • Module 8 – Resources

    • Module 8 – Resources: Glossary
  • 13

    Final Exam

    • Compass Questions: Short Answer

    • Module 1: Exam Questions - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 2: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 3: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 4: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 5: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 6: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 7: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Module 8: Final Exam - True/False & Multiple Choice

    • Final Survey
  • 14

    Next Steps

    • Final Steps

    • This is just the beginning!