“Krista was absolutely wonderful. I was blown away by the excellence of this workshop. I was not so sure an online workshop could compare to an in-person training but now I can't imagine having done this any other way. It was incredible and so useful to be able to share this course with individuals from all over North America. So much knowledge to be gained this way. LOVED IT. Would recommend 100%.”
— Doula Workshop Participant, May 2023
“Krista was PHENOMENAL! She possesses complete mastery of all content and her delivery was exceptional! Thanks to her strong organizational skills, she covered the entire curriculum with comfortable and easy pacing. She invited questions and encouraged discussion but gently re-directed to remain on task when we veered off course. Her presentation style was well thought out -- we worked in whole group, small group and movement was provided throughout the day to break up long periods of sitting.
Krista truly impressed and dazzled me and my colleagues with her calm and affable manner, her thoughtfully-planned delivery and her attention to detail. It was the most comprehensive training I've ever participated in. After 25 years in teacher education, I have been to many trainings and this surpassed all. Well done, Krista!”
— Doula Workshop Participant, April 2023
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The Role of the DONA International Postpartum Doula
Effective Communication Techniques
Lactation Support and Safe Formula / Bottle Feeding
Non-Medical Physical Recuperation
Individualized Role Support Within the Family
Loss and Grief Scenarios
Integrating Baby Into the Family
Calming and Coping Strategies
Building Your Doula Business
Self-Care for a Sustainable Postpartum Doula Practice
Navigating Challenging Client Situations
SO much more!
DONA International’s high standards and caliber of education require a minimum of 27 training hours to ensure comprehensive learning across a variety of common postpartum topics.
Krista does not require any prerequisites to attend her trainings
Completion of a DONA International Approved Workshop is the first step to becoming a Certified Postpartum Doula
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8-Week Virtual Extended Workshop
Complete your DONA International Postpartum Doula Workshop AND certification requirements in 8 weeks with this unique accelerated program!
This one-of-a-kind program offers participants an opportunity to process workshop content while building relationships and completing requirements for DONA International Postpartum Doula Certification application. Created by DONA International Postpartum Doula Trainer, Krista Maltais, class sizes are limited to encourage participant engagement and interaction.
March 24 - May 19, 2026 | Tuesdays 9:30a-2:00p(EST)
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In Person 4-Day Workshop
27+ hours of fundamental DONA International curriculum taught through discussion, small group activities, partner work, hands-on opportunities, homework, and role playing. Class sizes are limited to encourage participant engagement and interaction.
August 6-9, 2026 | Exeter, New Hampshire
Interested in setting up a private or grant-funded doula training? Email Krista@Postpartum-Doula-Training.com
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Virtual 4-Day Workshop
This Virtual Workshop will be a LIVE online experience held with the same restrictions, learning competencies and outcomes as the approved in-person training. Remote/online training will not be a pre-recorded video of the trainer presenting, but rather a live presentation with real-time interaction.
Attendees should plan to find an interruption-free space to be fully attentive and able to participate in the workshop in the same way as an in-person training with discussion, small group activities, partner work, homework, and online role playing. Class sizes are limited to encourage participant engagement and interaction.
Basics of Lactation Support Perinatal Professional Class
This 3 hour course is facilitated by Advanced Lactation Counselor, Krista Maltais, and satisfies the lactation support education requirement for DONA International Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification.
Cost: Included in every Postpartum Doula Workshop Fee!
This training covers specific topics such as:
Benefits of human lactation, anatomy & physiology (milk ejection reflex, supply & demand), infant’s contribution and readiness to body-feed (reflexes and feeding cues), latch and effective suckling skills, feeding positions and holds, overcoming early challenges (engorgement, nipple soreness, milk supply), and when to refer to a lactation-specific professional.
Small Group, partner, and lecture will ensure you have an opportunity to receive information in a dynamic way.
Choose a path that feels right for you
Learn more about each workshop option:
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The 8-week program is designed to give the group additional time to build relationships with other cohort members and work through particular elements of the certification packet while under direct mentorship of AdvPCD/PDT(DONA) Krista Maltais.
Each week, core curriculum material is taught and one or more certification requirements are discussed and suggested as homework.
Furthermore, guest speakers may visit during the extended workshop to discuss specific topics and provide their professional perspectives. Past speaker topics have included: business, mental health, multiples, loss and grief, and baby wearing.
Participants in this program also receive a complementary copy of Krista’s book, “My Baby, Our Doula, and Me”
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The next in-person training will be held August 6-9th in Exeter New Hampshire.
DONA International requires a minimum of 27 workshop training hours that cover specific topics. This “core curriculum” is divided into 4 days of learning. Bonus! Postpartum Doula Training with AdvPCD/PDT(DONA) Krista Maltais also includes the 3-hour Lactation Support for Professionals course!
The 4-day in-person workshop is most ideal for doulas who prefer hands-on learning environments, dynamic group engagement, and opportunities to practice tactile skills with weighted baby dolls, gear, and materials.
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DONA International requires a minimum of 27 workshop training hours that cover specific topics. This “core curriculum” is divided into 4 days of learning online. Bonus! Postpartum Doula Training with AdvPCD/PDT(DONA) Krista Maltais also includes the 3-hour Basics of Lactation Support for Professionals course!
This workshop is ideal for doulas who prefer focused environments, eliminating travel time / expenses and reducing logistical challenges.
Virtual training also expands opportunities for networking with and learning from doulas who attend from places worldwide.
Please note, all virtual workshops are presented live and require participants to engage with one another in “real time”.
DONA International is the world’s leading doula organization and is known for high caliber training, thorough certification process, and respected professionals.