“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

  • The Role of the Postpartum Doula

    Effective Communication Techniques

    Lactation support and safe bottle feeding

    Dealing with Loss and Grief

    Integrating Baby Into the Family

    Calming and Coping Strategies

    Building Your Doula Business

    Self-Care for a sustainable Postpartum Doula practice

    Navigating challenging scenarios

    SO much more!

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

  • 8-Week Postpartum Doula Workshop

    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.

    Tuesdays: January 21 - March 18, 2025

    Tuesdays: April 22 - June 17, 2025

  • In Person Postpartum Doula Workshop

    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.

    May 15-18, 2025 @ Relief Parenting Center, Hampton NH USA

  • Virtual Postpartum Doula Workshop

    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.

Attend Postpartum Doula Workshop. Breastfeeding baby with open relaxed hand.

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

DONA International Doula Training Workshop Options

Learn more about each workshop option:

  • The 8-week program is designed to give the group additional time to build relationships with one another 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 often 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Enroll in a workshop.


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