Dream Team Doula Training and Cerification Program

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Shannon Hernandez has been a leader in her field, working with new parents in New York City, Los Angeles and now Austin, Texas. She was trained and certified by Ann Grauer, DONA's  president, who started the original Postpartum Doula certification program, Shannon greatly benefited from Ann's training's and mentoring. Shannon specializes in Postpartum mood disorders. She has worked closely with high profile clients and their world renowned doctors, given pro bono services as a child birth educator to young single mothers, worked for PPHA non profit for low income mothers in need and had completed countless social work continuing education from USC and Texas State University on perinatal mood disorders. She has had the privilege to have over 23 years of experience as a Postpartum Doula with unique experiences from all walks of life. She has been training and certifying Postpartum Doulas since 2009. This is her life's work and teachings that she can only explain as a sacred calling. She has made many personal sacrifices, benefitting thousands of families, on behalf of this work and continues to share her knowledge and wisdom with other Doulas who will carry on this legacy.

Postpartum Doula Certification requirements: 

Becoming a Certified Postpartum Doula consists of an in person training of 24 to 30 hours of class time and instruction. It has a few steps and the first is

•  An open book test. After the 30 hours of instruction you are required to take a test. This test is mostly for your own self evaluation of strengths and weaknesses so you know what you need to work on.
•  An extensive reading list of books. There is a required reading list and you will need to chose books in each subject and complete this reading list before you can gain your certification. Many of these books are also offered in the form of audiobooks.
•  Several reading essays that will explain what you have learned from your reading requirements.
•  Three nonprofit evaluations from volunteering with a postpartum mother with an infant.
•  A state of Texas arrest search and/or private background check 
•  A current holding of a First Aid/CPR certification for adults and infants.
•  A breastfeeding class from a certified lactation consultant or lactation educator (Often covered in our training).
• A community resource list for parents

After all of these requirements are completed you will receive a certification that certifies you to be a Postpartum Doula. Certification last 3 years and requires continuing education to recertifiy. 

In the future, when recertification is needed (every three years), we offer continuing education on all things pertaining to Doula knowledge and updated best practices. We also offer specialty classes on building your business, working with high profile clientele, specialties in postpartum depression, mood disorders, inclusion ethics and working with nonprofit under privileged communities.

We offer continuing education which is recommended and required to stay certified as a Dream Team Doula.

The next Dream Team Doula training this year will be on October 11th through the 13th. Space is limited and registration closes on October 7th, 2024. For inquires, you can contact us via email or phone at shannon@dreamteamdoulas.com & (512)-915-9722