Families Shouldn’t Have to Navigate the NICU Alone
BRIDGING THE GAP FOR NICU FAMILIES
We train and certify NICU Doulas — professionals who bring more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience through evidence-based and trauma-informed care — and help families find the right one to walk beside them throughout their NICU journey and beyond.
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What Is a NICU Doula?
If you've never heard the term before — or you have, but you're not sure yet what it means for your own family or your own career — this is the place to start. This free guide walks through what a NICU doula actually does, why families need this kind of support so badly right now, and where this work might fit into your story, whether you're the one looking for support or the one who feels called to give it.
Why NICU Education Matters
1 in 10 babies spend time in the NICU
Yet most doulas and perinatal professionals receive no training on how to support those families.
You don’t have to be a medical expert to make a life-changing difference. With the right knowledge, tools, and trauma-informed skills, you can help families feel seen, supported, and empowered during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.
Two Paths. One Mission.
for professionals
become a certified nicu doula (C-ND™)
NICU Doula Academy is a 10-week certification program for doulas, nurses, and support professionals ready to specialize in trauma-informed, evidence-based NICU care. You'll leave with the N.E.S.T. Framework, 30+ hours of continuing education, a supportive alumni community, and the C-ND™ credential.
for families
Find a NICU Doula Near You
If a NICU stay is part of your story — or might be — you don't have to figure it out alone. Search The NICU Doula Directory to find a certified NICU Doula ready to walk beside you before, during, or after your NICU stay.
founder of The NICU Translator
Hi, I’m Mary!
I spent over thirteen years as a Level IV NICU nurse and nurse educator before stepping fully into this work — and I've been a trained doula for just as long. I know this world from both sides: the clinical intensity of the bedside, and the deeply human work of helping families find their footing once they leave it. My mission is simple — bring more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience, for the families living it and the professionals who show up for them.
What Students Are Saying
“When Mary launched the first cohort of the NICU DOULA ACADEMY, I was among the first students to sign up.
The training gave me confidence to care for the infants, knowledge about NICU protocols and terms, insight into a hospital environment, the etiquette to deal with medical personnel, and so much more information and a plethora of other valuable content.
It might have been the universe or faith, but shortly after my NDA training ended, I signed a 5-month contract supporting a family with preemie twins in the DC Metro area. If it wasn’t for Mary and all her guidance and mentoring, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to apply for that job. I moved in with the family with the entire NICU DOULA ACADEMY printed out in my laptop bag, and not only did I finish the contract with amazing results, I also formed a lifelong bond with the family and left 2 thriving babies who developed beyond their 30-week birth age so wonderfully that even their pediatrician was amazed by it.
Almost daily, I peeked at my notes from the training or looked at the modules when I had any concerns or worries. I reached out to Mary if I had any bigger issue and she was always incredibly supportive and responsive.
I feel like I owe a part of this six-figure contract salary to Mary for everything she has done for me and my career. :)
This experience made me decide to focus more on premature babies and the support they and their families need, and hoping to stay in touch with the NDA alumni and make Mary proud.”
Csilla
NDA ALUM | FOUNDER’S COHORT
🌐 https://doullabybaby.com/
My experience with the NDA has been such a meaningful part of my journey. The training gave me a deeper understanding of the NICU experience and helped me feel more confident in supporting babies and families during what can be an incredibly emotional and uncertain time.
What I loved most was how much the Academy emphasized not only caring for the baby, but also being there for the parents and understanding what they are experiencing.
It has given me additional knowledge, confidence, and a greater sense of preparedness when supporting NICU families.
I would definitely recommend the NDA to another doula. It is a beautiful opportunity to learn, grow, and feel more prepared to provide compassionate and knowledgeable support to families when they need it most.
Erica
NDA ALUM | SPRING 2025
🌐 https://www.waterlilyncs.com/
What Students Are Saying
Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast
Hosted by Mary Farrelly, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, C-ND this podcast breaks down complex NICU topics into compassionate, evidence-based insights you can actually use. Each week, we’ll explore the questions you didn’t even know to ask, break down complicated medical terms, and share inspiring stories from NICU families and professionals. Whether you’re here to better support your clients, your patients, or your own family, you’re in the right place.
Let’s Change the NICU Experience — Together
Whether you're ready to become a Certified NICU Doula, searching for the right one to support your family, or just starting to explore what this work is all about, there's a place for you here.
Not sure yet? Start with the free guide →