What is a C-ND?
What the Credential Means (and how to become one…)
What Is a Certified NICU Doula (C-ND)?
A Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) is a birth or postpartum professional who has completed advanced, specialized training through NICU Doula Academy to support families navigating the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience.
The C-ND credential signifies that a doula has received education in:
NICU systems and medical language
Trauma-informed family support
Preterm infant development
Feeding and transition-to-home preparation
Advocacy and collaboration within hospital environments
The Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) designation reflects completion of a structured certification pathway and commitment to ethical, evidence-informed NICU support.
About the C-ND Credential
The C-ND credential is awarded to graduates of NICU Doula Academy who successfully complete:
Required coursework
Case study integration
Certification documentation
Professional standards review
Certified NICU Doulas (C-NDs) are trained to support families before, during, and after a NICU stay with compassionate, developmentally supportive, and family-centered care.
Download the C-ND Credential Guide
For a detailed overview of the Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) credential, including scope, training components, and appropriate use of the designation, download the official guide below.
How Do I become a C-ND?
If you’re interested in earning the Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) credential, the pathway is clear — and intentionally rigorous.
To become eligible for the C-ND designation, you must complete NICU Doula Academy, a 10-week certification training program designed to prepare doulas and perinatal professionals to support families before, during, and after a NICU experience.
NICU Doula Academy includes:
• Structured NICU-specific education
• Case study integration
• Trauma-informed support training
• Systems-based NICU navigation
• Ongoing mentorship and professional development
👉 Learn more about NICU Doula Academy here.
Not Ready for Certification Yet?
If you're earlier in your journey, there are two strong starting points:
Navigating the NICU for Doulas
Navigating the NICU for Doulas is a foundational training that introduces doulas to NICU systems, terminology, family dynamics, and supportive best practices.
This course is ideal if you:
Want NICU education without pursuing full certification yet
Support high-risk or medically complex births
Want to feel more confident discussing NICU possibilities with clients
👉 Explore Navigating the NICU for Doulas here.
Start with the Free Guide
If you’re simply curious about NICU-informed support, begin with:
5 Things Every Doula Needs to Know About NICU Babies and Their Families
This free resource introduces key concepts that every birth and postpartum professional should understand when working with families facing NICU care.
👉 Download the free guide here.
A Clear Path Forward
The C-ND credential is designed for professionals who are ready to deepen their expertise and commit to specialized NICU-informed support.
Whether you're just beginning to explore this work or ready to pursue full certification, there is a clear pathway forward.
C-ND is not just a title — it represents advanced preparation, professional standards, and a commitment to serving NICU families with competence and compassion.
About The NICU Translator
NICU Doula Academy and the Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) credential are programs of The NICU Translator, founded by Mary Farrelly, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC.
The NICU Translator provides education, certification training, and professional development for perinatal professionals committed to re-humanizing NICU care.
