Week-by-Week Curriculum Overview
The NICU Doula Academy follows the NICU N.E.S.T. Framework—a holistic model designed to support families across the NICU journey:
the framework
(N) Nutrition – breastfeeding and pumping in the NICU, tube feeding and bottle transitions, medically complex feeding challenges
(E) Emergency / Health Advocacy – recognizing red flags post-discharge, navigating medical equipment and follow-up care, understanding preemie development
(S) Support – trauma-informed care for NICU families, parental mental health and PMADs, bonding and attachment after the NICU
(T) Translate to Home – preparing for discharge, advocating for early intervention and therapies, building a sustainable home care plan
01) WEEK ONE: The Role of the NICU Doula
Discover what makes a NICU doula different, how we bridge the gaps in care, and why families need this crucial support.
02) WEEK TWO: Prenatal Prep and Supporting a NICU Birth
Learn how to help parents prepare for the unexpected, navigate high-risk pregnancies, and show up as a steady, informed presence during a NICU birth.
03) WEEK THREE: Foundations of NICU Care
We’re breaking down the NICU—common equipment, procedures, diagnoses, and how to help families feel less overwhelmed and more empowered.
04) WEEK FOUR: Preemies 101
Tiny but mighty! This week, we’re covering preemie development, milestones, and what makes caring for these little fighters so unique.
05) WEEK FIVE: Emotional Support, Physical Healing, and Trauma-Informed Care
The NICU journey is more than medical—learn how to support healing, process trauma, and create space for emotional recovery.
06) WEEK SIX: Ensuring a Smooth Homecoming
Going home from the NICU isn’t the finish line—it’s a whole new beginning. We’ll cover what families need to make the transition as smooth as possible.
07) WEEK SEVEN: Supportive Feeding of NICU Babies
From breastfeeding and bottles to feeding tubes and fortifiers, get the inside scoop on how to support parents through their NICU baby’s feeding journey.
08) WEEK EIGHT: Life After NICU
NICU parents don’t just need support in the hospital—learn how to help them adjust, find resources, and thrive beyond discharge.
09) WEEK NINE: Starting Your NICU Doula Work
Time to bring your knowledge into the world! We’ll talk about setting up your NICU doula practice, finding clients, and making an impact.
10) WEEK TEN: Tying It All Together
You did it! In this final week, we’ll review, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate as you step into your role as a NICU doula.
Join a Group of NICU Doulas Leading the Way.
Whether you’re a Newborn Care Specialist, NICU Nurse, or you’ve lived it as a NICU Parent — there’s a place for you, right here.
We’re bridging the gap between hospital care and home, with evidence-based education and real emotional & developmental depth.
Want to head back to the main NDA page to learn more? Click here