This virtual learning series is designed to equip doulas with the knowledge and tools to effectively support clients navigating substance use disorders (SUDs), with a focus on opioid use disorder (OUD), during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Participants will explore key topics including the impact of opioids and other substances on maternal and infant health, trauma-informed care practices, screening and referral tools, recovery support strategies, and approaches for caring for substance-exposed newborns. The training centers empathy, lived experience, and practical, culturally responsive support.
Session 1: June 4, 2025
Understanding Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Pregnancy
This session provides doulas with an overview of substance use disorders during pregnancy, including the effects of opioids and other substances. Participants will explore how stigma, trauma, and bias influence care, and the importance of applying trauma-informed practices when supporting pregnant clients with lived experience.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Understand how SUDs impact pregnancy and maternal health
• Identify commonly used substances (e.g., opioids, stimulants, alcohol) and understand their effects on pregnancy and maternal health
• Recognize how stigma and bias affect the care of pregnant individuals with SUDs
• Learn trauma-informed care approaches and motivational interviewing techniques
• Describe the value of lived experience in the recovery process
Session 2: June 11, 2025
Introduction to Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
This session introduces doulas to the SBIRT framework as a practical tool for identifying substance use, initiating non-judgmental conversations, and connecting clients to appropriate care.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Understand the components of SBIRT and how to apply them in doula work
• Recognize signs of substance use and withdrawal in clients
• Practice non-judgmental, trauma-informed communication
• Know how to refer clients to appropriate treatment and recovery services
Session 3: June 18, 2025
Supporting Women in Recovery
This session supports doulas in working with clients in recovery, including those navigating opioid use disorder. Emphasis will be placed on non-enabling support, healthy coping strategies, and addressing concerns related to child welfare and safety planning.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Recognize and respect diverse recovery journeys and return-to-use risks
• Provide compassionate support without enabling harmful behaviors
• Encourage healthy coping mechanisms and self-care for clients
• Understand the basics of legal and child welfare considerations, including safety planning
Session 4: June 25, 2025
Working with Babies Exposed to Substances in Utero
This session prepares doulas to support both newborns and their parents following substance exposure in utero. While newborn withdrawal symptoms and medical considerations will be addressed, the session centers on the importance of maintaining and strengthening the parent–baby bond. Doulas will learn techniques such as kangaroo care and responsive soothing, explore breastfeeding and feeding considerations, and gain tools to empower and support parents as primary caregivers. The session emphasizes collaboration with healthcare providers and addresses ways to reduce stigma and foster confidence in parenting through a family-centered lens.
Learning Objectives:
• Understand how substance exposure in utero may affect newborns
• Promote bonding and attachment using strategies like kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact, and calming techniques
• Support parental coping and confidence while navigating withdrawal symptoms and hospital care
• Provide guidance on breastfeeding and feeding decisions in the context of maternal substance use
• Collaborate effectively with NICU and pediatric care teams while centering the family as the unit of care
Presented by: Kasey Edwards Snider, CRM2, PSS, CADC-I, Specialized Doula
Continuing Education Units: 6 CEUs*
Each session offers 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with a total of 6 CEUs awarded for full participation in the series.
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here as well as by the Nevada Certification Board for Doulas.
Funding for this activity was made possible in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director’s Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.