Hey Doula!

Lots has changed since I first started attending births nearly 20 years ago...

It sure seems like the competition is high amongst birth workers these days. Doulas are trying to sell the extra special sauce they bring to the birthing space. It can feel like having the 'old fashioned' skillset of supporting a family in birth is just not enough any more; doulas need to be massage therapists, counsellors, acupuncturists etc. to stand out.
I want you to stand out but not because you have another special 'thing' to offer. I want you, as the Doula, to stand out because you bring a presence to the space that is unlike anything anyone in the room can bring. For example, I want you to know how to drop an anchor and hold grounded presence, in the birthing space, when shit gets intense.

Learning How to Apply and Embrace The Invisible Skills Starts Here!

The certification program is divided into three courses and levels of learning. Each course prepares you towards certification and application of the material learned. I am committed to providing you with a learning atmosphere that builds your confidence and competency to integrate nervous system informed care into your practice.

  • Level I: Foundations to Nervous System Informed Care Course

  • Level I is a stand alone course providing you with foundational knowledge about nervous system informed care, birth trauma, maternal mental health, and recovery

  • Level II: Integration and Skill Building Course

  • Level II assists you in integrating, embodying, and preparing to apply the knowledge learned in Level I. Together, we dive deeper into the concepts presented in Level I.

  • Level III: Application and Certification Course

  • Level III focuses on application and hands on mentorship to ensure you can embody the concepts with success. Once completed, you will be granted certification as a Nervous System Informed Care Provider.

Hello, Nice to Meet You!

I will be your guide and mentor of NSI birth care

Jennifer Summerfeldt

MACP; CCC

Jennifer holds an MA in counselling psychology and is a Certified Canadian Counsellor. She holds 20+ years of experience within the fields of maternal and childbirth health, psychology, and consciousness studies. She is passionate about finding ways to heal and thriving in life. Located in Canada, she uses her expertise and voice to help advance the dialogue on nervous informed care, maternal mental health, and healing. Jennifer is the author of Healing After Birth and Midwifery for The Soul and has been published in numerous magazines, blogs, and podcasts. Jennifer is a proud mother of two adult sons, a teen daughter, and three adult step-sons. When asked what she is most proud of, she often says: ‘Finding my way through my healing journey, all the while, raising amazing humans and thriving in marriage’.

Course Content

    1. What To Expect Throughout This Course

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. What Is Nervous System Informed Care?

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Inside Out and Outside In Tools for Nervous System Regulation

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. Childbirth Stressors and Postpartum Mood Disorders

      FREE PREVIEW

    1. Welcome Message

    2. Course Overview

    3. Community Guidelines

    4. Activity: Course Intentions

    5. Reflective Questions

    6. Module Checklist

    1. Welcome Message

    2. Module 1: Learning Objectives

    3. NSI + Trauma Informed Birth Care (Video)

    4. Presentation Slides (PDF)

    5. Journal Exercise

    6. Assignment

    7. Module One Quiz

    8. Module Checklist

    1. Module 2: Learning Objectives

    2. Trauma Stewardship Introduction

    3. Presentation Slides

    4. Trauma Stewardship Article

    5. Secondary Traumatic Stress Injury and Compassion Fatigue (Video 1)

    6. What Is a Moral Injury? (Video 2)

    7. Healthy Stress vs Toxic Stress (Video 3)

    8. Fostering Resilience (Video 4)

    9. Trauma Stewardship: Risks and Benefits

    10. Signs and Symptoms of Burnout - Handout

    11. Trauma Steward Declaration

    12. Reflective Questions

    13. Module Assignment

    14. Module Checklist

    1. Introduction

    2. Module 3: Learning Objectives

    3. The Triune Brain Explained

    4. Polyvagal Theory Explained

    5. An Overview of Nervous System Informed Care

    6. The Autonomic Hierarchy

    7. Guiding a Mapping Session

    8. Profile Map Explained

    9. The Profile Map

    10. Module Assignment

    11. The 4 Square Map

    12. Reflective Questions for Module Three

    13. Module Three Quiz

    14. Module 3: Checklist

    1. Welcome Message

    2. Module 4: Learning Objectives

    3. The 3 Part Definition of Trauma

    4. Trauma and The Three Systems of Knowing

    5. Trauma and the Nervous System

    6. Coherence and Health

    7. Befriending Your Biology

    8. Handout Explanation

    9. ANS Regulation Signs and Symptoms

    10. Vagal Anchor Exercise

    11. Ventral Anchor Guided Exercise

    12. Vagal Break Handout

    13. SIFT Handout

    14. SIFT Guided Exercise

    15. Reflective Questions for Module Four

    16. Module 4 Quiz

    17. Module 4: Checklist

About this course

  • $395.00
  • 114 lessons
  • 6 hours of video content

Get To Know Me as Your Mentor ...

Over the past 20 years, I have worn multiple hats within the birth culture. It all started with my first pregnancy, after which I co-owned a cutting edge natural parenting and pregnancy store, taught childbirth classes and yoga, certified as a holistic doula, studied traditional direct-entry midwifery, attended two internships, wrote two books, and now, specialize in perinatal mental health as a clinical counsellor.

So, let's just say, I know something about working within the childbirth industry. And, I know what it is like to think that you have failed a family because you couldn't help them experience the birth they had hoped for.
Feelings of insecurity or inadequacy get in the way of offering exceptional care during high stakes moments during the birth and postpartum.
I struggled with this often as a holistic doula. And at first I thought more knowledge would fix it. So, I went on to learn all about trauma and studied the topic so in depth that I and even wrote a book on it, and completed a masters in counselling psychology. 
But, It wasn't until I learned how to master what I call 'the invisible skillset' that 'it' all finally clicked. I want to help you learn how to embody the invisible skills needed so you can feel confident and competent as a birth worker, especially when the stakes are high or risky. 

I want to help you learn how to help your families have the best birth experience possible, despite unexpected outcomes. 

What You Can Expect

When you join the Level I: Foundations course you are embarking on a journey for both personal and professional development

  • Six postsecondary level modules released every two weeks

  • A private forum moderated by Jennifer for deeper inquiry and case consultation

  • Course activities to facilitate integration of the content and build confidence

  • Monthly LIVE Q&A Calls with Jennifer

  • Access to 1:1 coaching with Jennifer at a reduced session rate

  • Completion of Level I grants you access to certification course

Words of Affirmation

Words from previous participants who have attended similar programs

“The Sacred Story Keeper was somehow more than I anticipated it would be (and I had high expectations to begin with). I will use the tools and insight that I obtained so far not only in my doula practice, but when listening to the stories of trauma outside of birth.”

Sacred Story Keeper Member

“Learning about trauma-informed care one thing, unpacking your own story so you can be emotionally balanced for your kids and clients is very different. The in person portion allowed for a deeper invitation to unpacking my own trauma and recognizing the barriers and challenges our own clients may be experiencing when being faced with their own story. ”

Sacred Story Keeper Member

“Every type of birth and postpartum worker and persons who support families in these spaces, would both personally and professionally benefit from this program. I found so many aspects that will help me both personally and professionally. The in person portion and the people we met, and conversations we had, were absolutely invaluable. Jennifers vast knowledge in the area of trauma informed care is incredible to listen and witness, and be a part of her learning. ”

Sacred Story Keeper Member

“The Sacred Story Keeper workshop and training has helped me on a personal level to work through trauma and has given me the tools and resources to support my clients in my work as a Doula.”

Sacred Story Keeper Member

“I look forward to Jennifer’s mentorship as I work towards embodying the skills of a Sacred Story Keeper. Being able to listen deeply to families throughout the pivotal life event of birth, no matter how it played out, is support that is truly needed.”

Sacred Story Keeper Member

“The Sacred Story Keeper program has deepened my ‘head knowledge’ of trauma and has given me ‘body knowledge’ and experiential tools that I can bring directly and immediately into my acupuncture and doula practice. Jennifer is a gem - a true treasure in the birth world - and to learn from her in person has been a gift”

Sacred Story Keeper Member
Watch Intro Video

Midwifery for The Soul Book Trailer

Still want to get to know me better... Watch this book trailer