Welcome to the Academy!

A Christ-centered formation for expectant and new moms as well as discerning doulas called to birth work in the Catholic Church.

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ASSOCIATED WITH:

Introducing the Holystic Catholic Doula Certification.

 

The Holystic Academy of Birth & Motherhood is home to this comprehensive Catholic doula training program - designed to prepare women to serve mothers through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with professional skill and spiritual depth. This fully remote program combines evidence-based birth education with Theology of the Body, Marian devotion, virtue-based advocacy, trauma-informed support, and business foundations for building a thriving doula practice. Graduates receive professional certification as Certified Holystic Doulas and are equipped to accompany families with compassion, competence, and Christ-centered care.

 
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Where Would You Like To Start?

Foundations

Catholic birth & postpartum education rooted in theology, ethics, and evidence-based care.

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Certification

Professional birth & postpartum doula training with assessment and skills application.

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Mentorship

Certification plus mentorship, spiritual formation, and business development.

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DISCERN THE CALL

Download the Guide

Discerning if doula work is right for you? Not sure how you can help mothers in this stage of life? Read my guide on discerning your call of becoming a Catholic doula.

YES, TAKE ME TO IT
NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Nicole Kristensen

Hi, I’m Nicole Kristensen: a Madriella Certified Doula and the founder of  Holystic Maternity Care.

I hold a Master of Arts in Catechetics & Evangelization from Franciscan University of Steubenville, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from SUNY New Paltz, and an Associate of Science in Human Services. My professional training through the Madriella Doula Network includes birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding education, with additional specialization as a VBAC Doula. I am also training to become a CNL Mentor and a Certified Lactation Counselor as well as a Midwife Assistant!

Alongside my professional work, I’m also a mother of 3 boys walking through the same season of life as many of the women I serve. This program is shaped by both my hands-on experience supporting families and my lived experience of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood all grounded in a deep commitment to faith-centered, dignity-honoring care.

I created the Holystic Catholic Doula Formation Program to form doulas who serve with skill, compassion, and spiritual grounding, unlike any other program out there today.

Within the academy expecting moms can also join for online learning and in person support!

ALL COURSES

For Catholic Families & Facilitators

We serve Catholic woman, families, and Facilitators in various capacities through online courses anywhere and soon to be in your parishes and dioceses!

The Holystic Harbor Childbirth Group

An in person Rotating 4 class course preparing you for all things labor & baby! NY/CT only.

REGISTER HERE

Spirituality for Parents Course

A crash course in how to make your labor & birth space a welcoming Catholic environment! 

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Get the FAQs Here!

Is this program for you?