Families Shouldn’t Have to Navigate the NICU Alone

BRIDGING THE GAP FOR NICU FAMILIES

We train and certify NICU Doulas — professionals who bring more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience through evidence-based and trauma-informed care — and help families find the right one to walk beside them throughout their NICU journey and beyond.

Founder of The NICU Translator and host of NICU workshops and courses Mary Farrelly sits on a stool in hot pink scrubs.
Mary Farrelly hosting a NICU class for professionals with a feeding demonstration with The NICU Translator.
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AS SEEN IN

A mom holds her baby's hand, navigating life after the NICU with a doula recommended by The NICU Translator.
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Why NICU Education Matters

1 in 10 babies spend time in the NICU

Yet most doulas and perinatal professionals receive no training on how to support those families.

You don’t have to be a medical expert to make a life-changing difference. With the right knowledge, tools, and trauma-informed skills, you can help families feel seen, supported, and empowered during one of the hardest chapters of their lives.

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Two Paths. One Mission.

for professionals

become a certified nicu doula (C-ND)

NICU Doula Academy is a 10-week certification program for doulas, nurses, and support professionals ready to specialize in trauma-informed, evidence-based NICU care. You'll leave with the N.E.S.T. Framework, 30+ hours of continuing education, a supportive alumni community, and the C-ND™ credential.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NICU DOULA ACADEMY →

Mary Farrelly provides preemie education and NICU support for parents by demonstrating for the bottle feed a newborn.

for families

Find a NICU Doula Near You

If a NICU stay is part of your story — or might be — you don't have to figure it out alone. Search The NICU Doula Directory to find a certified NICU Doula ready to walk beside you before, during, or after your NICU stay.

SEE THE DIRECTORY →

A woman feeds a baby doll while participating ing The NICU Translator NICU doula certification with Mary Farrelly.
Mary Farrelly with The NICU Translator educates professionals on how to support NICU families as a doula.

founder of The NICU Translator

Hi, I’m Mary!

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I spent over thirteen years as a Level IV NICU nurse and nurse educator before stepping fully into this work — and I've been a trained doula for just as long. I know this world from both sides: the clinical intensity of the bedside, and the deeply human work of helping families find their footing once they leave it. My mission is simple — bring more joy and less trauma to the NICU experience, for the families living it and the professionals who show up for them.

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What Students Are Saying

Mary Farrelly is recording her NICU podcast for families and professionals with The NICU Translator.
A microphone used during the NICU Translator podcast hosted by Mary Farrelly.

Welcome to The NICU Translated Podcast

Hosted by Mary Farrelly, RN, BSN, RNC-NIC, C-ND this podcast breaks down complex NICU topics into compassionate, evidence-based insights you can actually use. Each week, we’ll explore the questions you didn’t even know to ask, break down complicated medical terms, and share inspiring stories from NICU families and professionals. Whether you’re here to better support your clients, your patients, or your own family, you’re in the right place.

Mary Farrelly hosting a feeding demonstration during a doula training through the NICU Doula Academy.

Let’s Change the NICU Experience Together

Whether you're ready to become a Certified NICU Doula, searching for the right one to support your family, or just starting to explore what this work is all about, there's a place for you here.

Not sure yet? Start with the free guide