Postpartum Doula Training
Becoming a Certified Doula
Our accredited postpartum doula training workshop will give you the knowledge and tools needed to support families as a doula. Some doulas want to continue on with their training and become certified doulas. The information below covers the steps to continue on with optional training and become a certified doula.
Because much of your program is self-study, the amount of time it takes you to become a certified doula can vary from a few short months to a couple of years.
Because much of your program is self-study, the amount of time it takes you to become a certified doula can vary from a few short months to a couple of years.
Postpartum Doula Certification: This timeline can help you stay organized as you complete all of the certification requirements within the four (4) year time frame beginning with attendance at a DONA approved postpartum doula
Download the printable version of the Certification Steps
STEP ONE – Prerequisites
Complete the following postpartum doula workshop prerequisites (A and B) PRIOR to attending your
DONA approved postpartum doula workshop:
A. Cost – None
Read the DONA International Position Papers:
B. Cost – $75 - $100
Read at least one book from each of the following three categories from the Postpartum Doula
Required Reading List:
All required books from all categories must be read for completion of certification, but only three
are required prior to attending the workshop.
STEP TWO
Attend a DONA approved postpartum doula workshop. Cost – Approx. $400 - $800
One of the main aspects of certification is to complete the twenty-seven (27) hour (minimum)
postpartum doula workshop. The cost varies depending on the location of the workshop and what is
included in the workshop (meals, lodging, materials, etc.). For a listing of workshops closest to you,
visit the Find a Doula Workshop page on the web site. If the workshop is not listed on the DONA
website, verify that the workshop you plan to attend is DONA approved by contacting the home office
at [email protected] or calling (888) 788-DONA (3662).
You must complete the workshop prior to any postpartum doula support experiences you wish to
submit for certification. You will have four (4) years from the date of your workshop to complete all
of your certification requirements and submit your application.
Become a Member of DONA International. Cost:
Even though you are not required to become a member of DONA International until you apply for
certification, membership provides a number of benefits, including a subscription to the International
Doula quarterly magazine and our online newsletter, the eDoula, and discounts on both certification
packets and conference fees. Continuous membership in DONA International is required to maintain
your certification.
Basics of Breastfeeding Requirement. Cost – None – Approx. Cost: Free - $190
There are several options that will satisfy this requirement, which include attending a breastfeeding
class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential that is at least three (3) hours in
length or completing one of the approved online breastfeeding courses.
Complete the following postpartum doula workshop prerequisites (A and B) PRIOR to attending your
DONA approved postpartum doula workshop:
A. Cost – None
Read the DONA International Position Papers:
- The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Maternity Care
- The Birth Doula's Contribution to Modern Maternity Care
B. Cost – $75 - $100
Read at least one book from each of the following three categories from the Postpartum Doula
Required Reading List:
- Becoming a Mother
- The Newborn
- Breastfeeding
All required books from all categories must be read for completion of certification, but only three
are required prior to attending the workshop.
STEP TWO
Attend a DONA approved postpartum doula workshop. Cost – Approx. $400 - $800
One of the main aspects of certification is to complete the twenty-seven (27) hour (minimum)
postpartum doula workshop. The cost varies depending on the location of the workshop and what is
included in the workshop (meals, lodging, materials, etc.). For a listing of workshops closest to you,
visit the Find a Doula Workshop page on the web site. If the workshop is not listed on the DONA
website, verify that the workshop you plan to attend is DONA approved by contacting the home office
at [email protected] or calling (888) 788-DONA (3662).
You must complete the workshop prior to any postpartum doula support experiences you wish to
submit for certification. You will have four (4) years from the date of your workshop to complete all
of your certification requirements and submit your application.
Become a Member of DONA International. Cost:
- $100 for 1 year
- $190 for 2 years
- $280 for 3 years
Even though you are not required to become a member of DONA International until you apply for
certification, membership provides a number of benefits, including a subscription to the International
Doula quarterly magazine and our online newsletter, the eDoula, and discounts on both certification
packets and conference fees. Continuous membership in DONA International is required to maintain
your certification.
Basics of Breastfeeding Requirement. Cost – None – Approx. Cost: Free - $190
There are several options that will satisfy this requirement, which include attending a breastfeeding
class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential that is at least three (3) hours in
length or completing one of the approved online breastfeeding courses.
View Business-Themed DONA International Webinar. Cost – $20
To satisfy this requirement, you may choose any of the webinars on the Every Doula Everywhere &
Anytime virtual education site at http://www.vconferenceonline.com/dona/ that are marked with an
asterisk (*).
Develop a Resource List. Cost – None
Your resource list serves as a helpful tool when making referrals to other professionals in your
community and as an opportunity for you to network with those professionals. It is a good idea to begin
compiling names, addresses, phone numbers and other contact information throughout your certification
process since you must submit at least 45 listings in at least 30 categories. Keep your resources local,
list individual practitioners whenever possible, compile thorough contact information, and add
informative notes and additional details, which will help you tailor your referrals. Tip: Take note of
everything you learn as you research, for example,. CPR and breastfeeding classes for the certification
process; that information will be a great starting point for your list.
Purchase a Postpartum Doula Certification Packet.
Cost
You must purchase your packet prior to any support experiences you plan to submit for certification.
Each certification packet expires within two (2) years of purchase, so doulas who do not submit their
certification application within two (2) years of purchase will have to either purchase one six- month
extension or a new packet.
Provide Postpartum Doula Support to Families with Newborns. Cost – None - Expenses
Any time within four (4) years after completion of the postpartum doula workshop and after purchase
of your postpartum doula certification packet, you may begin providing postpartum support to families.
You are required to submit several forms that are included in your postpartum doula certification packet
for each support experience, including a client confidentiality release statement, evaluation from the
mother and an evaluation from the partner/other adult. For each experience, you will need to provide
written information following the guidelines indicated in your packet. Not every postpartum support
experience may qualify. Choose three support experiences that meet all the criteria in order to qualify
for certification; you will find details in your certification packet. While there are no direct costs to the
doula to offer postpartum support, you may have expenses, such as parking, child care and gas.
Health Care Professional Reference. Cost – None
The Written Health Care Professional Reference Form is included in the certification packet.
Client Reference. Cost – None
The Client Reference Form is included in the certification packet.
Write an Essay on the Value of Postpartum Support. Cost – None
This requirement can be written whenever you prefer after attending the workshop and prior to
submitting your certification application. Some doulas may choose to write it as soon as they complete
the workshop while their understanding of the postpartum doula’s role is fresh. Others may choose to
write it as the last step before submitting their application.
Complete the Skills Self-Assessment. Cost – None
You will find this in your certification packet.
Sign the DONA International Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Cost – None
Both of these forms are included in your postpartum doula certification packet and are also available
online. Your signature indicates that you will abide by DONA International’s Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics in your role as a DONA member and as a certified postpartum doula.
Pay Your Certification Application Fee. Cost– $110
In order to process your application for certification, you must pay this processing fee on line in the
DONA Boutique and include a copy of your order confirmation with your certification application, or
you may include a check for $110 USD with your certification application.
Do not forget to make a copy of ALL of your paperwork for your own records before you send in
your completed certification application. This will make it easier to respond to any questions during
the review process or in the event that it is lost or damaged during shipping.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions and meet the requirements in your DONA International
Postpartum Doula Certification Packet.
To satisfy this requirement, you may choose any of the webinars on the Every Doula Everywhere &
Anytime virtual education site at http://www.vconferenceonline.com/dona/ that are marked with an
asterisk (*).
Develop a Resource List. Cost – None
Your resource list serves as a helpful tool when making referrals to other professionals in your
community and as an opportunity for you to network with those professionals. It is a good idea to begin
compiling names, addresses, phone numbers and other contact information throughout your certification
process since you must submit at least 45 listings in at least 30 categories. Keep your resources local,
list individual practitioners whenever possible, compile thorough contact information, and add
informative notes and additional details, which will help you tailor your referrals. Tip: Take note of
everything you learn as you research, for example,. CPR and breastfeeding classes for the certification
process; that information will be a great starting point for your list.
Purchase a Postpartum Doula Certification Packet.
Cost
- $40 for members
- $50 for non-members
You must purchase your packet prior to any support experiences you plan to submit for certification.
Each certification packet expires within two (2) years of purchase, so doulas who do not submit their
certification application within two (2) years of purchase will have to either purchase one six- month
extension or a new packet.
Provide Postpartum Doula Support to Families with Newborns. Cost – None - Expenses
Any time within four (4) years after completion of the postpartum doula workshop and after purchase
of your postpartum doula certification packet, you may begin providing postpartum support to families.
You are required to submit several forms that are included in your postpartum doula certification packet
for each support experience, including a client confidentiality release statement, evaluation from the
mother and an evaluation from the partner/other adult. For each experience, you will need to provide
written information following the guidelines indicated in your packet. Not every postpartum support
experience may qualify. Choose three support experiences that meet all the criteria in order to qualify
for certification; you will find details in your certification packet. While there are no direct costs to the
doula to offer postpartum support, you may have expenses, such as parking, child care and gas.
Health Care Professional Reference. Cost – None
The Written Health Care Professional Reference Form is included in the certification packet.
Client Reference. Cost – None
The Client Reference Form is included in the certification packet.
Write an Essay on the Value of Postpartum Support. Cost – None
This requirement can be written whenever you prefer after attending the workshop and prior to
submitting your certification application. Some doulas may choose to write it as soon as they complete
the workshop while their understanding of the postpartum doula’s role is fresh. Others may choose to
write it as the last step before submitting their application.
Complete the Skills Self-Assessment. Cost – None
You will find this in your certification packet.
Sign the DONA International Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Cost – None
Both of these forms are included in your postpartum doula certification packet and are also available
online. Your signature indicates that you will abide by DONA International’s Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics in your role as a DONA member and as a certified postpartum doula.
Pay Your Certification Application Fee. Cost– $110
In order to process your application for certification, you must pay this processing fee on line in the
DONA Boutique and include a copy of your order confirmation with your certification application, or
you may include a check for $110 USD with your certification application.
Do not forget to make a copy of ALL of your paperwork for your own records before you send in
your completed certification application. This will make it easier to respond to any questions during
the review process or in the event that it is lost or damaged during shipping.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions and meet the requirements in your DONA International
Postpartum Doula Certification Packet.
The Workshop
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Postpartum Doula Training
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The Life of a Doula
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CANCELLATION POLICY. PLEASE READ.
Full cancellation available within 24 hours of booking. Refunds are available 30 days or more before workshop start date minus a $40 handling fee. No refunds will be made within 30 days of the workshop, however registrants may apply the fee towards any future purchase at Yoga Mamas. Cancellations within one week of class must pay a $50 administration fee to rebook and apply fee towards another workshop. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Full cancellation available within 24 hours of booking. Refunds are available 30 days or more before workshop start date minus a $40 handling fee. No refunds will be made within 30 days of the workshop, however registrants may apply the fee towards any future purchase at Yoga Mamas. Cancellations within one week of class must pay a $50 administration fee to rebook and apply fee towards another workshop. NO EXCEPTIONS.
