Birth Doula Training - Becoming a Certified Doula
Our DONA accredited birth 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. |
Doula Certification: A guideline for you to review along, with costs to give you an idea of the whole process
Step One – Required Reading: Cost – $0-100
Many doulas begin reading as their first step to determine if being a doula is the path they wish to continue. Books such as Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn (Simkin, Whalley and Keppler) and The Doula Book (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus) are excellent publications to get you started in your career as a doula. Continue the required reading throughout your certification process until you complete all five books. Remember, you can always check your local library or find used copies through online book sellers. Some local doulas may loan you their books and some will sell them through online support groups. Find a complete required reading list here.
Many doulas begin reading as their first step to determine if being a doula is the path they wish to continue. Books such as Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn (Simkin, Whalley and Keppler) and The Doula Book (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus) are excellent publications to get you started in your career as a doula. Continue the required reading throughout your certification process until you complete all five books. Remember, you can always check your local library or find used copies through online book sellers. Some local doulas may loan you their books and some will sell them through online support groups. Find a complete required reading list here.
Step Two – Attend a Childbirth Education Series (see details below): Cost – $0
CONGRATULATIONS - If you are attending a Birth Doula Training Course with us you can check this item off your list. Our DONA trainer is including the Childbirth Education Course requirement as part of their Birth Doula Training Course curriculum. This means you do not need to take an additional Childbirth Education Series in order to become certified. After you complete your Birth Doula Training Course with us you will receive both a certificate of completion for the doula course, and a certificate of completion for the Childbirth Education Series.
CONGRATULATIONS - If you are attending a Birth Doula Training Course with us you can check this item off your list. Our DONA trainer is including the Childbirth Education Course requirement as part of their Birth Doula Training Course curriculum. This means you do not need to take an additional Childbirth Education Series in order to become certified. After you complete your Birth Doula Training Course with us you will receive both a certificate of completion for the doula course, and a certificate of completion for the Childbirth Education Series.
Step Three – Attend a DONA approved Birth Doula Workshop: Cost – Approx. $500
This is the workshop hosted by Yoga Mamas. One of the most important aspects of certification is to complete the sixteen (16) hour birth doula workshop. The cost varies depending on the location of the workshop and what is included. You must complete the workshop prior to attending the births 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, however most people do it in a much shorter timeframe.
This is the workshop hosted by Yoga Mamas. One of the most important aspects of certification is to complete the sixteen (16) hour birth doula workshop. The cost varies depending on the location of the workshop and what is included. You must complete the workshop prior to attending the births 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, however most people do it in a much shorter timeframe.
Step Four – Become a Member of DONA International: Cost – $100 for 1 year
Even though you are not required to become a member of DONA International until you apply for certification, becoming a member provides a number of benefits including a subscription to the International Doula quarterly magazine and our on-line newsletter - the eDoula, and discounts on both certification packets (which you will purchase next) and conference fees. Continuous membership in DONA International is also required to maintain your certification.
Even though you are not required to become a member of DONA International until you apply for certification, becoming a member provides a number of benefits including a subscription to the International Doula quarterly magazine and our on-line newsletter - the eDoula, and discounts on both certification packets (which you will purchase next) and conference fees. Continuous membership in DONA International is also required to maintain your certification.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR TRAININGS?
Confused with how the doula certification process works? Have general questions?
Book in a FREE 20 minute call - great option if you have specific questions. Join us for a FREE online info sessions - good choice for general information, option to ask specific questions as well.
Book in a FREE 20 minute call - great option if you have specific questions. Join us for a FREE online info sessions - good choice for general information, option to ask specific questions as well.
Step Five – Purchase a Birth Doula Certification Packet: Cost – $45 (members)
To be purchased AFTER you attend your DONA approved birth doula workshop. The birth doula certification packet contains the forms you will need, such as the breastfeeding class form and childbirth education observation form. You
must purchase your packet prior to attending any births you plan to submit for certification.
To be purchased AFTER you attend your DONA approved birth doula workshop. The birth doula certification packet contains the forms you will need, such as the breastfeeding class form and childbirth education observation form. You
must purchase your packet prior to attending any births you plan to submit for certification.
Step Six – Attend Births Required for Certification: Cost – None/Expenses
You may begin attending births any time within four (4) years after completion of the birth doula workshop and purchase of your birth doula certification packet. Several forms must be completed for each birth you submit. They are included in your birth doula certification packet - they include a birth record, labor progress chart, and client confidentiality release statement. For each birth, you will need to write an essay following the guidelines indicated in your packet. Each submitted birth also requires an evaluation from the mother and primary care provider. If the primary care provider is a doctor, an additional nurse’s evaluation is required. Because each birth must meet a number of requirements (such as continuous support and the doula’s presence at the onset of active labor) you may need to attend five to six (5-6) births or more in order to have the minimum of three (3) that meet all of the necessary requirements. While there are no direct costs to the doula to attend births, you may have expenses such as parking, child care and gas.
You may begin attending births any time within four (4) years after completion of the birth doula workshop and purchase of your birth doula certification packet. Several forms must be completed for each birth you submit. They are included in your birth doula certification packet - they include a birth record, labor progress chart, and client confidentiality release statement. For each birth, you will need to write an essay following the guidelines indicated in your packet. Each submitted birth also requires an evaluation from the mother and primary care provider. If the primary care provider is a doctor, an additional nurse’s evaluation is required. Because each birth must meet a number of requirements (such as continuous support and the doula’s presence at the onset of active labor) you may need to attend five to six (5-6) births or more in order to have the minimum of three (3) that meet all of the necessary requirements. While there are no direct costs to the doula to attend births, you may have expenses such as parking, child care and gas.
Step Seven – Attend a Breastfeeding Class: Cost – $0 to $125
You may complete the breastfeeding course requirement at any point within the four (4) year time frame. The form you will need to complete can be found in your birth doula certification packet. Several options to meet this requirement include attending a breastfeeding class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential that is three (3) hours in length or taking an on-line breastfeeding course. Most classes will charge a small fee to observe. There is also an online option available on the DONA site.
You may complete the breastfeeding course requirement at any point within the four (4) year time frame. The form you will need to complete can be found in your birth doula certification packet. Several options to meet this requirement include attending a breastfeeding class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential that is three (3) hours in length or taking an on-line breastfeeding course. Most classes will charge a small fee to observe. There is also an online option available on the DONA site.
Step Eight – Complete a Resource List: Cost – None
Your resource list serves as a helpful tool when making referrals to other professionals in your community. It is a good idea to begin compiling names and phone numbers throughout your certification process since you will need to submit at least 45 resources.
Step Nine – Write a 500-1,000 Word Essay on the Purpose and Value of Labor Support: Cost – None
This requirement can be done whenever you prefer in the four (4) year time frame of certification. Some doulas may choose to write it as soon as they complete the workshop while their understanding of the role of the doula is fresh. Others may choose to write it as the last step before submitting their application.
This requirement can be done whenever you prefer in the four (4) year time frame of certification. Some doulas may choose to write it as soon as they complete the workshop while their understanding of the role of the doula is fresh. Others may choose to write it as the last step before submitting their application.
Step Ten – Complete the Basic Knowledge Self-Assessment Tool: Cost – None
You may prefer to take this test after you have completed the birth doula workshop and the recommended reading since all of the questions pertain to childbirth and the role of the doula.
You may prefer to take this test after you have completed the birth doula workshop and the recommended reading since all of the questions pertain to childbirth and the role of the doula.
Step Eleven – Provide Two Character References: Cost – None
One personal and one professional reference (including name, e-mail and phone number) must be provided on your application form for certification.
One personal and one professional reference (including name, e-mail and phone number) must be provided on your application form for certification.
Step Twelve – Sign DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics: Cost – None
Both of these forms are included in your birth doula certification packet. Your signature indicates that you will abide by DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in your role as a DONA certified birth doula.
Both of these forms are included in your birth doula certification packet. Your signature indicates that you will abide by DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics in your role as a DONA certified birth doula.
Step Thirteen – Pay Your Certification Processing Fee: Cost – $110
In order to process your application for certification, you must pay this processing fee on-line at the DONA Boutique.
Do not forget to make a copy of all of your paperwork before you send in your completed application in the event that it is lost or damaged during shipping! Note: All certification fees mentioned above are in US funds
In order to process your application for certification, you must pay this processing fee on-line at the DONA Boutique.
Do not forget to make a copy of all of your paperwork before you send in your completed application in the event that it is lost or damaged during shipping! Note: All certification fees mentioned above are in US funds
Postpartum Doula Training |
Birth Doula Training |
The Life of a Doula |
Testimonials
"I recently completed the DONA birth doula training at Yoga Mamas. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of education I received from the training. The course is condensed with valuable information for anyone who is interested in the miracle of childbirth. I feel confident and inspired to continue my path of supporting women through their birth journeys!"
- Sacha Bryce, Doula and Yoga Instructor