What does it take to become a doula?
Welcome! I’m so glad you found your way here. Become and working as a birth doula is one of the most rewarding professions for those that are seeking a meaningful and fulfilling way to support themselves.
Expectant and new families benefit from doulas in many ways – and by helping to support a new family’s bond, you help the healing and love that families and our world needs more of today.
The most common question I get asked from those considering becoming a doula is what are the steps to do so. I’m happy to break it down for you so that you can see all the steps to become a doula and the pathway for you to become certified.
When you take a doula training with me, I will also cover this in detail, and be available for questions throughout your DONA Birth Doula Certification journey.
Are you fascinated by birth?
First, you need to be fascinated with birth and postpartum and understand that you are there to support families on their journey.
Next, find a doula training!
DONA International is one of the oldest and most respected Doula Organizations in the world. I’ve been a Birth and Postpartum Doula Trainer for most of my career, and I am honored to be a part of this exceptional organization.
If you’d like to join me for a Birth or Postpartum Doula workshop, you can find upcoming dates here: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/dona-birth-doula-training/
Once you’ve completed your birth doula training, you’ll be ready to start accepting clients, earning income, and working towards your DONA Birth Doula Certification.
While certification is not required, it is highly recommended. As more reimbursements become available and hospitals implement new rules and regulations, being a certified doula will give you a significant advantage in finding clients.
Additionally, DONA offers a free listing on their website, which helps potential clients find you more easily.
Below, I’ve provided a brief summary of the requirements, but please note that you will need to visit the DONA website to download the complete list and review the specific requirements for each step.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to become a Certified Doula:
- Read the Birth Partner by Penny Simkin (a prerequisite for the doula training)
- Take my Introduction to Childbirth and DONA Birth Doula Workshop (2 Certification Requirements)
This will complete your “in-person” requirements.
You will complete the remaining requirements within 3 years of taking your workshop.
1. Take a three hour Lactation Support Course (DONA provides a link to a recommended course)
**If you join our Eat Pray Doula Birth Doula Retreat, Lactation Education is also included.
2. Work through the reading list (found here)
3. Attend 3 certifying births and document the experiences.
4. Fill out your application
5. Compile your local resources
When I get to talk to people about Certification I always break it down like this:
Attend the Birth Doula workshop with me which includes the Introduction to Childbirth + Birth Doula Workshop. You’ll be so excited to continue your learning, so begin working your way through the reading list. Start reaching out and making connections with our local perinatal professionals to add to your resource list, and make connections to find clients and begin attending births. The breastfeeding class will be something you’ll be excited to take so that you can help your clients with their infant feeding goals the best way possible.
Continue working through your reading list and adding to your reference / resource document as you attend births, gain experience and build community.
Before you know it, you’ll have your certification packet complete and ready to mail so that you can become a certified doula!
Questions? Pop on over to DONA’s Certification page to learn more about each requirement. Visit their FAQs and view their guide.
During our workshop together I will also go over and answer any questions you might have about Certification. You are not on your own on this journey!
She is magnificent."