Your Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Certified Doula

Becoming a doula is an incredibly fulfilling journey that allows you to support families during one of the most transformative moments of their lives. Whether you're passionate about birth support, postpartum care, or both, earning your certification can help you build a thriving career in this field.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of becoming a certified doula—from choosing a training program to launching your business.

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Doula

Before diving into training, it’s essential to understand what a doula does. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to clients before, during, and after childbirth. While doulas do not provide medical care, their presence has been shown to improve birth outcomes and overall experiences.

There are different types of doulas, including:

• Birth doulas – Support clients during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

• Postpartum doulas – Help families adjust to life with a newborn, offering guidance on recovery, feeding, and infant care.

• Full-spectrum doulas – Provide support across various reproductive health experiences, including fertility, loss, and abortion.

Step 2: Choose a Doula Training Program

To become a certified doula, you’ll need to complete a training program. Several organizations offer doula training, so it’s important to research and choose a program that aligns with your goals and values.

When selecting a training, consider:
✔ The program’s accreditation and reputation
✔ The curriculum (does it cover labor support, communication skills, business strategies?)
✔ Instructors’ experience and background
✔ The cost and payment options
✔ Whether the training includes in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning options

If you’re looking for a high-quality training program, LearnToBeADoula.com offers evidence-based, practical training to help you get started.

Step 3: Complete Your Doula Training and Required Coursework

Once you’ve chosen a program, the next step is to complete your training. Most trainings include a mix of lectures, hands-on practice, and discussions on topics such as:

• The physiology of birth

• Comfort measures and labor support techniques

• Communication skills and client advocacy

• Ethical considerations and scope of practice

• Business basics for doulas

Some programs also require additional coursework, like reading assignments, attending childbirth education classes, or writing reflections on birth topics.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

To become certified, most doula training organizations require you to attend a certain number of births (for birth doulas) or provide postpartum support for families (for postpartum doulas).

Gaining experience can include:

• Shadowing an experienced doula

• Offering volunteer support at community organizations

• Connecting with local birth professionals for mentorship opportunities

Step 5: Complete Certification Requirements

Each certification organization has specific requirements, but typically, you’ll need to:
✔ Attend a certain number of births or postpartum hours
✔ Obtain evaluations from clients and healthcare professionals
✔ Submit documentation of your experience
✔ Pass an exam or assessment (if required)

DONA International, for example, does not require you to attend a certain number of cesarean births or provide virtual support to become certified. It’s important to review certification details for your chosen organization.

Step 6: Start Your Doula Business and Find Clients

Once certified, you’re ready to start supporting clients! Here are key steps to launch your career:

• Set up your business – Register your business, get liability insurance (if needed), and establish your pricing.

• Build an online presence – Create a website, optimize your social media, and engage with potential clients.

• Network in your community – Connect with midwives, OBs, lactation consultants, and other birth professionals.

• Consider ongoing education – Advanced trainings, workshops, and conferences can help you grow your expertise.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a certified doula is a rewarding journey that allows you to make a real impact on families. With the right training, hands-on experience, and business strategies, you can build a fulfilling career doing work you love.

Are you ready to take the first step? Explore our training options at LearnToBeADoula.com and start your journey today!