Required Reading

Many doulas begin their certification journey by reading materials in order to determine if the doula path is right for them. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin is an excellent book to start with. 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 booksellers. Some local doulas may loan you their books, and some will sell them through online support groups. Find a complete required reading list in this wonderful guide to certification.

(Cost: $0-$100)

Childbirth Education Series

Aspiring doulas must attend a childbirth education series as a doula—not as a birther or expecting participant. While you may take this course at any time, many doulas find it helpful to complete this observation prior to attending the birth doula workshop. Look for a class that is as comprehensive as possible. 

Note: Our 3.5-day workshop INCLUDES a childbirth class for doulas. If you register for my workshop, you do not need to seek this elsewhere. 

(Cost: $0-$200)

DONA International-approved Birth Doula Workshop

One of the most important aspects of certification is to complete the sixteen-hour birth doula workshop. The cost varies depending on the location of the workshop and the materials included. Additionally, you must complete the workshop prior to attending the births you wish to submit for certification. You will have four years from the date of your workshop to complete all your certification requirements and submit your application. However, most aspiring doulas complete their certifications much sooner.

Note: Our workshop fulfills this requirement!!!

(Cost: $475-$700)

DONA International Membership

Even though you are not required to become a member of DONA International until you apply for certification, a membership provides a number of benefits, including a subscription to the International Doula quarterly magazine and our online newsletter, The eDoula, as well as discounts on both certification packets and conference fees. 

Once you are certified, you must maintain continuous membership in DONA International to maintain your certification.

(Cost: $100 annually)

Birth Doula Certification Packet

Aspiring doulas should purchase this packet after attending their DONA-approved birth doula workshop. The birth doula certification packet contains all 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.

(Cost: $50 for DONA International members)

Births Required for Certification

Your time is valuable. While you may not pay a fee to attend these births, you are devoting hours of your life to offer prenatal and birth support, then postpartum processing. You must also consider gas, parking, subway, food costs, and childcare. Keep this in mind and value yourself as you plan to attend births and build your client list.

You may begin attending births anytime after you complete your birth doula workshop and receive your birth doula certification packet. After your birth doula workshop, you have four years to fulfill your requirements—including attending births. 

You will need to fill out several forms that are included in your birth doula certification packet for each birth you submit, including a birth record, a labor progress chart, and a client confidentiality release statement. For each birth, you will need to write a summary following the guidelines indicated in your certification packet.

Note: All these forms will be included in your certification packet.

Each submitted birth will require an evaluation from the mother, nurse, doctor, or midwife. 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 actually need to attend five to six births (or more) in order to have the minimum of three that meet all of the necessary requirements.

(Cost: Varies!)

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding for Doulas Class

You may complete the breastfeeding course requirement at any point within the four-year timeframe. The form you will need to complete can be found in your birth doula certification packet. 

There are several options to meet this requirement. You may attend a three-hour breastfeeding class taught by an instructor with a recognized breastfeeding credential or take an online breastfeeding course. Most classes charge small fees for doulas to observe. 

(Cost: $0-$125)

Note: A breastfeeding/chestfeeding class is included in our 3.5-day workshop.

Compile a Resource List

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.

(Cost: $0)

Essay on the Purpose and Value of Labor Support 

This requirement can be done at any time within the four-year timeframe 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.

(Cost: $0)

Basic Knowledge Self-Assessment Tool

You may prefer to take this test after you have completed the birth doula workshop and the recommended reading. All the questions pertain to childbirth and the role of the doula.

(Cost: $0)

Perinatal Health Professional Reference 

One personal and one professional reference (including name, e-mail, and phone number) must be provided on your application form for certification. Everything must be submitted in a sealed envelope.

(Cost: $0)

DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

Both 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.

(Cost: $0)

DONA Business Webinar

View one DONA International webinar with a business theme and submit a printed copy of your certificate of completion. You may choose any of the webinars listed here.

(Cost: $20)

Certification Processing Fee

In order to process your application for certification, you must pay for your application through the DONA International boutique prior to sending or include a check.

Note: Don’t forget to make a copy of all your paperwork before you send in your completed application. You don’t want to lose everything in case your packet is lost or damaged during shipping! 

(Cost: $110)

WANT A DOCUMENT YOU CAN BOOKMARK OR PRINT THAT SUMMARIZES ALL OF THESE STEPS?

CLICK HERE FOR THE DONA CERTIFICATION BROCHURE. 

DONA HAS ALSO CREATED A FANTASTIC CERTIFICATION FAQ HERE