Birth Doula Certification
A Doula’s Guide
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
Dear future doula,
Welcome to the amazing work of becoming a birth professional. As taught by the founders of DONA
International, the work of professional labor support is so incredibly important to many families world-
wide. Together, we are making a difference for families AND for maternal health care! We are honored
that you are interested in joining the esteemed group of DONA International certified doulas.
We understand that doulas come into this to
work in a variety of settings and with a variety
of clients. Training and certification with DONA
International provides a fully comprehensive
experience that will prepare you to work as a
doula in the capacity that you see fit. From
work with a non-profit to work as a full-time
career, the support of a doula is valuable for
the big picture.
The DONA International certification process is
an at your pace process (within 4 years of your
training workshop). That’s right! From the time
you take your approved birth doula workshop until the time you submit your packet, you have up to
four full years. Some doulas work through the requirements quickly, in just a few months, while others
take every single bit of the four year time allotment.
Your experience, your training, your pace!
This guide is meant to serve as an intro into our training process. You’ll find that the process has
several components, including hands-on training, course work, self-study, reading and experiential
training/evaluation.
Our experience with training doulas for over 25 years has taught us that the in-person training is
essential to getting your doula work off to a good start. After your workshop, our training process
includes education in various other birth related topics such as breastfeeding, business, postpartum
mood disorders and more.
At the end of the certification process, our doulas report that they feel confident and prepared to
support birthing families.
We hope you will find this guide useful as you begin your journey. We invite you to read through the
guide and explore the website. When you’re ready, reach out to one of our approved trainers who will
help guide you along the way.
With care,
All of us at DONA International
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
BIRTH DOULA CERTIFICATION
An Overview
Further details (guidelines and required documentation) are available in your Birth Doula Certification Packet. Packets may be
purchased through the DONA International website.
A DONA certified birth doula will receive and document the following items:
In-Person Training
• Attendance at a DONA approved birth doula workshop (valid for four years from completion) Organizational
Requirements
• Current Membership in DONA International ($100)
• Purchase a DONA International Birth Doula Certification Packet. *This begins the certification process.
($45/55)
The Certification Packet includes detailed information and all the forms required for certification. The packet must be purchased prior
to any support experiences intended for certification. These support experiences have to take place after attending the workshop.
• Submit completed Certification Packet, supporting documents and the certification processing fee. *This is
the end of the certification process. ($110)
• Agree to and sign the following documents:
o DONA International Birth Doula Code of Ethics
o DONA International Birth Doula Standards of Practice
Additional Class/Book Work
• Basics of breastfeeding education (online or in-person)
• Basic childbirth education in accordance with Certification Packet (in-person)
• Completion of required texts from the Birth Doula Required Reading List.
Birth Experiences and Evaluation
• Provide birth doula labor support to several clients and their families. Choose three (3) support experiences
for certification that meet requirements.
• Provide thorough documentation (provided in Certification Packet) of birth support experiences includi
ng
evaluations of services by health care providers and birthing parent.
Home Study
• Minimum attendance in one approved doula business webinars (online)
• Creation of Local Area Resource List (45 resources in approved categories)
• Essay on the Value and Purpose of Labor Support
• Written Reference from Perinatal Health Professional and Client
Certification Overview
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
Suggested Steps to Certification Financial Investment
Membership in DONA International
Membership provides support benefits for your training
process, including a subscription to the International Doula
quarterly magazine and the eDoula member newsletter and
discounts on services and products, such as certification
packets, conferences, doula liability insurance, office
supplies and more.
$100
1
/year
Sign DONA International’s Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics
None
DONA Approved Birth Doula Workshop
DONA approved workshops are offered across the globe by
a variety of world-class, excellent doula trainers. Some
workshops have prerequisites, so check with your trainer for
details. The birth doula workshop is valid for four years from
the date of completion.
Approx. $400 – 700
Birth Doula Certification Packet (purchase)
The Certification Packet will include specific details,
requirements and all required forms/directions for the
certification process. The packet is purchased via the
DONA website and is valid for two years from date of
purchase.
$45
1
for members
$55
1
for non-members
Required Reading
Many doulas begin reading as they plan and prepare for
their birth doula training workshop. Workshop participants
should begin with The Birth Partner (Simkin) and bring a
copy of the text to their doula workshop with them.
Approx. $75 +/-
Some books may be available to borrow from public
libraries, or fellow doulas.
Childbirth Education
This requirement may be met in several ways
• Attend a local childbirth education class
• Attend Intro to Childbirth for Doulas in conjunction
with your doula workshop*
• Train as a childbirth educator
Varies
*Some trainers include this requirement in their doula
training workshop.
Business Themed DONA International Webinar
Business webinar options can be found on the DONA
website under continuing education.
$20 for members
$35 for non-members
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
Breastfeeding Education
You may complete the breastfeeding requirement at any
point prior to submitting your certification application. See
certification packet for details.
Approx. $0 - 50
Essay on the Purpose and Value of Labor
Support
Your certification packet will include some guidance for
writing this essay.
None
Basic Knowledge Self-Assessment Tool
Self-assessment is included in your certification packet.
None
Written references from a perinatal health professional and
a doula client. Details included in the certification packet.
None
Certification Processing Fee
Certification processing fees cover the cost incurred to
review your packet, as well as the materials that you’ll
receive once certified (certificate/new name tag etc.).
$110
1
Copy/mail completed certification application
Shipping tracking recommended.
Copies/Postage
Total Estimated Investment
Approx. $700-1100
Training and certification investment vary greatly, as many
doulas find ways to maximize opportunities to invest
appropriately (ie. use the library for texts, attending
childbirth in conjunction with your workshop, etc.). Most
doulas spread the fees out across the training process.
1
!DONA!International!fees!are!based!on!the!International!Fee!Group!Index!according!to!country!of!residence.!For!current!fees!
in!countrie s!o th e r!th a n !th e!U .S .,!check!the!International!Fee!Group!Index!in!the!DONA!Boutique!at!www.DO NA .org!or!call!the!
Home!Office!at!888-788-DONA!(3662).!All!fees!are!payable!in!U.S.!funds!only.!
!!
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and meet the requirements in your DONA International Birth
Doula Certification Packet.
1. How would I know if the workshop I am taking is DONA International approved?
Find DONA International approved workshops through our online locator at Find a DONA International Doula
workshop.
2. Do I have to be a member of DONA International to order my Certification Packet?
No, but DONA International members receive a discount. You must be a member at the time you submit your
packet for review in order to become certified, and later to maintain your certification.
3. I noticed that some training workshops also offer an “Intro.” To be certified as a birth doula, am I required to
attend an Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas (Intro) along with the doula workshop?
A DONA International approved introductory class is a one day class that satisfies the childbirth educati
on
requirement for birth doula certification. It is not a requirement to attend an Intro along with the birth doula
workshop, but the Intro is one of the ways to satisfy the childbirth education requirement. It is highly
recommended that you attend it if there are no, or very limited options for, childbirth classes for expectant
parents offered in your area.
4. How many hours of training in a DONA International approved workshop do I need for certification?
A DONA International approved birth doula workshop will be at least 16 hours of instruction time, and it may be
longer. You will need to attend the entire workshop in order to receive a certificate of attendance and to be able
to use it for your certification application.
5. How many hours do I need to observe a childbirth education series?
You will need to observe an entire series of in-person childbirth classes taught to a group of expectant parents.
You will want to look for a comprehensive series, if possible, which may be 12 hours or more of instruction time.
Refer to your certification packet for details.
6. For the requirement to observe a childbirth education series, do classes offered by hospitals to prepar
e
expectant parents for birth qualify?
They will meet the requirement unless you are attending as an expectant parent and also a participant, rather
than an observer.
7. I have attended a childbirth education training workshop. I would like to know if this training is sufficient for
the childbirth education component of the requirements to become a doula.
The workshop you attended would meet the DONA International childbirth education requirement for
certification if you can provide a copy of your certificate and an outline of the coursework, and you are currentl
y
active as an instructor, or retired within three years of submitting your application.
8. I am nervous about attending births by myself. May I take a doula buddy with me?
It can be a wonderful opportunity to gain some experience and confidence to attend your very first births with
another doula, for example, a doula who attended the same workshop as you did. You could also see if you can
shadow and observe a DONA certified doula as s/he works with a client during a labor and birth. These can be
wonderful learning opportunities. However, you will not be
able to submit such births for certification. You must
Birth Doula Certification
FAQs
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
have been the primary doula providing all the labor support to your client and any family in the experiences you
submit with your application.
9. How do I order a certification packet?
Visit the DONA International Boutique. You will need to register as a user to be able to make a purchase of your
packet.
10. I am having trouble finding clients and attending births to complete the certification. What can I do?
Don’t be discouraged if your business gets off to a slow start. As you gather information for your list of
resources, network with other doulas, perinatal professionals and alternative and complementary care providers
in your area, and use that opportunity to introduce yourself and let them know the services you offer. Getting
your name out there can be hard at first, but it is well worth the effort as you begin to see positive results.
11. How long does a candidate have to complete the certification requirements?
You have two years from the date you purchase your certification packet to submit your application for
certification. If your packet expires, you may purchase a one-time, six-month extension for $10. After the six-
month extension, if you still did not complete the requirements, you will have to purchase another certification
packet and then meet the requirements in the second packet. We recommend that you order your packet i
n
time for the first labor support experience you plan to use for certification after attending the DONA International
approved workshop. This will allow you to make the most of the two years that your packet is valid. In any case,
you must complete your certification requirements within four years of attending a DONA International approved
workshop. The workshop itself is valid for four years, and there is no extension for it.
12. How much does a DONA International approved doula workshop cost?
Workshops vary in cost but tend to range from $400-700, depending on the trainer and expenses involved in
hosting a workshop. Fees also vary in what they include (tuition, books, etc.).
13. I am nervous about attending the birth by myself. What should I do?
Remember that the most important quality in a doula is a warm heart. More than anything, a warm smile,
encouraging words and a soft touch are what you need to take with you to the birth. You are there to provi
de
emotional support, not medical assistance. Your skills and knowledge will continue to grow with every birth.
With the skills you attained at your doula workshop, you are ready to assist in your first births. You can do it!
14. Some of the births I attended were under 15 hours, but I did work with these clients during prenatal visits and
during postpartum. Does that time count toward the 15 required hours?
DONA International’s requirement is that you provide continuous in-person labor support for a total of at least 15
hours over three births. Each labor support experience does not need to be 15 hours. Prenatal and postpartum
contact and visits do not count as labor support hours. The labor support hours begin when you join your client
in person, before or at the onset of active labor, and then stay continuously for the entire labor, birth a
nd
immediate postpartum period.
15. One of the births I attended was a cesarean section. Can this birth still count for certification purposes?
Yes, as long as the cesarean birth meets all the requirements in your certification packet. Only one of the three
births you submit for certification may be a cesarean birth.
16. I did not get a Client Confidentiality Release Form signed by one of my clients. Can I still use this birth?
To accept a birth for certification purposes, we must have a signature from the client/birthing person releasi
ng
the information. We cannot accept any paperwork without the signed release.
DONA International • www.dona.org • dona@DONA.org • Chicago, IL USA
17. At every birth, I leave evaluations for the doctors or midwives and nurses to fill out, but I never get them back.
What can I do?
Introduce yourself to them immediately and let them know you are working towards certification and will
be
asking for an evaluation at the end of their shift or before you leave following the birth. Show them the form and
the questions. That way they will know to pay attention to you as they do their own work, and they will also see
it will take no more than a minute to answer the questions on the form. The professionals providing an
evaluation will need to have been able to observe and interact with you repeatedly and/or for a period of tim
e
during the labor and birth in order to be able to provide an evaluation.
18. May I use the same doctor or midwife more than once for my evaluations?
Yes, but we prefer to receive evaluations from different professionals for your three certification births, if
possible.
19. How do I verify my DONA International membership status?
When you submit your application for certification, you must be a current member. You can verify your
membership by checking the mailing label of the latest issue of your copy of the International Doula magazine
.
The expiration date of your membership appears in the upper right corner of the label. You can also check it on
the Member Login
on the DONA website. You do not have to call the home office to verify your membership if
you know it is current.
20. How do I pay the certification application fee?
You may pay the fee online through the Member Login on the DONA International website, and include a copy
of your receipt with your application. If you prefer, you may also include a check or International Money Order
payable to DONA International in U.S. funds for the correct amount.
21. Where should I send my completed certification application?
Mail your completed certification application to:
DONA International, Attn: Certification
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 850
Chicago, IL 60601
22. After I send in my completed certification application, when will I hear from DONA International?
You may expect to hear within a month that your packet was received in the home office. It is difficult to predict
when your packet will reach the hands of a reviewer, but do contact the DONA International home office if you
have not heard from a reviewer within three months.
23. Is there anything I can do while I wait to hear about my application?
It is recommended that you still treat every birth you attend after you submit your application as a certification
birth. Have your clients sign a Client Confidentiality Release Form, take detailed notes, complete the Birth Doula
Support Record Sheets and request evaluations. That way you will have documentation for another birth, in case
that is needed.
24. Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
You can respond to your reviewer as soon as you are contacted. Respond to any questions or requests for more
information promptly.
Best wishes to you during this journey!
35 East Wacker Drive ! Suite 850 ! Chicago, IL 60601
888-788-DONA (3662)
www.DONA.org
Certifi[email protected]
BOD Original Approval: No Record
Last Revised: 12/19
BOD Revision Approval: 01/2020
- 16 -
BIRTH DOULA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED READING LIST
You must read the latest revision of both of DONA International’s Position Papers and the book listed under
Required Reading. In addition, you need to read at least one (1) of the most recently published editions of the
books from each of the six (6) additional groups of books listed. To confirm and verify your reading, include
the signed Statement of Completion form with your certification application.
Must BRING to the workshop:
•
The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor
Companions by Penny Simkin (2013, or later)
REQUIRED READING FOR CERTIFICATION / Beneficial Reading in Preparation for Workshop
Attendance:
•
DONA International’s Position Paper: The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity
Care
by DONA International (2012, or later)
•
DONA International’s Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Modern Maternity
Care by DONA
International (2008, or later)
•
The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor
Companions by Penny Simkin (2013, or later)
Group 1 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
Bearing Witness by Lisa Doran and Lisa Caron (2015 or later)
•
Birth Ambassadors: Doulas and the Re-Emergence of Woman-Supported Birth in America
by Christine H. Morton with Elaine G. Clift (2014, or later)
•
Gentle Birth Companions: doulas serving humanity by Adela Stockton (2014 or later)
•
The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and
Healthier Birth by Marshall and Phyllis Klaus (2012, or later)
•
The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know by Ananda Lowe and
Rachel Zimmerman (2009 or later)
Group 2 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood - and Trusting Yourself and Your
Body by Erica Chidi Cohen (2017 or later)
•
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: an All-Canadian Guide to Conception, Birth and
Everything in Between by Ann Douglas (2012, or later)
•
The Simple Guide to Having a Baby: a Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide to Pregnancy and
Childbirth by Janet Whalley, Penny Simkin and Ann Keppler (2012, or later)
•
The New Pregnancy & Childbirth: Choices and Challenges by Sheila Kitzinger (2011, or later)
•
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, April Bolding,
Ann Keppler, and Janelle Durham (2010, or later)
•
Having Your Baby: For the Special Needs of Black Mothers-To-Be, from Conception to
Newborn Care 1st Edition by Dr. Hilda Hutcherson and Margaret Williams (2010 or later)
35 East Wacker Drive ! Suite 850 ! Chicago, IL 60601
888-788-DONA (3662)
www.DONA.org
Certifi[email protected]
BOD Original Approval: No Record
Last Revised: 12/19
BOD Revision Approval: 01/2020
- 17 -
Group 3 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to
Know by Emily Oster (2016 or later)
•
A Good Birth: Finding the Positive and Profound in Your Childbirth Experience by Anne Lyerly MD (2013
or later)
•
Cut, stapled and mended: When one woman reclaimed her body and gave birth on her terms after
cesarean by Roanna Rosewood (2013 or later)
•
Optimal Care in Childbirth: the Case for a Physiologic Approach by Henci Goer and Amy Romano (2012, or later
)
•
Natural Hospital Birth: the Best of Both Worlds by Cynthia Gabriel (2011, or later)
•
Birthing Normally After a Caesarean or Two: A Guide for Pregnant Women - Exploring Reasons and
Practicalities for VBAC by Helene Vadeboncoeur (2011 or later)
•
An Easier Childbirth: a Mother’s Guide to Birthing Normally by Gayle Peterson (2008, or later)
•
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin (2008, or later)
•
Birth After Caesarean by Jenny Lesley (2004 or later)
Group 4 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
Breastfeeding: Empowering Parents, Dr. Jack Newman (2018 or later)
•
Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage by Kaplan M.Ed. IBCLC, Robin
and Abby Theuring (2018 or later)
•
The Big Let Down by Kimberly Seals Allers (2017)
•
Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding: the Canadian Expert Offers the Most Up-to- Date
Advice on Every Aspect of Breastfeeding by Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman (2015, or later)
•
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins (2015, or later)
•
Breastfeeding Made Simple: 7 Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Nancy Mohrbacher and
Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, (2010, or later)
•
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West and Teresa Pitman (2010, or later)
•
Your Guide to Breastfeeding (PDF found here- https://www.womenshealth.gov/patient-
materials/resource/guides?from=breastfeeding) Can be found on the DONA website in the Resource Library.
•
The Black Woman’s Guide to Breastfeeding: The Definitive Guide to Nursing for African American
Mothers, by Katherine Barber (2005 or later)
Group 5 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women's Stories of Trauma and Growth by Walker
Karraa (2014, or later)
•
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: A Self-Help Guide for mothers by Pacific Postpartum
Support (2014, or later)
•
This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman and
Valerie Davis Raskin (2013, or later)
•
The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (2005, or later)
35 East Wacker Drive ! Suite 850 ! Chicago, IL 60601
888-788-DONA (3662)
www.DONA.org
Certifi[email protected]
BOD Original Approval: No Record
Last Revised: 12/19
BOD Revision Approval: 01/2020
- 18 -
Group 6 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
•
The Purposeful Hustle by Deanna Singh (2018 or later)
•
The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful Mother-Baby Business
by Patty Brennan (2
nd
Edition)
•
The Only Grant-Writing Book You’ll Ever Need by Ellen Karsh and Arlen Sue Fox (2014, or later)
•
Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing and
Writing Successful Proposals
by Tori O’Neal-McElrath (2013, or later)
•
Body of Work: Finding The Thread That Binds Your Story Together
by Pamela Slim (2013, or
later)
•
Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What
You’re Worth
by Sarah Petty and Erin Verbeck (2012, or later)
•
You, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself by Harry Beckwith and Christine Clifford (2011, or later)
•
The Mocha Manual to Turning Your Passion Into Profit: How to Find and Grow Your Side Hustle in
Any Economy
by Kimberly Seals-Allers (2009 or later)
Group 7 - Read at least
ONE
of the following:
Cultural Competence explained: In order to increase the cultural competence of the health care delivery system, health
professionals must be taught how to provide services in a culturally competent manner. Important to note, however, is that cultural
competence is a process rather than an ultimate goal and is often developed in stages by building upon previous knowledge and
experience.
• Birth in Eight Cultures by Robbie Davis-Floyd and Melissa Cheyney (2019 or later)
•
Delivered by Midwives: African American Midwifery in the Twentieth-Century South 1st Edition
by
Jenny M. Luke (2018 or later)
•
Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty
by Dorothy Roberts
(2016 or later)
•
What Does It Mean To Be White, Developing White Racial Literacy
(the Revised Edition) by Robin
DiAngelo (2016 or later)
•
Where's the Mother?: Stories from a Transgender Dad
by Trevor MacDonald (2016 or later)
• Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood by Eric Rosswood (2016 or later)
• Birthing Justice by Julia Oparah and Alicia Bonaparte (2015 or later)
•
Red Medicine: Traditional Indigenous Rites of Birthing and Healing (First Peoples: New Direction
in Indigenous Studies)
by Patrisia Gonzales (2012 or later)
•
Deadly Delivery: The Maternal Healthcare Crisis in the USA
, by Amnesty International (2010 or
later)