How to become a doula and get certified

A doula is someone who provides emotional and physical comfort and support to parents during—and after—pregnancy and childbirth. 

Researchers at the University of Toronto found that women who have continuous support during labor are more likely to be happy with their overall birth experience. 

Women who receive doula care also have lower rates of C-sections and preterm births, according to a study by Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota. The study also found that, on average, families saved about $1,000 on medical care by using a doula — making them a more desirable option.

 As a doula, you can help moms have less-stressful labor and save money, but you also get to run your own business. That means you can have control over how much you work, and when.

A 2022 Future Market Insights analysis of the doula industry showed a 6.2% expansion in the market share for doulas and birth coaching businesses. The market for these services is expected to reach $24.6 million by 2032 (it was nearly $13.5 million in 2022).  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS OOH), nurse midwives (a parallel profession) are also in high demand, with a projected job outlook growth of 40% through 2031. For perspective, the BLS OOH reports that the average rate of job growth is 5%.

The need for doulas is predicted to rise as states explore programs that would increase access to doula care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) published a brief in December 2022 that mentioned federal support to expand the perinatal workforce, which includes doulas and nurse midwives.

According to the most recent nationwide data published in the 2013 Listening to Mothers survey, 6% of birthing individuals received supportive care from a doula during labor.  

Work as a doula can be rewarding work with a high income and strong career growth, making it a career that you may want to explore.

Interested in becoming a doula? Here is what you should know before becoming a doula:

• How to become a birth doula
• Labor and birth doula training and education
• Postpartum doula training

How to become a certified birth doula

1. The first step to becoming a certified doula is determining which program is right for you. There are in-person programs, online programs, and hybrid programs that combine the two. 
2. During the certification process, you’ll learn all about childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as techniques for supporting and comforting clients during labor. 
3. You’ll also learn the basics of starting your own doula business. 
4. Attend births in-person, regardless of which program type you choose, to satisfy certification requirements.
5. Receive an evaluation from your clients and a healthcare provider about their experience with you. 

Birth doula training and education

Birth doulas are non-clinical professionals. Unlike obstetricians and midwives, you don’t need a medical degree or state license to practice. In fact, there is currently little oversight over the profession in the United States—because of that, there aren’t any universally-accepted credentials required to become a doula. 

According to the National Health Law Program:

• 11 states are currently reimbursing doula services through Medicaid
• five states are in the midst of implementing reimbursement
• 14 states addressed Medicaid doula benefits in a different way (such as a pilot program or doula registry)
• 10 states proposed action (such as introducing a bill) but have not made progress
• No data was found for 13 states

 These bills also aim to help establish training and certification requirements in those states. 

In Oregon, for example, you must complete an approved training program to become a state-certified doula. However, you can still operate as a doula even if you’re not state-certified. 

While you don’t need a certification to become a doula, getting certified through a credible organization can help you gain valuable skills, increase your marketability, and help you earn more money.

Program Length

The time it takes to become a doula can vary depending on the certification or organization. Usually, you’ll spend 10 to 48 hours attending a course or workshop in-person or online. On top of that, you’ll have to satisfy other certification requirements including reading books, writing papers, and taking quizzes. And, you’ll have to attend three births for a minimum of 15 hours total. 

Most programs can be completed in three to six months, though some can be taken in just a few weeks.

Many organizations give you up to a year to finish the program, while others have no time limit for completion. 

Re-certification

Most doula certifications are valid for three years. Once that time is up, you must apply for recertification. 

Recertification usually involves obtaining continuing education credits. This can range anywhere from 15-30 hours. Examples of continuing education include: attending in-person workshops and reading a book or research articles pertaining to childbirth or parenting and writing a 500-word paper about it. 

You may also be asked to pay a recertification fee as part of this process. The recertification fee varies by organization, but you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $250. 

11 business ideas for moms

Certifying organizations

 Per the Maternal Health Task Force out of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, there are more than 80 organizations and programs in the U.S. that train and certify doulas. Each organization has its own curriculum and guidelines for what makes a certified doula. 

Some of the most widely-recognized organizations offering doula training and certification include:

• Doulas of North America International (DONA)
• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
• Childbirth International (CBI)
• International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)

Here’s a quick comparison of these programs:

	DONA	CAPPA	CBI	ICEA
Online classes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-person classes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Certification exam cost	No exam fees	No exam fees	No exam fees	$390 initial exam, $230 for recertification
Enrollment/training fees	Starts at $68 for a one-year membership, certification packets start at $45 for members and $55 for non-members, $110 certification packet submission fee	Starts at $775	$785 (birth doula) $755 (postpartum doula)	$230 and $450-$650 (in-person training) $750 (online training)
Birth doula training	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Postpartum doula training	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Financial aid	Spirit Fund fee waiver for low-income applicants	Perez Scholarship Fund	CBI scholarship program	ICEA scholarship program
Labor experience requirements	Proof of three labor support experiences	Proof of observing two labors or births for a total of 10 hours	Proof of support for two clients for a total of 20 hours	Proof of three, six-hour labor support experiences
Childbirth education requirements	Audit a childbirth education class/lactation class	Complete CAPPA childbirth education course	Not required	Observe one childbirth education series (unless you are a certified childbirth educator)
How long certification lasts	Three years	Three years	Lifetime	Three years
Free online resources	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

These certifications are not recognized by state or federal governments, but there are benefits to getting certified by one of these organizations. 

• You’ll receive hands-on training during the process, which can help you feel prepared and confident as you launch your own doula business. 
• Doula certification can also make you more desirable to prospective clients, as it shows you have a solid educational foundation and understanding of the job. 
• You may even earn 10%-20% more money if you are certified by one of these organizations. 

If you decide to sign up for certification through an organization, here’s what you need to know.

8 free online childcare training courses

Postpartum doula training

Doulas aren’t just there to help guide moms through labor and delivery. Another type of doula is a postpartum doula, who is there to help women through postpartum recovery. 

What does a postpartum doula do? 

A postpartum doula offers a woman and her family physical and emotional support after she gives birth. 

Postpartum doula services include helping families navigate newborn care, caring for an older child while parents tend to the baby, and preparing healthy meals for families. 

Postpartum doulas can’t provide medical care, but they can share resources and help clients find a healthcare provider if needed. 

How to become a postpartum doula

Like birth doulas, you don’t need a degree or state license to become a postpartum doula. That said, there are many organizations that offer postpartum doula certification if you choose to go that route. 

1. Complete postpartum doula certification in person, online, or a mix of both.
2. Learn about lactation, nutrition and exercise during the postpartum period, infant health problems, and changes that a woman may experience physically and mentally during the postpartum period.
3. Complete any required reading or in-person training during the certification.

Complete hands-on training. You’ll likely have to work with three families, spending at least 15 hours on in-person support total, to satisfy the certification requirements. 

Postpartum doula certification

The in-person or online workshop will take place over two or three full days. Expect to spend at least 16 hours on that portion of the certification. You can also expect to read at least seven books. 

You’ll also get to work on hands-on skills needed to be a successful postpartum doula, including newborn care, caring for multiple babies and babies with special needs, breastfeeding support, and first aid measures. Re-certification

Some organizations require recertification after three years. Recertification may include 18 to 24 hours of continuing education as well as paying a fee of up to $250, depending on the organization.

Becoming a certified postpartum doula can teach you how to set up and run your own business, give prospective clients more confidence to hire you, and allow you to charge more money for your services. 

How to become a home health aide: 5 HHA training classes to get certified

Frequently asked questions about becoming a doula

Here, get answers to your most pressing questions to figure out if this is the right career path for you. 

How much does it cost to become a certified doula? 

It can cost you $1,000 or more to become a certified doula, depending on the program you choose.

• Tuition for DONA International’s certification programs, for example, range from $100-$1,100. 
• Carriage House Birth’s certification program costs $900 for tuition.
• International Doula Institute’s certification program costs $790 for tuition.

How long does it take to become a trained doula?

Most doulas are able to get certified within three to six months of starting the program, regardless of the type of doula that they become.

Many doula certification programs allow you to go at your own pace, so you can complete your training and certification when you have time, which can be great if you have family or other responsibilities.

Some doula certification programs give you a full year to complete your work, and others have no time limit on when you have to finish.

Expect to spend 16-24 hours taking an in-person or online workshop and at least 15 hours supporting parents during labor to satisfy certification requirements. You’ll also typically have to read at least seven books, complete written assignments, and take quizzes to satisfy certification requirements. 

What qualifications do I need to become a doula? Do you need a degree?

You don’t need a degree or state license to practice as a doula, but many doulas decide to become certified through an organization like DONA International, CAPPA, or ICEA.

Certification has many benefits including preparing you for the job, making you more desirable to prospective clients, and earning you 10%-20% more money. 

While there are no specific qualifications, a career as a doula may be good if you are passionate about birth, babies, and supporting women and families during and after labor. Those who have experience in related fields, such as daycare workers, nannies, or home health aids, may find the transition to doula work easy.

Best online doctor app? Read 14 reviews

Which doula certification is the best?

Doulas of North America (DONA) International or the International Doula Institute (IDI) are two of the most widely recognized doula certification programs. 

We put together a list of the best online doula certification programs.

What are the services a doula can provide?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a birth doula can provide many services and benefits:

• Provide ongoing support before, during, and after labor and delivery
• Explain the birth process, including any procedures that may occur
• Act as a communicator between the parents and hospital staff
• Educate parents about birth options and teach them ways to be more comfortable during labor, like breathing and massage techniques

WebMD lists the following services a postpartum doula can provide:

• Education, support and assistance with breastfeeding
• Share strategies for taking care of a newborn, such as how to soothe, feed, change and properly lay the baby down for a nap 
• Help with post-birth comfort and ensure the mother is adjusting to motherhood and healing from childbirth
• Provide child care so parents can rest or run errands

How much does a doula make?

How much money you’ll make as a doula depends on where you live, how much you decide to work, and what sort of certification you have. Doulas who are certified by a reputable organization, like DONA International, can charge 10%-20% more than doulas who aren’t. 

According to career site Indeed, in large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, doulas usually charge between $1,600 to $2,000 per birth. If you’re able to attend four births a month that could earn you up to, you could make up to $8,000 per month—or up to $96,000 per year. 

In mid-size cities, like Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Austin, doulas usually charge $900 to $1,400 per birth. This can net you up to $5,600 per month if you assist in four births or up to $67,200 per year.

In smaller cities, expect to make anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per birth. This means you can make up to $4,800 per month for four births or up to $57,600 per year. 

In the case of postpartum doulas, most charge by the hour. Average salaries range from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on your location and the services you offer. If you work 40 hours a week as a postpartum doula, you could make up to $2,000 a week, which would work out to more than $90,000 annually.

What does a doula’s schedule look like?

As a doula, your schedule will vary depending on the role you take. According to the American Pregnancy Association:

• A birth doula may schedule time (maybe an hour or more) to talk with a mom-to-be about what to expect during labor
• An antepartum doula may block out time to offer emotional support for a mom who is on bedrest because of a high-risk pregnancy
• A postpartum doula may offer to watch the baby while the mom takes a nap or help with the breastfeeding process

Your day will begin based on the needs of the client, so it may start in the morning, afternoon, or evening. If you are planning to work as a part-time doula, there is flexibility to take on clients while still respecting the needs of your own family and job.

You have the choice of seeing one or multiple clients in a day, and you can also choose to offer video chats to provide support when you can’t be there in person but want to answer client questions.

Darcy Sauers, owner of The Doula Darcy, is a doula business coach, certified postpartum doula, and certified lactation counselor.

“I truly view my work and time with a new family as sacred,” Sauers says.

As a postpartum doula, she says she tends to work in four to five-hour shifts. According to Sauers, a typical shift can include:

• Discussion with the new mom to answer questions and find out how the night went
• Preparing a beverage, meal, or snack while mom cuddles with the baby
• Asking the mom what she needs the most that day
• Assisting with breastfeeding by assessing the baby’s latch or addressing concerns
• Performing light household chores such as laundry or washing dishes
• Watch the baby and older sibling so mom can take a nap or bathe
• Provide non-judgmental support and offer gentle tips and suggestions

YouTuber Carly Watson shares her thoughts on her schedule as a doula:

Check out this reddit thread that gives insight into what schedule you can expect as a doula:

Is there such thing of a normal doula schedule? from doulas

How to get doula clients 

There are a variety of ways to get your first doula client:

• Set up a website advertising your services. Make sure the website is easy to navigate and optimized for search results so potential clients in your area can find you. 
• Join local pregnancy and parenting groups on social media to find prospective clients. 
• Go to community events where potential clients could be in attendance. Have business cards ready to hand out in case you meet someone who’s interested in your services.
• Network with pediatricians, midwives, obstetricians, breastfeeding consultants and others in the birthing industry who can refer you and your services.  
• Ask to be a guest speaker at a birth class, or volunteer at a birth class, so you can introduce yourself to expecting parents.

Bottom line: Is becoming a doula worth it?

Becoming a trained doula can definitely be worth it for many people. The work is certainly meaningful—research shows women who have the support of a doula have more positive birth experiences and pay less for medical expenses, and being part of such a meaningful moment in a family's life can be rewarding for many doulas.

Plus, as a doula, you get to run your own business and have flexibility over how much you work. Depending on your location and credentials, you can earn anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per birth.

But while being a doula can be rewarding—and you can make good money doing it—it’s hard work. Because labor is often unpredictable, expect to put in long hours from time to time. 

The bottom line: If you’re someone who thrives at comforting, nurturing, and supporting others—and you don’t mind the occasional long hours—then becoming a doula could be a worthwhile career move. 

Explore other careers: 28 jobs for single moms