how to become a doula

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What is a Certified doula?

Doulas provide support to pregnant women and their families. When a woman begins labor a doula comes to her home or meets her at the hospital and provides comfort. They also assist after the baby is born during the postpartum period with whatever families need. A doula is not a midwife and does not provide medical care. Doulas answer questions, assist with the birth plan, give massages, help with breathing and relaxation techniques and so much more…

doula program

What are the steps to complete to be a certified doula?

Take a training course
Support 2 laboring women
Interview 2 birth professionals
Complete the required reading

(Click) for more details about certification steps

How much money can doulas earn?

A full time doula who attends 3-5 births per month can earn from $2000 to $6000 per month in the United States depending upon the city. Doula charges usually start at $500 per birth.

Why become a doula?

There are many reasons that motivate individuals to become doulas:

gaining that indescribable reward from being present at births
knowing you're called to empower pregnant women
having a passion for childbirth
giving birth previously and now desiring to share your wisdom with others
serving as a doula as a step to becoming a midwife

Who can be a doula?

A doula can be anyone. Most doulas are female, but men can be doulas too. Individuals of all ages can be doulas from teens (read story) to retirees. You don't have to be a nurse to be a doula.

How long does it take to train to be a Doula?

Actual class time is about 16 hours for a doula training. Reading and studying concepts is self paced. Gaining experience is an individualized journey. After attending one birth a doula would gain knowledge and skills to help with the next birth experience.

What education is needed to be a doula?

There aren't any educational requirements to be a doula. A high school diploma or college degree are not required, and working as a doula is an excellent way to put yourself through school. If possible consider taking a doula and labor support training course, but it's not required to be a doula. We also offer an online doula course.

What skills do I need to be a doula?

The word doula means with woman. In the traditional sense a woman servant or family member (mother, sisters, aunties, grandmothers) have always been present at birth assisting the laboring woman. So offering comfort, love, a warm touch, compassion, wisdom, and your presence…those are the basic skills you need that really make a difference.

How do I get trained as a doula?

Attend a doula and labor support training workshop in person or take an online course. The training will teach you step by step how to get started as a doula and give you the necessary skills to be successful.

Do I need a license to work as a doula?

No. You don't need a license.

Do I need to be certified to work as a doula?

No, certification is not required, however there are many benefits to obtaining a doula certification. Some doula certification programs are complicated, expensive, and take years to complete. The CPI Doula Certification (click) program is simple, affordable, and can be done within 6 months or less.

Where can I work as a doula?

You can practice or work as a doula anywhere women are having babies. Doulas can work for hospitals, community organizations, referral agencies, doctor offices, and public health departments. Doulas work in all cities and countries. Doulas can volunteer, work as employees, or be self employed. Some cities are more lucrative than others so do research to discover those prime areas where doulas can make $1500 per birth.

What is the schedule of a doula?

Doulas usually work on-call, but there are many other possibilities. Doulas can be either employed or work as volunteers and have a set schedule to attend births. They also can work with a team of other doulas that share schedules or back each other up so that are not constantly on-call.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula focuses on supporting families after their babies are born. Postpartum doulas help moms with breastfeeding, recovery, provide emotional support, etc. The postpartum doula has arranged a schedule with families and does not usually work on call.

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