Doula Experience, Training, and Certification

Titles and terms can be confusing when it comes to assessing a doula's experience, training, and certification. Did you know:

• The title, doula, can be used by anyone who works with women during pregnancy (antepartum), birth, or in the postpartum period; one does not need specific attendance at a set amount of births, training, or certification to work as a doula.
• What I have seen regarding doula fees is, often a doula'a fees are commensurate to her experience and training; doulas with less experience generally have a lower fee, while those who have been serving families longer are on the higher end of the spectrum. 

Below are explanations (according to my experience and understanding as a DONA-certified Birth Doula -- I do not officially represent DONA) of what some of these terms mean. There are many, many other doula programs out there, and I would hope doulas trained and certified through these other organizations would chime in to offer additional information where I am very lacking. 

DONA-Trained

In my area, Bakersfield and Visalia, CA, the most common type of training a doula receives is through DONA International. Attending a training is the first step in the certification process -- attendance alone does not grant certification. 

Sunday Tortelli, current DONA president states: "There is not any other official designation other than those for certified birth and postpartum doulas, and approved doula trainers. It is true that many DONA-approved trainers have suggested the term 'DONA trained' as being an option prior to certification, and it was unofficially used by many. However, DONA International states, being trained by a person or attending a class is not an earned credential, be it from a certifying organization, licensing board, or institution of higher learning (i.e., university). It is part of the process of earning a credential."

In one sentence: the use of "DONA-trained doula" is not endorsed nor approved by DONA International. 

Cert Process 

How does one get from being trained to being certified? DONA's basic process:

1-Attend a DONA-approved training at least 16 hours in length.

2-Read 5 books from a list DONA provides.

3-Attend a childbirth education class as a non-pregnant observer.

4-Attend a breastfeeding class at least 3 hours in length.

5-Provide doula services to at least 3 families and collect evaluations from the family and birth staff.

6-500-700 word essay for each birth attended.

7-Create a resource list with at least 45 local resources in at least 30 categories.

8-Complete an assessment; write a 500-1000 word essay on the Value and Purpose of Labor Support.

Recertify every three years.

CD(DONA)

What does "CD(DONA)" mean? "Certified Doula through DONA International." When a doula carries those initials after her name, you can trust she has not only started the process that began with a training, she has also followed through with the time, energy, education, and investment of completing certification requirements.

That is not where it ends, though. Certification lasts for three years. To recertify a doula must:

1-Remain in good standing with DONA, including being current with yearly membership fees.

2-Acquire 15 contact hours from a recognized maternal/child health organization. This shows she is working to stay up-to-date on issues related to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and babies.

You can find a list of DONA-certified doulas at DONA's website.

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I am the first to admit, you don't need experience, training, or certification to be an incredible doula and make a difference -- we all start from a desire to serve. I value the doulas in my community and I honor the differences in our personalities and styles, interests and specialties. This is a work of the heart, and by following our instincts to care for a mother and family during birth, we offer unique support that helps build them up for the start of their parenting journey. 


Why certify? Read what doulas and moms have to say about it.