Titles and terms can be confusing when it comes to assessing a doula's training, certification, and expertise. Here is a simple guide to help ensure you are getting what you pay for.

The name, "doula," can be used by anyone who works with women during birth or in the postpartum period -- it does not require specific training or attendance at a set amount of births. 

Doulas establish their fees commensurate to what they bring to the table. 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 examples of what different descriptions mean:

DONA-Trained

The most common type of training a doula receives in my area 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 encouraged nor approved by DONA International. 

Certification Process

How does one get from being trained to being certified? In a nutshell:

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

2-Read 5 books from a list DONA provides.

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

4-Observe 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, and write a 500-1000 word essay on the value and purpose of labor support.

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 begins with a training, she has also followed through with the time, energy, education, and investment of certification.

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.