Become a Doula Providing doula services can be a very rewarding way to share your time and talents with the community. Becoming a doula is a multi-step process of training, reading and providing support. There are many organizations that train doulas. The largest doula certifying organization is DONA International. We feel DONA’s history, comprehensive training, clear scope of practice, code of ethics and requirement of continuing education results in highly skilled, professional doulas. Two other organizations that have doula training programs similar to DONA International's are CAPPA (Childbirth and Parenting Professional Association) and ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). We highly recommend that anyone wanting to become a doula read Things To Consider . This questionnaire can help you decide whether becoming a doula is right for you.

To become a certified birth doula you will need to:

Attend a childbirth preparation course ( DONA's new requirement is that the childbirth education must be taught by an educator certified through Lamaze, Bradley, Birth Works, ICEA, ACBE, BEST, CEA of NY, Hypnobabies, CBI, or ALACE and must be a minimum of 12 hours in duration. Exceptions may be made for candidates who do not have any of the above certified educators within 30 miles. HypnoBirthing does not qualify ).  OR Attend an Intro to Childbirth Education Class taught by a certified doula trainer. Attend a doula training program provided by an approved trainer. Attend or take an online breastfeeding course (new DONA requirement)  Purchase a certification packet Read books from a mandatory reading list Provide childbirth support to at least 3 families Obtain evaluations from care providers and those who have observed your work as a doula Write essays about 3 births you have attended Write an essay on the value of labor support Join your certifying organization

To become a certified postpartum doula you will need to:

Participate in a breastfeeding preparation program Read books from a mandatory reading list Meet all prerequisites before attending postpartum doula training workshop Attend a training program (27 hours or more) provided by an approved trainer. Purchase a certification packet Submit proof of postpartum experience Obtain evaluations from care providers and those who have observed your work as a doula Write an essay for each postpartum experience used towards certification Write an essay on either your goals as a postpartum doula or the value of postpartum support Maintain current adult and infant CPR certification Join your certifying organization Looking for information on upcoming trainings in WNC? Click HERE .  05/27/2008 Doula Association of the Mountain Area PO Box 1822 Asheville, NC 28802 (828) 258-4873 | Contact Us   | Disclaimer