What to look for in a doula training program

There are quite a few doula training programs out there. How do you know which one to choose? If you’d like to take a look at some programs, here is a directory of every single doula training I know of. I’ve compared all of these programs repeatedly before concluding which organizations are recommendable. Here is what I look at.
 

• First and most importantly before you spend money, do they seem to be a legitimate business? Does their organization seem active? 

 

• Certification
  • Do they offer a certificate? Most do, but some of the smaller businesses may not.
  • What are the requirements to get certified?
  • How long does the certificate last? Some are permanent. Others require renewal fees yearly, bi-annually, or every 3 years.
  • If the certificate has to be renewed, what are the renewal requirements and fees?

 

• Curriculum! If they don’t list the outline of their curriculum, I don’t know if I’m wasting my money or not while paying hundreds of dollars for education that is not specified. I have noticed that some of the popular programs have an extremely basic curriculum. I’m not interested in paying for a brand name label. I will only recommend the programs whose curriculum include more than the average programs.

 

• Are they upfront with everything on their website? If they don’t list their fees, certificate given, length of certification, what their training program includes, and what their program is all about, I’m hesitant to consider giving them my money.

 

• Is there a clear promotion of natural birth (vaginal, un-medicated)? I find the best programs to be trainings that include all types of birth. Regardless of a doula’s personal choices, you’re going to be working with clients that make all sorts of choices and have all sorts of outcomes. Training only to support natural childbirth leaves a doula short in the real birth world. I like to see doula trainings include support for c-sections, epidurals, complications, prematurity, NICU stays, bereavement support, etc…. The more comprehensive the education, the better prepared the doula to serve in the real birth world.

 

• I personally look to see if an organization has a religious affiliation or a specific political agenda. That is something I think you should look for. Which issues are important to you? There are programs that advocate for legal abortion rights while other programs are silent on abortion. There are programs that ban gender pronouns while others use traditional or mainstream language. There are doula trainings that mix education with politics quite a bit while other programs try to stay neutral. Find a training that aligns with your philosophies.

 

• Do they have a presence in the birth community? While making this directory, I found a lot of programs I’d never heard of. They have little to no social media presence. There’s no engagement with the online world of birthworkers. Some don’t even have a Facebook page. Many – and I mean many – programs had a subpar website that provided little information and was often difficult to navigate. I’m not breaking out my credit card to load up hundreds of dollars on some random doula training website when I have no verification that they are legit. An online presence with active engagement is a must.

 

• Another thing that has caught my attention is the character of doula trainers and founders. Most of them are active on Facebook. It’s downright shocking that anyone would choose some organizations after seeing the way their trainers speak so rudely to people. There are organizations that have decent training (in comparison to the average) that repel me with their attitude and have driven me to want no association with their brand. That’s something to think about. On the other hand, there are organizations and trainers that remain respectful and professional in social media. That attracts me. 

 

• Reviews! Talking to people that have gone through different programs is so important. Meet some doulas in your area. Interview them. Ask their reviews and recommendations. Join some Facebook groups and learn about the experiences of doulas both new and seasoned.

 

• Does the program you’re looking at feel like a good fit for you? Sometimes intuition ends up being the deciding factor once your nominees list is narrowed down.

 
 
Comment below with the doula training program you chose, why you chose that one, and what your review is.