What to look for in a doula training program

updated 2025 April 5th

When I decided back in 2008 that I wanted to become a doula, there were very few training programs. I can only remember finding 3. One was online only. Back then, I had never taken an online class. One was a 2-day workshop that only supported hospital births. The other one was a 3-day workshop that also supported home births. I chose the 3-day one because it was longer. I was also someone who supported home birth. I was actually taking the doula training because I thought it would be good for me as I planned to become a home birth midwife.
 
Today we have many programs to choose from. We also have more to navigate than we used to. A lot of these organizations have taken stands on controversial issues such as abortion and gender inclusive language. They attract some students with their stances while being a turn off for students with different beliefs. We also have Christian training programs available today when that was quite rare years ago when options were more limited. The price range for training varies wildly. Some training is in-person. In 2020, many transitioned to being available online with quite a few now offering a 100% online program. Some are very short trainings and others are longer and more comprehensive.
 
One thing I do want to point out is doula training is not regulated. These are individual doulas who decided to start training other doulas. There is no regulation or accreditation of doula training programs. The autonomy is a beautiful freedom. It also means there is no standard of what must be taught. Some programs are basic. Others are comprehensive. Some teachers are amazing. Others may not offer what you are looking for. Some training programs are run by just one person. Others may have a team and multiple trainers.
 
There are a lot of things to consider. Let’s talk about what to look for in a birth doula training program.
 
Is this a credible business?
My first question when looking at a doula training is wondering if it is a credible business. I’ve been around long enough that I saw how many new training programs popped up in 2020… and now are no longer here. In my attempts to list every birth doula training out there in a directory blog, I have come across more than a few websites I’ve never heard of (in 15+ years) and they have no presence in the doula community. If you’re not sure, look into their credibility first before making any payments.
 
Do they have a professional website?
One of the first things I’m going to do when looking into a doula training program is to find their website. Does it look well-done? Is it easy to navigate? Are they upfront with their pricing? Some are and some aren’t. Do they readily give you all the information you need to know before choosing this program? I have looked at dozens of websites for doula training. Some are great. Others need a lot of help. If their website doesn’t seem professional, I will not put my credit card on there.
 
Do they have an active presence on social media?
The next thing I’m going to look for when I’m looking into a doula training program is their social media. Are they on Facebook? What about Instagram? (Those are the two that most organizations use.) Do they post somewhat regularly? Is it still active? I will say not every trainer is big on social media and that doesn’t mean they aren’t a good teacher. It’s just something I look for. I know busy business owners don’t have a lot of time to post on social media. Another thing I look for is how the trainers treat people in the doula groups on Facebook. That will tell me a lot about how interested I am in learning from them.
 
Do they add value to the spaces they’re in?
As the sole admin of a Facebook group for Christians working in women’s health (including doulas), this is something I’ve noticed. Many doula trainers only want to post to promote their classes. The doula trainers that post sharing education, tips, and inspiration are much more likely to make me want to learn from them. Are they showing themselves a seasoned teacher you could learn a lot from?
 
Is there anything I see on their website or social media that goes against my beliefs?
This could be a lot of things. Think about things like abortion, LGBT issues, gender language, political statements, pricing requirements, regulation of their doulas, etc. The things that are deal-breakers are going to be specific to each individual reading this blog. What makes one person interested makes another person cross them off the nominee list. There’s a lot of variety out there.
 
Does this organization have a religious affiliation?
As a conservative Christian, this is something I am looking for. If I were to ever take another doula training to recertify through another organization, I would choose a Christian program. On the other hand, some student doulas do not want an organization that discusses religion or is founded on Christian principles. There are several Christian programs to choose from. I list those in this blog. If that is something you are seeking, your options will be narrowed down.
 
Does this organization have any political stances?
In recent years, doula training organizations have become highly political. (They didn’t used to be.) While some organizations strive to remain neutral, others speak loudly with their stance. There are now doula trainings that include abortion support in their training programs. There are also programs that oppose abortion. Of course, there are other topics within politics they may take a stand on as well. Are you looking for an organization that proclaims the same beliefs as you on political matters? Or do you prefer education that stays on topic and stays politically neutral?
 
Do they use traditional gender language or neutral/inclusive language?
Where do you stand on language for men and women? Many organizations have transitioned to gender inclusive language, replaced “birthing woman” with “birthing person” or “pregnant person”, and traded “breastfeeding” for “chestfeeding” and so on. How do you feel about that? Some organizations are very extreme with this and expect their doulas to follow suit. Other organizations are firm in their use of traditional language. This has become a dividing factor for student doulas and certified doulas alike.
 
Is this program online, in-person, or hybrid?
What is your preference? Do you want a program that’s entirely online and self-paced? Online and scheduled? In-person only? Or both online and in-person?
 
What is the length of the program?
Workshops are often only 2 days. Some are 3 or 4. Online programs may be work at your own pace or it may follow a schedule like a college class. There are usually limits to how long you have to fulfill your certification requirements. There are some online programs that only take a few hours. There are other programs that take months. I recommend opting for the more comprehensive education. You don’t want to take a quickie training and get a piece of paper that says you’re qualified only to start practicing and be poorly prepared. Take the time to be well-prepared to serve families.
 
What is the initial cost of taking this doula training?
We have to know. How much is it going to cost to sign up for this? A good program is worth its price. We may need to save up for it.
 
Are there any additional costs?
Not all programs offer all-in-one pricing. Some charge separately for different things.
 
Are there any membership fees with this organization?
There’s a few that require yearly fees to maintain membership.
 
Is there a certification available?
When I first became a doula, it was very common that doulas would take a training and not seek a certificate. Historically, some organizations only offered a certificate of attendance. While there are still a few out there offering certificates of completion, most nowadays offer certification. Some give you the certificate for completing the workshop. Others require you to be the doula at several births first.
 
What are the requirements to get certified?
This is something to consider. Some organizations require more than others. Always know this before you choose a program. Some require births first, others don’t. Most require reading several books. A few ask for book reviews. Different organizations have additional requirements.  
 
Is the certificate permanent or does it expire?
Some training programs offer a lifetime certificate. Others require renewal. If you have to renew it, what’s required for that? Is it important to you financially or personally that a certificate be permanent with no ongoing costs?
 
What is in their curriculum?
I prefer a program that shares the outline of their curriculum. If they don’t share something that gives you an idea of what you’re going to learn, you really have no idea what they are teaching until you have paid for it.
 
What hands-on skills do they teach their students?
If it’s only online, how are they teaching the hands-on support? If it’s in-person, how much time is there to learn how to support clients physically? Do they teach about helping labor progress or what to do at different levels in the pelvis? The hands-on skills are something many of us learned from each other over the years rather than in our training. It’s important to know what skills are going to be taught.
 
What’s not included that I want to learn about?
This is an uncommon question. What do you see isn’t part of their curriculum? Perhaps, it’s breastfeeding support. Maybe it’s postpartum. Or it could be the more advanced information on helping babies navigate the pelvis. It could be navigating hard situations like perinatal and infant loss or babies staying in the NICU.
 
Do you see any medical misinformation or excessive biases on their website or social media?
This is something I notice…and something I hesitate to recommend programs because of.
 
What are the teacher’s credentials?
Is she a doula? How long has she been a doula? What kind of births has she supported? How much variety? Has she been in any other role in birth work? Does she have a college education and what’s her degree in? Does she seem experienced enough to be training doulas?
 
Does this trainer/organization present themselves professionally?
This can be make it or break it. I’ve seen doula trainers that present themselves well through social media and they grow their business that way. I’ve seen other trainers that are argumentative and talk down to others. They lose business that way. There are several organizations where the founders have a reputation for being rude. It turns students away.
 
What regulations do they put on their students who are certified through them?
Some have no regulation. Others have standards, code of conduct, and rules to follow.
 
Is there an alignment with your values?
After spending some time on their website and seeing their social media presence, do you feel like this program aligns with your values?
 
Do they align with your birth philosophies?
It is common for doula training organizations to promote natural birth and the belief that is the best way to birth. Do you feel the same way they do about birth? You don’t have to. You can take a training and go be your own person. This is something to consider.
 
Are they preparing students for a variety of birth experiences?
It does a disservice to the new doula when programs only talk about natural birth. Doulas also support c-sections, inductions, high risk patients, premature births, stillbirths, complications, and so on.
 
Is there continuing education available?
Not all programs offer this, but it is something to consider. Quite a few offer other training programs as well.
 
Is there ongoing support?
Does this program offer mentorship and/or a community of support for the new doula?
 
What reviews have you heard?
The popular programs certainly have plenty of reviews in the doula groups on Facebook. The lesser-known programs are harder to find feedback on. Try to find reviews of that program before you sign up for it.
 
How do the teacher(s) respond when someone does things differently than they do?
A good doula trainer will doula the doula. Do it your way. Here is the information. Here are your options. Go the path that’s right for you. That said, I have certainly seen doula trainers that are very critical of doulas that do things differently than them. You can set up your appointments however you want to. You can do more than the average. You can offer things other people don’t. You can try different things. A good teacher should give an invitation to learn, consider, grow, and be authentic to yourself. Doula trainers should not be pushy or bossy. They are there to be mentors in this beautiful career. Avoid trainers that act like they know it all and everybody should do what they recommend.
 
What is your intuition telling you?
Are you feeling led towards a certain program after considering these questions?
 
 
 
Comment below with the doula training program you chose and why you chose that one.