Our Training

Weekend Workshop

The training starts with a weekend workshop. In this workshop you will learn about the role of the birth doula, benefits of a doula, communication skills, normal physiological birth, labor support techniques, overcoming labor challenges, common interventions, assessing the needs of the client, client intake process, prenatal and postpartum meetings, breastfeeding support, finding local resources, setting up your business and MORE. This is an intensive weekend where knowledge and skills are learned and practiced.

Reading List

A list of books will be provided to you for reading and self study. These books are specific to learning more about the process of childbirth, supporting the mother through all aspects of labor, postpartum and breastfeeding. The student will write a brief summary of each book. Reading these books are a requirement to obtain certification.

Childbirth & Breastfeeding Class

The student must attend a childbirth and breastfeeding class.. It is preferable that the childbirth class is geared towards natural childbirth. Our training program does offer a virtual option for a childbirth education class. Attending these classes will help you to identify pertinent information that clients may need throughout their journey with you.

Qualifying Birth Experiences

The student must attend 3 labors/births as the primary doula in any setting. You must have a minimum of 15 hours of active labor support for all labors combined. There is no required birth outcome, but planned c-sections will not be accepted. Confidentiality agreements, birth records, self assessments and 2 client evaluations (mom & partner) will need to be completed for each birth.

Certification

Upon completion of all required workshops, classes, self-study and paperwork you will submit all documentation to apply for certification. Once all documentation has been reviewed, you will be issued a certificate and a doula badge. Your badge can be worn to births to indicate to staff and family members that you are a certified professional labor support person.

Cost

  • Weekend Workshop $700 ($150 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot and the remainder $550 will be due within 24 hours of the workshop for the in-person and 10 days prior for the virtual workshop)

  • Childbirth Class $85 (If taken through FBS Doula Training)

  • Breastfeeding Class $27 (If taken through Milkology.com)

  • Books $60-$80