How To Find The Right
Doula Training Program

Excerpted from the
“How to Become a Doula Ebook”
By The Birthing Business Institute

When deciding on a doula training or certification program, it’s important to find one that is right for you. Just as a doula can help a pregnant woman to become confident by her support and the way she offers the mom information in a way she can understand, a training program can empower you as a doula. If the program is a good fit, you will be excited about what you are learning and confident in your skills.

Philosophy
This may seem simple, but I assure you, it is not! Some programs may have a philosophy that focuses on helping the birthing women to have the best birth possible, regardless of what kind of birth she wants. This would include induced labors (yes, that means medically unnecessary ones too), medicated births and elective cesareans. They view the doula as a non-judgemental participant. Other programs may focus more on the doula’s role as an educator. Some programs revolve around the midwifery model of care and advocate natural childbirth as ideal…you need to decide what your beliefs are about your most important role as a doula. Take the time to review the philosophies of each organization, and spend some time reviewing standards of practice.

Depth and length of training
What are the most important things you are hoping to learn? Do you want to spend a lot of hands-on time learning positioning and comfort measures? Then find a program that allows plenty of time for that. Do you want to go in-depth with the spiritual and emotional aspects of birth? Do you want to learn more about the physiological process itself? Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Call a few organizations and find out how much time they spend on your particular area of interest. Don’t forget to assess how much time you can devote to a workshop or training process.

Cost
What can you afford? If money is an obstacle, ask about scholarships or payment plans. Consider a program that offers a discount for hosting a workshop. Many programs will let you pay on a monthly basis as long as a certain amount is paid by the time of the workshop.

Each program varies in price but plan on spending around $400-$600 for the training and certification. You will also want to budget at least $200 to learn the business aspect of running your doula business. Very few training programs spend any time discussing attracting clients, getting referrals, getting free publicity, etc. One of the best options is to take the Business 101 for Birthing Professionals course offered by the Birthing Business Institute. That home-study program and the teleseminar program were designed for beginning doulas and covers all the basics in a 5 hour course.

Total Package and Student Support
Find out what all is included in the training package. For instance, some programs offer certification and training as one package and some offer it separately. Most offer a newsletter of some kind or other perks for their members. Will they list your services on their website or referral line? How about student support? Are they easy to get a hold of? If you have problems or questions, will someone be able to assist you? Are you looking for a mentor? What kind of personal assistance is available?

If you find the perfect program that fits you in every aspect, but it’s a small organization and you are worried about recognition, don’t sweat it. Potential clients will care about you and what you can offer. Sometimes it’s helpful to direct potential clients to the organization that trained you so they can get an idea of your training. In the long run, most doulas find that it is more important to find the right organization for you personally, even if it’s one that maybe isn’t so well-known.

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Sheri Menelli is the executive director and founder of the Birthing Business Institute (www.birthingbusiness.com) and a small business coach/mentor. Sheri is the author of several home study courses, ebooks and teleseminars on business success for birthing professionals including Business 101, Unleash an Avalanche of Referrals, How to Get Free Publicity and How to Become a Doula (http://www.howtobecomeadoula.com). You can contact Sheri at 760-431-2228 or email classesi@birthingbusiness.com.