A doula is someone who provides emotional and physical comfort and support to parents during—and after—pregnancy and childbirth.
Researchers at the University of Toronto1 found that women who have continuous support during labor are more likely to be happy with their overall birth experience. Babies and happy parents — what could be a more meaningful career?!
As a doula, you can help moms have less-stressful labor and save money, but you also get to run your own business. That means you can have control over how much you work, and when.
To gain the skills you need to be a doula, it’s best to get certified through a credible organization. Getting certified can help you gain valuable skills, make you more desirable to clients, and could even land you higher pay.
There are many online doula certification programs out there to help you get started on this career path.
Here's what you need to know:
What qualifications do I need to be a doula?
How to become a certified birth doula
Certifying organizations for doulas
- Can you receive an online doula certification?
- How much does doula training online cost?
- Is there a free online doula certification program?
Doula training online programs
- Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
- Childbirth International (CBI)
- DONA International online training program
- ExpertRating
- International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
- International Doula Institute
- What does a postpartum doula do?
- How to become a postpartum doula
- Postpartum Care Foundation online training program
Frequently asked questions about becoming a doula
What qualifications do I need to be a doula?
Birth doulas are non-clinical professionals. Unlike obstetricians and midwives, you don’t need a medical degree or state license to practice. In fact, there is currently little oversight over the profession in the United States—because of that, there aren’t any universally accepted credentials required to become a doula.
According to the National Health Law Program2:
- 16 states or U.S. territories are currently reimbursing doula services through Medicaid
- 13 states or U.S. territories are in the midst of implementing reimbursement
- 18 states or U.S. territories addressed Medicaid doula benefits in a different way (such as a pilot program or doula registry)
- 2 states or U.S. territories proposed action (such as introducing a bill) but have not made progress
- No data was found for 9 states or U.S. territories
These bills also aim to help establish training and certification requirements in those states.
In Oregon, for example, you must complete an approved training program3 to become a state-certified doula. However, you can still operate as a doula even if you’re not state-certified.
While you don’t need a certification to become a doula, getting certified through a credible organization like Doulas of North America (DONA) International or the International Doula Institute (IDI) can help you gain valuable skills, increase your marketability, and help you earn more money.
Most online doula certification programs don’t have any professional prerequisites, but you’ll have to satisfy certain requirements to receive your certification. That may include reading course material, writing papers, taking tests, and attending live births.
How much does a doula make?
Your salary as a doula will depend on where you live, whether you decide to work full-time or part-time, and what kind of certification you hold.
Most full-time doulas average four births per month and charge flat fees ranging anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per birth depending on their location and experience.
According to Ziprecruiter,4 birth doulas in the United States make about $65,000 a year on the high end, with a national average salary of $49,220. Assuming this number is based on four births per month, that works out to about $1,025 per birth.
Holding a doula certification may also bump up your salary. According to DONA International, their doulas make 25% more than non-certified doulas and 7% more than doulas with certifications from other organizations.
How to become a certified birth doula
- The first step to becoming a certified doula is determining which program is right for you. There are in-person programs, online programs, and hybrid programs that combine the two.
- During the certification process, you’ll learn all about childbirth and breastfeeding, as well as techniques for supporting and comforting clients during labor.
- You’ll also learn the basics of starting your own doula business.
- Attend births in-person, regardless of which program type you choose, to satisfy certification requirements.
- Receive an evaluation from your clients and a healthcare provider about their experience with you.
Program Length
The time it takes to become a doula can vary depending on the certification or organization. Usually, you’ll spend 10 to 48 hours attending a course or workshop in-person or online. On top of that, you’ll have to satisfy other certification requirements including reading books, writing papers, and taking quizzes. And, you’ll have to attend three births for a minimum of 15 hours total.
Most programs can be completed in three to six months, though some can be taken in just a few weeks.
Many organizations give you up to a year to finish the program, while others have no time limit for completion.
Re-certification
Most doula certifications are valid for three years. Once that time is up, you must apply for recertification.
Recertification usually involves obtaining continuing education credits. This can range anywhere from 15-30 hours. Examples of continuing education include: attending in-person workshops and reading a book or research articles pertaining to childbirth or parenting and writing a 500-word paper about it.
You may also be asked to pay a recertification fee as part of this process. The recertification fee varies by organization, but you can generally expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $250.
Certifying organizations for doulas
Per the Maternal Health Task Force out of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health,5 there are more than 80 organizations and programs in the U.S. that train and certify doulas. Each organization has its own curriculum and guidelines for what makes a certified doula.
Some of the most widely-recognized organizations offering doula training and certification include:
- Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
- Childbirth International (CBI)
- Doulas of North America International (DONA)
- ExpertRating
- International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
- International Doula Institute (IDI)
- Postpartum Care Foundation (PCF)
Here’s a quick comparison of these programs:
CAPPA | CBI | DONA | ExpertRating | ICEA | IDI | Postpartum Care Foundation | |
Online classes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
In-person classes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Certification exam cost | No exam fees | No exam fees | No exam fees | No exam fees | $390 initial exam, $230 for recertification | No exam fees | No exam fees |
Enrollment/training fees | Starts at $775 | $785 (birth doula)$755 (postpartum doula) | Starts at $68 for a one-year membership, certification packets start at $45 for members and $55 for non-members, $110 certification packet submission fee | $99.99 | $230 and $450-$650 (in-person training) $750 (online training) | Starting at $790 for doula and postpartum doula certifications | $555 |
Birth doula training | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Postpartum doula training | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Financial aid | Perez Scholarship Fund | CBI scholarship program | Spirit Fund fee waiver for low-income applicants | Not available | ICEA scholarship program | Payment plans available | Not available |
Labor experience requirements | Proof of observing two labors or births for a total of 10 hours | Proof of support for two clients for a total of 20 hours | Proof of three labor support experiences | Not required | Proof of three, six-hour labor support experiences | Not required | Must work with three postpartum clients as part of earning your certification |
Childbirth education requirements | Complete CAPPA childbirth education course | Not required | Audit a childbirth education class/lactation class | Not required | Observe one childbirth education series (unless you are a certified childbirth educator) | Not required | Must work with three postpartum clients as part of earning your certification |
How long certification lasts | Three years | Lifetime | Three years | One year | Three years | Three years | |
Free online resources | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
These certifications are not recognized by state or federal governments, but there are benefits to getting certified by one of these organizations.
- You’ll receive hands-on training during the process, which can help you feel prepared and confident as you launch your own doula business.
- Doula certification can also make you more desirable to prospective clients, as it shows you have a solid educational foundation and understanding of the job.
- You may even earn 10%-20% more money if you are certified by one of these organizations.
If you decide to sign up for certification through an organization, here’s what you need to know.
8 free online childcare training courses
Can you receive an online doula certification?
There are a number of reputable organizations offering online doula certification. Here’s how to become a doula online.
How much does doula training online cost?
Doula certification costs vary widely depending on the program. Costs range from as little as $100 for a basic online certification course on becoming a doula, all the way up to $1,100 for a more comprehensive online certification course from DONA International, a leading doula training organization.
Is there a free online doula certification program?
You’ll have to pay tuition for most online doula training. However, some organizations offer complimentary introductory courses or scholarships.
IDI, for example, has a free intro course you can access when you sign up for their mailing list.
DONA International also has a limited number of fee waivers for people who need financial assistance. You can apply for a scholarship directly through their website.
Doula training online programs
Here’s a look at the most popular online doula certification programs and what to expect from each one.
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)
CAPPA provides certifications for doulas specializing in both labor and postpartum care, as well as programs for birth educators, lactation consultants, and new parents. Classes are offered online, as well as in person at locations across the U.S., Canada, and abroad.
The CAPPA training course starts at $550 for virtual, hybrid and in-person options with an approved faculty member. To pass the course, you must:
- Pass a pretest and final exam
- View required video lessons
- Attend at least three births as a doula and receive evaluations from parents and health care providers
- Create a resource list for local parents
After the first year, you’ll have to pay $75 per year to maintain your A CAPPA membership status.
Childbirth International (CBI)
Childbirth International offers training for birth and postpartum doulas, as well as lactation consultants and childbirth education. The birth doula course costs $835 (or five payments of $162), and the postpartum doula course costs $790 (or five payments of $156). You can pay less if you choose to receive digital vs. printed reading materials ($760 and $730 respectively).
CBI’s certifications are for life and do not require you to pay an annual membership or renewal fee. They also offer a 15-25% discount if you purchase more than one course at a time and offer 15% of all future course purchases. You can also receive a full course refund within 48 hours of registering if you decide the course isn’t right for you.
CBI training includes video and written lessons, as well as online, open-book exams (between 10-20 multiple choice questions each). You must also work with two clients for a total of 20 hours.
DONA International online training program
DONA International is one of the leading organizations for doula training, certification, and continued education. They’ve been around for over 25 years and have certified more than 13,000 doulas across the globe.
DONA International’s online doula certification program costs between $700 and $1,100. This includes:
- $100 fee to become a DONA International member
- $45 fee to purchase the DONA International Birth Doula Certification Packet
- $110 certification processing fee
- $75 fee to buy the required books
- $20 fee to attend a required doula business webinar
- $400 to $700 fee to attend a required DONA-approved birth doula workshop
- To maintain annual DONA membership, which costs $100 per year, and pay a fee of $80 every three years to renew your certification
DONA’s online doula training is incredibly comprehensive. It covers all aspects of doula care and includes training on breastfeeding, basic childbirth education, client support, networking, and business practices. You’ll also get hands-on experience assisting a few clients during childbirth as part of your training.
The program is self-paced. After attending one of their in-person birth doula workshops, you’ll have four years to finish the rest of the program.
As a member of DONA International, you’ll get discounts on continuing education, access to mentoring and professional networking, and a subscription to DONA’s quarterly trade publication.
You’ll need to attend an in-person course about the basics of childbirth that may be 12 or more hours in total and attend an in-person workshop that goes for 16 to 24 hours over the course of two or three days. Additionally, you’ll need to provide primary doula care for three clients, for a total of at least 15 hours and provide documentation of the experiences.
ExpertRating
ExpertRating is an ISO-certified certification and testing business that offers online certifications in over 800 different skill areas, including doula care.
The ExpertRating Doula Certification costs $99.99 and covers the basics of being a doula. During this online course, you’ll learn about the birthing process, how to provide emotional and physical support to mothers during pregnancy and birth, and what’s involved with prenatal and postpartum doula care.
It takes two to four weeks to complete and includes an exam after you finish the coursework. You can renew your certification for $30 after one year and retake the exam up to three times for $10.
Learn how to support expectant mothers with a certification from ExpertRating >>
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
ICEA offers birth and postpartum doula certifications in person and online and offers discounted certifications to experienced doulas who already hold certifications with other established doula organizations.
Course costs are broken up into three sections — $230 enrollment fee, plus $520 self-paced workshop pricing, and $290 exam pricing. These fees are for U.S.-based course enrollees. ICEA has a country-based pricing structure with lower fees for countries with lower income levels. They also have fees for course extensions ($75), certification reinstatements after expiration ($115), and for exam retakes ($200).
As part of birth doula training, enrollees must verify three labor support experiences of at least six hours each.
International Doula Institute
IDI is a comprehensive doula training organization. IDI’s Birth Doula Certification Program costs $790. You’ll receive a discount of $150 if you’ve already been certified by another organization.
You also have the option of signing up for a package that includes multiple online certification programs. IDI’s other certifications include postpartum doula, childbirth educator, breastfeeding counselor, advanced lactation and counseling, and perinatal nutrition. Tuition costs $4,740 for all six certification programs.
IDI’s certification programs are done completely online and are self-study so you can go at your own pace. You have a full year to complete a program after signing up.
The birth doula course includes daily and weekly lesson plans taught by doulas, doctors, nurses, midwives, and dietitians. You’ll need to complete assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects throughout the program and pass an exam at the end.
Tuition also gives you access to a doula trainer via phone or email for one year, membership in a private Facebook support group, doula mentorship, an online doula workshop, and the certification exam.
IDI says most people complete their online doula certification program in six to 12 weeks, working about an hour a day.
Certification is valid for three years. To renew, you’ll need to pay $100, complete three continuing education classes, and submit three surveys from clients you’ve worked with.
Postpartum doula training
Doulas aren’t just there to help guide moms through labor and delivery. Another type of doula is a postpartum doula, who is there to help women through postpartum recovery.
What does a postpartum doula do?
A postpartum doula offers a woman and her family physical and emotional support after she gives birth.
Postpartum doula services include helping families navigate newborn care, caring for an older child while parents tend to the baby, and preparing healthy meals for families.
Postpartum doulas can’t provide medical care, but they can share resources and help clients find a healthcare provider if needed.
How to become a postpartum doula
Like birth doulas, you don’t need a degree or state license to become a postpartum doula. That said, there are many organizations that offer postpartum doula certification if you choose to go that route.
- Complete postpartum doula certification in person, online, or a mix of both.
- Learn about lactation, nutrition and exercise during the postpartum period, infant health problems, and changes that a woman may experience physically and mentally during the postpartum period.
- Complete any required reading or in-person training during the certification.
Complete hands-on training. You’ll likely have to work with three families, spending at least 15 hours on in-person support total, to satisfy the certification requirements.
Postpartum Care Foundation online training program
Postpartum Care Foundation’s online training program costs $555. Tuition covers access to lessons in the program, including postpartum nutrition and lactation support.
PCF offers two other options. For $555, you can take the online postpartum doula certification course and get a starter herb kit that includes postpartum teas, baths, and a belly binding.
For $977, you can take the course, get the starter herb kit, and receive three one-hour career support sessions with Zoe Weston, an international leader in women’s health.
Textbooks and other required reading materials aren’t included in the tuition cost.
Pros of the Postpartum Care Foundation online program
Postpartum Care Foundation’s online program includes comprehensive training for becoming a postpartum doula at a lower cost than other comparable programs. (DONA International’s postpartum doula training certification is more than double the cost, for example.)
Postpartum Care Foundation’s online program includes an introduction to the postpartum period and lessons on postpartum nutrition, belly binding, emotional support, lactation support, and baby bonding. You’ll also get in-person experience working with three postpartum clients as part of earning your certification.
Another benefit is that this program is self-paced so you can complete it on your own time from anywhere in the world.
Cons of the Postpartum Care Foundation online program
While the tuition for Postpartum Care Foundation’s online program is affordable, one downside is it doesn’t cover everything.
The required reading materials for the course aren’t included in the cost, so you’ll need to factor that in when you sign up. Expect to spend between $50 and $75 on books.
You may also need to buy supplies to work with clients during the program since these aren’t covered by the tuition either. Supplies include things like crates to transport your healing tools, mason jars for teas and broths, and small bowls for herbs and oils.
How to get doula clients
There are a variety of ways to get your first doula client:
- Set up a website advertising your services. Make sure the website is easy to navigate and optimized for search results so potential clients in your area can find you.
- Join local pregnancy and parenting groups on social media to find prospective clients.
- Go to community events where potential clients could be in attendance. Have business cards ready to hand out in case you meet someone who’s interested in your services.
- Network with pediatricians, midwives, obstetricians, breastfeeding consultants and others in the birthing industry who can refer you and your services.
- Ask to be a guest speaker at a birth class, or volunteer at a birth class, so you can introduce yourself to expecting parents.
Frequently asked questions about becoming a doula:
How long does it take to become a trained doula?
Most doulas are able to get certified within three to six months of starting the program, regardless of the type of doula that they become.
Many doula certification programs allow you to go at your own pace, so you can complete your training and certification when you have time, which can be great if you have family or other responsibilities.
Some doula certification programs give you a full year to complete your work, and others have no time limit on when you have to finish.
Expect to spend 16-24 hours taking an in-person or online workshop and at least 15 hours supporting parents during labor to satisfy certification requirements. You’ll also typically have to read at least seven books, complete written assignments, and take quizzes to satisfy certification requirements.
What are the services a doula can provide?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a birth doula can provide many services and benefits:
- Provide ongoing support before, during, and after labor and delivery
- Explain the birth process, including any procedures that may occur
- Act as a communicator between the parents and hospital staff
- Educate parents about birth options and teach them ways to be more comfortable during labor, like breathing and massage techniques
WebMD lists the following services a postpartum doula can provide:
- Education, support and assistance with breastfeeding
- Share strategies for taking care of a newborn, such as how to soothe, feed, change and properly lay the baby down for a nap
- Help with post-birth comfort and ensure the mother is adjusting to motherhood and healing from childbirth
- Provide child care so parents can rest or run errands
How much does a doula make on average?
How much money you’ll make as a doula depends on where you live, how much you decide to work, and what sort of certification you have. Doulas who are certified by a reputable organization, like DONA International, can charge 10%-20% more than doulas who aren’t.
According to career site Indeed, in large cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, doulas usually charge between $1,600 to $2,000 per birth. If you’re able to attend four births a month that could earn you up to, you could make up to $8,000 per month—or up to $96,000 per year.
In mid-size cities, like Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Austin, doulas usually charge $900 to $1,400 per birth. This can net you up to $5,600 per month if you assist in four births or up to $67,200 per year.
In smaller cities, expect to make anywhere from $600 to $1,200 per birth. This means you can make up to $4,800 per month for four births or up to $57,600 per year.
In the case of postpartum doulas, most charge by the hour. Average salaries range from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on your location and the services you offer. If you work 40 hours a week as a postpartum doula, you could make up to $2,000 a week, which would work out to more than $90,000 annually.
What does a doula’s schedule look like?
As a doula, your schedule will vary depending on the role you take. According to the American Pregnancy Association6:
- A birth doula may schedule time (maybe an hour or more) to talk with a mom-to-be about what to expect during labor
- An antepartum doula may block out time to offer emotional support for a mom who is on bedrest because of a high-risk pregnancy
- A postpartum doula may offer to watch the baby while the mom takes a nap or help with the breastfeeding process
Your day will begin based on the needs of the client, so it may start in the morning, afternoon, or evening. If you are planning to work as a part-time doula, there is flexibility to take on clients while still respecting the needs of your own family and job.
You have the choice of seeing one or multiple clients in a day, and you can also choose to offer video chats to provide support when you can’t be there in person but want to answer client questions.
Darcy Sauers, owner of The Doula Darcy, is a doula business coach, certified postpartum doula, and certified lactation counselor.
“I truly view my work and time with a new family as sacred,” Sauers says.
As a postpartum doula, she says she tends to work in four to five-hour shifts. According to Sauers, a typical shift can include:
- Discussion with the new mom to answer questions and find out how the night went
- Preparing a beverage, meal, or snack while mom cuddles with the baby
- Asking the mom what she needs the most that day
- Assisting with breastfeeding by assessing the baby’s latch or addressing concerns
- Performing light household chores such as laundry or washing dishes
- Watch the baby and older sibling so mom can take a nap or bathe
- Provide non-judgmental support and offer gentle tips and suggestions
YouTuber Carly Watson shares her thoughts on her schedule as a doula:
Check out this reddit thread that gives insight into what schedule you can expect as a doula:
Bottom line: Is becoming a doula worth it?
Becoming a trained doula can definitely be worth it for many people. The work is certainly meaningful—research shows women who have the support of a doula have more positive birth experiences and pay less for medical expenses, and being part of such a meaningful moment in a family's life can be rewarding for many doulas.
Plus, as a doula, you get to run your own business and have flexibility over how much you work. Depending on your location and credentials, you can earn anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per birth.
But while being a doula can be rewarding—and you can make good money doing it—it’s hard work. Because labor is often unpredictable, expect to put in long hours from time to time.
The bottom line: If you’re someone who thrives at comforting, nurturing, and supporting others—and you don’t mind the occasional long hours—then becoming a doula could be a worthwhile career move.
Other related job ideas:
30 jobs for single moms: Best high-paying jobs in 2024
10 quick job certifications that pay well
13 jobs that pay well without a degree
How to become a medical biller and coder
- “Not Just Another Delivery: Women’s Maternity
Care Experiences of Provider Client Relationships,” by Megan Aston, Dalhousie; Christine Saulnier, Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia; and Karen Robb, Midwife Practitioner. University of Toronto. https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/24420/1/9.1_aston_etal.pdf - “About the Doula Medicaid Project,” National Health Law Program. https://healthlaw.org/doulamedicaidproject/
- “Welcome to the Equity and Inclusion Division,” Oregon Health Authority. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ei/Pages/index.aspx
- “Birth Doula Salary,” Ziprecruiter. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Birth-Doula-Salary
- “Expanding Access to Doula Care: State of the Union,” Maternal Health Task Force at the Harvard Chan School. Jan. 8, 2020. https://www.mhtf.org/2020/01/08/expanding-access-to-doula-care/
- “Having a Doula – What are the Benefits?” American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
While you don’t need a degree or state license to be a doula, many doulas decide to become certified through an organization like Doulas of North America (DONA) International or the International Doula Institute (IDI). Certification programs can help you learn valuable skills, become a more desirable job candidate, and earn you more money.
Most full-time doulas average four births per month and charge flat fees ranging anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per birth depending on their location and experience.
There are a number of reputable organizations offering online doula certification.
How long it takes to become a doula depends on which online doula certification you choose. Most programs can be completed within three to six months, though some take less time.
Doula certification costs vary widely depending on the program. Costs range from as little as $100 for a basic online certification course on becoming a doula, all the way up to $1,100 for a more comprehensive online certification course from DONA International, a leading doula training organization.