How to Become a Doula: Finding the Right Doula Training
So many doula training programs and pathways exist to become a doula. Finding the right doula training for you will shape your practice, and you can always adjust, taking other doula trainings that refine your practice.
No standard legal requirement for doulas exists in many places. However, formal training and certification can improve your skills and credibility. Becoming fully certified also allows you to bill insurance in some states, including Medicaid and Tricare. This training helps you work better with families during childbirth and after.
When you ask “how to become a doula,” key steps typically include:
Attending a reputable doula training (in-person, online or hybrid)
Learning core knowledge: anatomy/physiology of birth, comfort measures, emotional and educational support, ethics, business basics
Gaining supervised or documented experience supporting clients (births or postpartum)
Meeting additional requirements (reading lists, observation of childbirth classes, breastfeeding or lactation support training)
Applying for certification (if desired) and pursuing continuing education.
In simple terms, "doula training" is your basic education. "How to become a doula" is the complete journey. This includes training, experience, certification, and practice.
With that in mind, below are five of the top training programs you should consider.
1. DONA International (Birth & Postpartum Doula Training)
Overview
DONA International is one of the largest, most established organizations offering standardized doula training and certification.
If you’re asking “how to become a doula” in the most traditional sense, DONA is often cited as a gold standard.
What the training includes
Attend a DONA-approved doula workshop (for birth doulas) as your first step.
To get certified as a birth doula, you must complete a reading list. This includes books and a position paper. You must also observe childbirth education classes.
You must take a lactation or feeding course. You should support three clients or births. Finally, submit your certification packet.
For postpartum doulas, there is a separate certification path under DONA.
Strengths
Recognized widely by hospitals, midwives, and clients → strong professional credibility.
Clear structured pathway for certification and continuing education.
Evidence-based curriculum and many approved trainers around the world.
Things to consider
Costs and requirements can be substantial (reading, observations, time supporting clients).
Certification is optional (you can complete training and not pursue full certification) but certification gives that extra professional edge.
If you prefer an extremely quick “get started” route, DONA’s full certification might feel extensive.
Ideal for you if …
You want a respected credential. You plan to build a serious doula practice. You are ready to commit to all the training and experience steps.
2. Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (BADT)
Overview
BADT is a training organization that values social issues. It offers doula training for all stages, including birth, postpartum, and reproductive support. The designers focus the training on justice and inclusion.
What the training includes
12-week training (online) for Full Spectrum Doula Training covering pregnancy, birth, postpartum, reproductive loss, etc.
Postpartum-specific training is available
Emphasis on culturally inclusive, trauma-informed, socially just support.
Focus is not only on the mechanics of birth but on advocacy, equity, and community health.
Strengths
Unique focus on inclusivity and supporting diverse families and reproductive experiences.
Training is longer (12 weeks), which allows more depth.
Good for doulas wanting to work with broad populations, including queer/trans clients, birth justice, full spectrum.
Things to consider
It may not always get the same recognition as the biggest traditional bodies, but many doulas respect it.
If your goal is purely hospital birth support in a very conventional setting, you may want to compare how hospital systems view BADT vs. other credentials.
The time commitment is more significant (12 weeks) versus shorter workshops.
Ideal for you if …
You are passionate about advocacy, justice in birth work, supporting non-traditional families (LGBTQ+, abortion support, loss support), and want deeper training beyond “just labor support.”
3. CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
Overview
CAPPA is another well-established international organization offering certification in labor doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, lactation, etc.
What the training includes
To become a Certified Labor Doula (CLD) via CAPPA: attend training class, read required books, attend births as doula, pass exams and essays.
Postpartum Doula certification similarly requires supporting multiple families, obtaining evaluations, reading, etc.
Training is offered in person, online, hybrid. Many international options.
Strengths
Long standing organization with broad scope (birth, postpartum, educator, lactation).
Clear step-by-step requirements that include hands-on experience.
Good choice if you want flexibility in format (online vs in-person) and broader postpartum focus.
Things to consider
Because there are many training options, quality may vary; check the specific trainer.
As with any certification, you’ll still need to build your practice beyond training.
If you prefer the most recognized “birth doula” brand, you’ll want to compare CAPPA vs. others regionally.
Ideal for you if …
You want a flexible training path, might work postpartum as well as birth, or you value international/in-online access, and you want a solid organizational credential.
4. ProDoula
Overview
ProDoula is a newer but rapidly growing training and certification organization for labor, postpartum, infant care, business of doula work.
What the training includes
Labor Doula Training: 2-day (around 20 hour) intensive covering practical skills, business, communication.
Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Training: 20 hour workshop covering newborn care, infant feeding, postpartum support, business skills.
Certification levels: Pre-Certified, Certified, Certified Elite, built to step you through practice + credentialing.
Strengths
Training is shorter and very practical — good for getting your feet in the door and starting.
Also focuses on the business side of being a doula (marketing, contracts, business forms) which is often under-emphasized.
Good for someone who wants a “fast track” into offering services and doesn’t necessarily need the longest training format.
Things to consider
You may have less training time. Take the chance to gain experience. Improve your skills with ongoing education.
Check how local clients and hospitals view certification. Make sure your credential meets the expectations of your area.
Shorter training might mean less depth in certain areas (trauma, reproductive justice, etc.) compared to longer programs.
Ideal for you if …
You want to start doula work soon. You value practical business skills. You are more focused on starting your practice than on deep training.
5. (Honourable mention) Other Specialized / Niche Doula Trainings
While the four organizations mentioned are important, there are many other programs available. When you search for “doula training” or “how to become a doula,” you will find specialized training. These include full-spectrum abortion support doulas, loss doulas, and training for twins or multiples. You can also find local certified doula workshops.
When choosing your training, ask:
Is the training approved or recognized by a certifying organization?
Does it cover the core competencies of doula support (physical/emotional/informational support in pregnancy/birth/postpartum)?
Does it include hands-on practice, real client experience or simulation?
Does it offer business/ethical scope training so you can run your practice?
Does it align with your own values (i.e., inclusive care, justice-oriented, specialized populations)?
Does it meet any local/regional credentialing or insurance reimbursement requirements (important if you plan to bill Medicaid or hospital systems)
How to Choose the Right Doula Training + How to Become a Doula
Here are some actionable steps and questions to guide your decision.
Step 1: Clarify your goal
Do you want to primarily support birth labor and delivery, or postpartum (newborn/family) work, or both?
Do you want to work in hospitals, home births, birth centers, or community care?
What population do you want to serve (general, underserved communities, LGBTQ+, full-spectrum, etc.)?
These clarify which training format and organization will suit you best.
Step 2: Compare training programs
Length: A 2-day workshop vs a 12-week deep dive.
Format: Online, in-person, hybrid.
Content: Is there comfort measure skills, business training, ethics, trauma-informed care?
Certification: Does the organization offer a clear path to certification (e.g., for DONA, CAPPA)?
Cost and time: Factor in reading list, client support hours, certification fees.
Recognition: How is the credential viewed locally (by clients, hospitals, insurers)?
Step 3: Attend your training and do the work
Complete the workshop/training.
Start supporting clients (births or postpartum) as part of certification requirements or practice building.
Complete reading lists, evaluations, and observations as required by your cert body (e.g., DONA requires childbirth class observation).
Maintain your professional membership and pursue continuing education (important for recertification and staying current).
Step 4: Launch your practice
Build your doula services offerings (contracts, pricing, marketing).
Develop your referral network (midwives, OBs, birth centres).
Continue learning and growing (specialize, broaden your skills, perhaps join advanced trainings).
If you plan to serve Medicaid or hospital-reimbursed clients, ensure you meet any local credential or training criteria.
Summary: The Path of “How to Become a Doula” via “Doula Training”
If you’re asking the questions “doula training” and “how to become a doula,” here’s your simplified summary:
Pick your training: Choose one of the strong programs (DONA, BADT, CAPPA, ProDoula) based on your goals.
Complete the training + certification requirements: Attend, learn, support clients, submit forms.
Build your practice: Leverage your credentials, network, and business skills.
Continue to grow: Ongoing education, specialization, staying aligned with your values and community.
Any one of the programs above can launch you into a fulfilling career as a doula. The key is to match your desired role (birth, postpartum, or full-spectrum) with your values.
Consider your values like justice, work, and inclusive practice. Also, think about your practical reality, such as time, format, and cost. This will help you find the right training.
Final Thoughts
Training as a doula is both an educational path and a personal vocation. The best programs teach skills and prepare you to support families. This support is important during a major life change.
As you look at doula training options and plan to become a doula, keep this in mind: the credential is just one part. What truly defines you is how you support your clients. It’s about honoring their experiences and building trust, skill, and empathy in your work.
