DONA International Certification

DONA International doula certificationAll doula trainings offered at the Center are approved to fulfill professional certification requirements for both birth and postpartum doulas through DONA International. DONA is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious professional doula organization in the world.

Portability

Your DONA International doula certification will be valid and recognized anywhere you go in the world. There is no state-by-state licensure or certification for doulas. As long as you complete your training with a DONA-approved trainer, your training will count towards certification. Patty Brennan has been a DONA-approved birth doula and postpartum doula trainer since 2002.

The Certification Process

There is more to certification than just attending a workshop! Upon completion of your doula training, you will be provided with your Certificates of Attendance. Our DONA Birth Doula Workshop fulfills two certification requirements because it includes the Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class (or childbirth preparation class observation). Our DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop fulfills two certification requirements as well, including the Breastfeeding Basics class observation. All pre-requisites are also met by simply completing the Birth or Postpartum Doula Workshop.

After training, you will need to purchase a certification packet from the Doula Boutique on the DONA website. The packet contains all of the forms you will need to complete the full certification process, including evaluation forms to document your attendance at three births as the primary doula (birth doulas) or three families served (postpartum doulas). In class, we will have a sample packet on hand and review all requirements to ensure that you get all your questions answered regarding the certification process.

Learn more about DONA birth doula certification requirements.

Learn more about DONA postpartum doula certification requirements.

** I do not recommend that you purchase the certification packet prior to the training weekend unless you expect to begin doula work immediately post-training. When you purchase your packet, it will be date stamped and you will have two years from that time to complete all the requirements. In the case where you do not complete the process within this time frame, you would need to purchase a new packet. Since you cannot use doula experience prior to the training as counting towards fulfilling requirements, there is no incentive to put yourself on the timeline till after the workshop. You have a total of four years from the training date to complete the process without having to repeat the training.

You will be certified for three years and recertification is required every three years. To be recertified, doulas must attend/serve a minimum of three families in the three-year period, maintain active membership in DONA, and complete sixteen hours of continuing education.

Costs of Certification

Certification Packet = $50

DONA Membership = $100

Certification Application Fee (to be submitted with all completed forms and documentation) = $110

Benefits of Certification

  • Validates that you have completed a professional training program and mastered basic doula competencies
  • Indicates a high degree of professionalism that many potential customers will value
  • May be required as the country moves toward mainstreaming doulas, including third-party insurance reimbursement for doula services
  • Guarantees a listing in DONA’s online professional doula directory, enabling potential customers to find you (these referrals should cover your out-of-pocket costs related to certification)
  • Quarterly doula journal and e-newsletters will keep you in touch with developments in the profession
  • Discounts on DONA conference fees
  • DONA nametag indicating that you are a certified doula (helpful validation in hospital settings)
  • Builds your resume

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