Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Doula Trainings & Becoming a Doula

Listen to a 10-minute audio version of this information. Q&A

Q: Do I have to become a member of DONA International and purchase the DONA certification packet prior to the training weekend?

A: No. In fact, there are some cost considerations favoring NOT purchasing the packet now and waiting until you are actually ready to start attending the births (or, for postpartum doulas, completing the required postpartum family support hours). DONA date-stamps the packet with the purchase date and then you will have two years to complete the certification packet without having to buy a new packet. This allows DONA to change or add new certification requirements over time. All of the required hands-on experience to meet certification requirements must be done AFTER the training weekend. We will thoroughly review these requirements during the training weekend. Likewise, once certified, you will have to keep your annual DONA membership active in order to stay certified. By joining now, you are stepping up the renewal deadline. While there are many benefits to DONA membership, you do not HAVE to become a member until you are ready to submit your completed certification packet. The only reason to purchase the certification packets prior to the workshop is if you have a birth lined up that is likely to happen soon after the training. You do need to have the packet IN HAND prior to completing the hands-on experience component of certification.

Q: Do you sell DONA certification packets?

A: No, you must purchase the packet from the DONA website’s Doula Boutique.

Q: Do I have to take the Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class prior to taking the Birth Doula Workshop?

A: No. There are two additional options for meeting pre-requisites for birth doula training. These include reading your choice of listed books OR observing a series of childbirth preparation classes that meet DONA requirements. These options are clearly explained on the Birth Doula Workshop page of the website. By completing the pre-requisites, you are also completing a certification requirement. In my opinion, the Intro class is the most cost effective and efficient way of meeting the requirement to observe a qualifying series of childbirth classes. But it is NOT the only way. Please note that it is NOT possible to take the Intro course AFTER the doula workshop as a means of completing this certification requirement.

Q: Are there any doula training scholarships available?

A: The Center provides scholarships to low-income Michigan residents through the Michigan Doula Connection. Scholarships are “paid back” by providing free doula services to five low-income families in your community after completing training.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: If you need this consideration, yes, I will work with you. I require a deposit of $100 up front to hold your spot in a class. You need to submit a proposed payment plan, in writing, that will work for your budget. Your plan should include bi-weekly or monthly payments in a specified dollar amount. Payments can start prior to the training and extend beyond completion of the training. I will approve any reasonable plan. Then, on the first day of training, I will collect post-dated checks from you (or your credit card number to be charged), according to our plan. I will hold each check and deposit on the date it is written for. I will hold back your Certificate of Attendance for the workshop, which you will need as proof of participation for DONA certification purposes, until the last check (or charge payment) clears.

Q: Am I too young or too old to be a doula?

A: I have had women (and a couple of men) between the ages of 16 and 65 take doula training. There are no age restrictions on becoming a doula.

Q: How long does it take to complete the certification requirements?

A: It depends on you! The highly motivated doula could likely complete all requirements within six months of the training. Some requirements can be completed prior to the training. Check on the website for details about the fast-track to doula certification. Most folks, however, take from 12 to 18 months, or longer, depending upon their availability and access to fulfilling the hands-on experiential component.

Q: I am breastfeeding mother. Can I bring my baby to doula training?

A: You may bring a nursing baby 6 months of age and younger to the doula training, with the understanding that you may have to step out of the room if your baby becomes fussy or distracting to other class members. For breastfeeding moms of older babies, a one-hour lunch and two 15-minute breaks are scheduled each day. You can make arrangements to have your baby brought to you. You are also free to pump as needed, either in class or in adjacent private office space.

Q: Can I make a living as a doula?

A: It is unlikely that you would be making a living wage soon after training. Whether or not you are successful depends on so many factors, that I cannot answer this question in a definitive way. In some areas of the state or country, the concept of doulas is not well known and it may take a bit more of a push to get the concept out there and build a sense of value for your role. In most of the larger metropolitan areas, doulas are well accepted and may be able to move more quickly into demanding premium prices for their services. Certainly doula work can supplement a regular family income nicely. And ambitious women, with the commitment to succeed, should be able to put together a successful doula business. We will give you lots of tips and resources for turning doula work into a business at the workshop, but, in the end, a lot will depend upon your overall skill set, your work ethic, and your family’s need for immediate income.

Additional Questions or Concerns?

patty@center4cby.com

734-663-1523

Email is absolutely the best way to get in touch with me. I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays. If you prefer a friendly voice, feel free to call.