Start Here ~ Overview

doula trainingTraining Location

Center for the Childbearing Year
722 Brooks St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

  • Free street parking in residential neighborhood
  • We are about 1 mile west of downtown Ann Arbor.

Take a short video tour.

doula trainingCost of Doula Training

  • Early Bird pricing. Save ~10% when you pay in full by the deadline date listed (one month prior to workshop start date).
  • Training Packages. Two discounted training packages are offered to help you meet DONA International certification requirements: (1) DONA Birth Doula Special Package (includes Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas class) and (2) Our Doula Business Builder Deluxe Package (for those wanting both Birth and Postpartum Doula Training with business development training and supports included!).
  • View Prices for individual trainings and packages.
  • Payment plans available (inquiries to patty@center4cby.com)
  • Refund Policy

doula training2019 Training Schedule

DONA Birth Doula Workshop

Friday & Saturday 8:30am-6pm and Sunday 8:30am-5pm

  • February 22-24
  • April 26-28
  • June 21-23
  • September 20-22
  • November 22-24

Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas

Thursday 6-9:15pm

  • February 21
  • April 25
  • September 19
  • November 21

DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop

Friday-Saturday 8:30am-6pm and Sunday 8:30am-4pm

  • March 21-24
  • May 30-June 2
  • October 17-20

Doula Business Development Workshop

Saturday 8:30am-5pm

  • April 13
  • July 20
  • December 14

What’s included in the doula workshop registration fee?

  • Continental breakfast each day (selection of sweet breads, whole grain bread, peanut butter and jam, yogurt and fruit, trail mix, granola, instant oatmeal, fresh fruits, etc.)
  • Snacks, coffee, tea throughout the day
  • Training Manuals ~ A goldmine of resources for in-class use and home study
  • DONA pre-requisite class

Not included:

  • Lunch and dinner. You can bring lunch with you, go out or order in. A microwave and refrigerator are available for your use as well as an outdoor back patio when the weather is nice.
  • Accommodations. More information.
  • DONA International certification fees and membership. More information.

doula training

Training Pre-Requisites

Access to all materials will be provided after registration.

Birth Doula Workshop
(~4 hours total)

  • Read DONA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for Birth Doulas.
  • Review DONA certification requirements for birth doulas.
  • Complete online class at your own pace (Navigating the Medical Setting).
  • Complete two self-reflection tools.

Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas (none)

Postpartum Doula Workshop (~.5 hours)

  • Read DONA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for Postpartum Doulas.
  • Review DONA certification requirements for postpartum doulas.
  • Complete a self-reflection tool.

Doula Business Development Workshop (~1 hour)

  • Complete a self-assessment tool.

Classroom Experience

The instructor, Patty Brennan, is an adult education specialist with 35 years’ teaching experience. The interactive classroom experience includes a blend of discussion, partner and small group exercises, lecture, PowerPoint presentation, videos, role plays, case studies, brainstorming, personal reflection, hands-on skills practice (lots of this!), and more. Class size typically averages 16-20 participants with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 24. The Center has a cozy livingroom-style teaching space with couches and chairs, floor cushions, bolsters and birth balls. We are an informal crowd and recommend you come dressed for comfort and some floor activity.

Take a short video tour.

doula trainingPost-Training Support

  • Monthly professional e-newsletter highlights continuing education opportunities, cutting-edge developments in the field, resources, networking opportunities, business tips and more
  • Access to doula support groups on Facebook

doula trainingTop 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula

Monthly free webinar with Patty Brennan for more general questions about the role of birth and postpartum doulas, the DONA certification process, your income potential as a doula, how to get started on your path and more. Pre-register for our next webinar.

Frequently Asked Questions

If all your questions have not been answered here, see our FAQs for a few more. You can also email patty@center4cby.com or call 734-663-1523.