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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Health Science cluster Therapeutic Services pathway.

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Additional Information

Doulas aren't licensed and college schooling isn't required. The only prerequisites are compassion and a genuine concern for women and the birth experience. Many choose to go through training with DONA International, a certifying body with high standards of practice as well as a code of ethics. To become a certified birth doula, you must:

  • Attend a DONA-approved birth doula workshop (16 or more hours in length)
  • Read five books from the required reading list
  • Buy a birth doula certification packet
  • Complete training in childbirth education or midwifery, have work experience in labor and delivery as a registered nurse, or observe a 12-hour childbirth preparation series
  • Prove that you completed lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or community breastfeeding educator training, or prove that you participated in a breastfeeding workshop offered to birth and post-partum related professionals.
  • Provide doula service to at least three clients
  • Document the three births
  • Provide good evaluations of your doula service from at least three clients
  • Read and sign the DONA International Code of Ethics and the DONA International Standards of Practice
  • Provide two character references
  • Write an essay on the value and purpose of labor support
  • Pay the certification processing fee
  • Be a current member of DONA International
  • Maintain membership with DONA International

Some doulas are also childbirth educators and have additional training in the area. Since being a doula is more of a part-time undertaking rather than a full-time profession, many supplement their income by teaching childbirth education classes.

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.