Certification

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Certification with Doula School 

As professionals dedicated to excellence and impactful care, we believe that certification has a place in the growth of the doula profession. We also believe that learning is a continuous journey and we’re so happy to invest heavily each month in newsletters, webinars, new courses, program updates and more to serve our alumni. 

When Doula School became an approved vocational school years ago, we undertook that for the benefit of our students. As we expanded internationally and doulas have gained coverage through Medicaid in many American states, we’re reinforced in our beliefs of having a rigorous training program, which includes certification and recertification.

What Makes Us Different

One of the things that makes us unique in the doula world is that our training fees INCLUDE certification. Most organizations charge additional fees for certification and recertification but we think certification can be very valuable and we want to make it easy for people to become certified.

Becoming a certified doula with Doula School signifies more than just completing a training program. It’s about joining a community of compassionate and skilled professionals who are dedicated to supporting families on their unique birth journeys. Here at Doula School when you email or call you will get a prompt reply! You also have access to a team of mentors that are available for you as needed. No other school offers as much free support as we do!

Our Certification Process

Our comprehensive program blends in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. We prioritize flexibility to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules.

Did You Know?….

  • We Have 3 Flexible Learning Options?
    • Self-Directed Online Courses: Study at your own pace with our engaging online modules. Includes access to a “booster” workshop that provides live virtual hands-on skills to help you learn and grow in your practice.
    • Live Virtual OR In-Person Training: Deepen your understanding and connect with fellow students through intensive trainings with our experienced team of instructors. In these options you will do some live and some self-directed learning.
  • We Include Mentorship in ALL our certification courses?
    • Receive personalized guidance from experienced doulas who will support your growth and development.
    • Schedule calls when you have questions, get stuck, need motivation and accountability, or just need personalized help
  • We Have One of the MOST Comprehensive Curriculum in the field
    • Explore the physiological, psychological, and emotional aspects of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum.
    • Master essential skills such as comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and advocacy.
    • Develop a strong foundation in professional ethics, communication, and client care.
    • While doula training is a foundational training that teaches you the basics, we just don’t believe that 16 hours is enough to help you feel prepared to get out there and support clients. So our course is more in-depth with many sections that have foundational content as well as ‘deeper dive’ content so you can learn more if you’re feeling you need a little something else to feel confident.
  • Hands-on Experience:
    • Gain valuable practical experience by supporting clients during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
    • Receive personalized feedback and mentorship to refine your skills.
  • Ongoing Support:
    • Benefit from continued learning opportunities through workshops, webinars, continuing education courses, and online resources.
    • Connect with a supportive community of fellow doulas for ongoing networking and professional development.

Certification Requirements (vary slightly depending on the program you select):

  • Completion of Modules and Workshops: Online modules cover various aspects of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and doula support. Whether you’re taking a live or a self-directed course, our trainings provide hands-on learning and skill-building.
  • Current CPR/First Aid Training: Essential for doulas to be prepared for potential emergencies.
  • Lactation Training: We have one of the best lactation programs, tailored specifically to birth and postpartum doulas.
  • IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control): Crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for clients in home or hospital.
  • Client Supports: Hands-on experience is vital. Programs typically require three client supports to gain practical experience and demonstrate competence.

Why Choose Doula School?

  • Flexibility: Our program is designed to fit your unique learning style and schedule, making it accessible to individuals with diverse commitments.
  • Community: Join a supportive community of fellow doulas who share your passion for women’s health.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced and passionate instructors and mentors who are dedicated to your success.
  • High-Quality Training: Receive comprehensive and up-to-date training that meets the highest standards of excellence.
  • Cost Effective: with our pricing model including certification, recertification, membership ALL IN ONE, your lifetime cost is lower than almost every other program out there.

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What Does Recertification with Doula School Mean?

Recertification with Doula School is more than just a formality; it’s a commitment to ongoing professional growth and providing the highest quality of support to your clients. As the field of birthwork evolves, staying current with the latest research, best practices, and evidence-based information is crucial.

Why is Continuing Education Important?

  • Enhanced Client Care: Continuing education empowers you with the knowledge and skills to provide the most up-to-date and effective support to your clients.
  • Maintain Professionalism: In an increasingly regulated environment, ongoing learning demonstrates a commitment to professional development and client safety.
  • Liability Insurance Requirements: Continuing education is often a requirement for maintaining professional liability insurance, which is essential for protecting both you and your clients.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: As a leading doula training organization, we believe in preparing our graduates for the future of birthwork. Continuing education ensures you remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.

Doula School’s Easy Recertification Process:

We believe in making recertification as easy and stress-free as possible. Our recertification process is required once every THREE years.

  • Simple Requirements: We understand that your time is valuable. That’s why we have realistic and achievable recertification requirements:
    • 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs): We provide a wealth of options, including free webinars, workshops, and alternative options to easily meet this requirement.
    • Current First Aid/CPR Certification: Maintaining current certifications is essential for client safety.
  • Flexibility: Recertification can be completed at your own pace throughout the three year recertification period.
  • No Recertification Fee: We’re committed to supporting our alumni and believe that ongoing education should be accessible.

Simple Process: Recertification is as easy as completing a form to submit your CEU documentation. No lengthy paperwork, no printing, writing out, scanning. Just enter the info and be done with it for the next 3 years!

Continuing Education Opportunities with Doula School

At Doula School, we’re committed to supporting your professional growth. We offer a variety of high-quality continuing education opportunities to keep you updated on the latest research and best practices in birthwork.

Our free monthly webinars, led by experienced doulas and experts, cover a wide range of topics to help you stay informed. For more in-depth learning, explore our comprehensive continuing education programs. These programs delve into advanced doula skills, specialized areas like lactation support, business development, and supporting diverse families.

To immerse yourself in a transformative learning experience, consider joining one of our international retreats. Connect with doulas from around the world, deepen your knowledge and skills, and gain inspiration in a supportive environment.

We’re always evolving and developing new programs to meet your needs and the changing landscape of birthwork. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources to excel in your doula practice.

Expand Your Knowledge with Pre-Approved CEU Providers

At Doula School, we understand the importance of ongoing learning and professional development. In addition to our comprehensive selection of continuing education opportunities, we are happy to provide a list of reputable organizations that offer you a wide range of pre-approved CEU certifications.

Any courses directed towards doulas and childbirth educators from the following organizations are approved. Please note that any course teachings things that are outside of a doula’s scope of practice will not be approved (ie how to read a fetal heart tracing, midwifery assistant course, etc)

Doula School International
Accredited colleges/universities*
Provincial and state doula organizations
Body Ready Method
CAPPA
DONA
Evidence Based Birth
Hypnobabies
International Association of Infant Massage
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiner (IBCLE)
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
Lamaze international
Spinning Babies
The VBAC Link

We encourage you to explore the diverse offerings from our pre-approved providers and discover new ways to enhance your knowledge and skills as a doula. You can also look for trainings offered through Midwifery, Nursing or Public Health colleges and associations. *Approval for any training will be contingent on the topic being within the doula/educator scope.

Not Finding What You’re Looking For?

If you’re interested in a program from an organization not listed here, you can submit a request for Continuing Education Unit Approval through this form

Additionally, Doula School offers alternative ways to fulfill your CEU requirements, including:

  • Becoming certified in another DSI certification (fulfills full CEU requirement)
  • Participating in a DSI international retreat (fulfills full CEU requirement)
  • Writing a blog post or article published on our website or newsletter (1 CEU)
  • Being a guest speaker for a DSI training or webinar (1 CEU)
  • Attending DSI webinars (typically 1 CEU each)
  • Participating in DSI Grand Rounds (1 CEU for attending, 1 CEU for presenting)

Remember, lifelong learning is essential for providing exceptional care to your clients. We’re here to support you on your journey with a variety of high-quality learning opportunities.

Want more information? Download our Recertification Guide or contact us for more details.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=”25″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidXR0b24tY29udGFpbmVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmRvdWxhdHJhaW5pbmcuY2ElMkZ3cC1jb250ZW50JTJGdXBsb2FkcyUyRjIwMjUlMkYwMSUyRmRzLXJlY2VydGlmaWNhdGlvbi1ndWlkZS5wZGYlMjIlMjBjbGFzcyUzRCUyMmN1c3RvbS1idXR0b24tbmV3JTIyJTNFUmVjZXJ0aWZpY2F0aW9uJTIwR3VpZGUlM0MlMkZhJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTBB[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidXR0b24tY29udGFpbmVyJTIyJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmRvdWxhdHJhaW5pbmcuY2ElMkZjb250YWN0JTJGJTIyJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJjdXN0b20tYnV0dG9uLW5ldyUyMiUzRUNvbnRhY3QlMjBVcyUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEE=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1737999290130{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

Ready to Recertify?

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FAQ

[/mk_fancy_title][vc_accordions heading_title=”Frequently Asked Questions:”][vc_accordion_tab title=”How will I know when to recertify?”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1738335621616{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Your graduation date will be written on your certificate as well as your Letter of Completion. Your recertification deadline will be 3 years after your graduation, either June 30th (if you graduated between January and June), or December 31st (if you graduated between July and December). We will also be sending out emails, to notify you of your approaching recertification deadline, however this email may find its way to your promotions or spam folders. If you are unsure, you can email us and we can confirm your deadline. Please also note that if you unsubscribe to our newsletters you won’t receive alumni notifications, including your recertification notices.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”Is there a fee to recertify with Doula School?”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1738335663530{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]No! We know that there are a lot of expenses to maintain your skills and knowledge and we don’t want this process to be another. We do not have plans currently to charge for this process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”What happens if I miss my recertification deadline?”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1738335748866{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Not a problem! We provide you with a grace period of 6 months. All you need to do is purchase a Recertification Extension fee of $25. 

If you’re requesting recertification between 6-12 months after your deadline, you must complete an additional 5 Continuing Education Units along with purchasing the Recertification Extension fee.

If you have passed your recertification deadline by over 1 year, we ask that you complete the Cross Certification program to recertify.

Please note that a Recertification Extension does not extend your next recertification deadline. You will be expected to recertify 3 years after your original deadline date.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/vc_row]