Start Here!
Registration Overview ~ Terms & Conditions
Course Fees
Three options, depending on your goals …
Invest in a Single Doula Training & Certification Program
See details below.
$797 full price OR
$297 deposit + 5 monthly pymts of $110 each
Add a 2nd or 3rd Doula Training & Certification Program
See details below.
$497 full price OR
5 monthly pymts of $110 each
Invest in Our Doula Business Builder Training Packages
See details below.
Purchase your choice of one, two, or all three doula specialty training programs. Add business development training and mentoring, and save 20% on your total investment.
Single Doula Training Programs
3 Doula Specialties ~ Choose one to get started!
Register Now
BIRTH DOULA TRAINING
$797 (full price) or
$297 deposit +5 pymts of $110
Register Now
POSTPARTUM DOULA TRAINING
$797 (full price) or
$297 deposit +5 pymts of $110
Register Now
END-OF-LIFE DOULA TRAINING
$797 (full price) or
$297 deposit +5 pymts of $110
Add an Additional Doula Specialty (or Two!)
Many doulas choose to diversify their services as they build robust doula businesses. With our program, it’s easy to combine two or three doula certifications.
Add a specialty for $497.
Register Now
Add
BIRTH DOULA TRAINING
$497 (full price) or
5 pymts of $110 each
Register Now
Add
POSTPARTUM DOULA TRAINING
$497 (full price) or
5 pymts of $110
Register Now
Add
END-OF-LIFE DOULA TRAINING
$497 (full price) or
5 pymts of $110 each
Doula Business Builder Training Bundles
Are you serious about earning income as a doula?
Do you need expert guidance on the business aspects of doula work?
Choose the training bundle that best fits your goals and save 20%!
Learn more about the components of our Doula Business Builder Training Bundles. These discounted packages deliver our best value on your investment. Choose one, two, or three certification programs. Plus training and mentoring in how to put it all together into a life-changing, successful doula business.
BASIC
Doula Business Builder Bundle
$1097
or PAYMENT PLAN:
$297 deposit + 8 pymts of $105
-
Your choice of training & certification program (Birth, Postpartum, End-of-Life)
-
The Doula Business Guide & Workbook
-
Doula Business Guide Online Training
-
A one-hour private mentoring session with Patty Brennan
-
One Lifespan Directory listing (one year free)
REGISTER NOW
DELUXE
Doula Business Builder Bundle
$1997
or PAYMENT PLAN:
$497 deposit + 12 pymts of $135
-
Birth Doula Training & Certification
-
Postpartum Doula Training & Certification
-
End-of-Life Doula Training & Certification
-
The Doula Business Guide & Workbook
-
Doula Business Guide Online Training
-
A one-hour private mentoring session with Patty Brennan
-
3 Lifespan Directory listings (one year free)
REGISTER NOW
CORE
Doula Business Builder Package
$1547
or PAYMENT PLAN:
$397 deposit +10 pymts of $125
-
Your choice of any two training & certification programs (Birth, Postpartum, End-of-Life)
-
The Doula Business Guide & Workbook
-
Doula Business Guide Online Training
-
A one-hour private mentoring session with Patty Brennan
-
Two Lifespan Directory listings (one year free)
REGISTER NOW
Components of the Training Programs
Each doula training specialty is estimated to take 65 hours of self-paced study. There is some overlap in course requirements as the Doula Fundamentals course covers essential skills for ALL doulas. And the Breastfeeding Basics course is required for both birth and postpartum doulas.
Birth Doula Modules
-
Doula Fundamentals (25 hours)
-
Childbirth Education Basics (16 hours)
-
Birth Doula Support Skill (16 hours)
-
Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas (8 hours)
Postpartum Doula Modules
-
Doula Fundamentals (25 hours)
-
Postpartum Doula Support Skills (24 hours)
-
Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas (8 hours)
-
Breastfeeding Support Skills for Doulas (8 hours)
End-of-Life Doula Modules
-
Doula Fundamentals (25 hours)
-
End-of-Life Doula Support Skills (40 hours)
Folks who are exclusively interested in becoming an EOLD will be given access to training materials that integrate the Doula Fundamentals and EOLD Support Skills modules into one course.
How do payment plans work?
Payment plans are offered for most trainings. A deposit is required, followed by monthly payments. A small financing/administrative fee ($5-10 per month) is part of the monthly payment amount. The payments will automatically re-charge to the same credit card monthly until paid in full. Provided your payments are up to date, you will be able to complete the training and certification process. However, we will hold back proof of certification until your balance is paid in full. Additionally, we may remove access to training materials for missed payments (especially when there is lack of communication regarding the reason). Please read all the Q&A regarding payment plans below before choosing this option.
Q: Does the payment plan have to be paid off before I start my training?
Expand
No. Simply make your first payment and we will provide access to the online classroom.
Q: Can I change the date withdrawals are made from my account?
Expand
Yes. The system will automate withdrawal dates based on the date you make your initial purchase. For example, if you place the deposit on the 12th of the month, then the default withdrawal date will be the 12th of subsequent months until paid in full.
To change your withdrawal date or payment amounts, or pay off your balance, simply email Pa***@************as.com. You can also change the credit/debit card used by contacting Patty.
Q: Can I pay off my balance early?
Expand
Yes. Simply email pa***@************as.com and let me know you want to pay off your balance. You will only be charged the admin fee for the months you made payments. There is no penalty for early payoff. In fact, you will save money!
Q: What if I can’t afford the deposit amount or need smaller monthly payments?
Expand
I am open to negotiating this with you on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to Pa***@************as.com with a proposed alternate payment plan. I prefer these negotiations to be done in writing so that it is easy for me to track our agreement. It is my intention to make doula training accessible. Please consider what is realistic for you and then propose your plan to me.
Refund Policy
A full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee is available up to one week after the date of purchase. After one week OR if you have accessed more than 5% of the self-paced program materials, there are no refunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have access to the self-paced training modules?
Expand
There is no expiration date on the self-paced training modules. If life circumstances cause a change in your priorities, you will always be free to circle back to your training when you are ready.
What is the least expensive way to complete training & certification?
Expand
You will save money if you can pay in full at the time of registration. Payment plans cost more. For example, a single training costs $797 full price. With a payment plan, your price is $847.
If you want additional guidance and support for developing a doula business, including copies of Patty Brennan’s Doula Business Guide and Workbook, check out our discounted Doula Business Builder Training Bundles and save 20%!
For certification, the only additional cost is in purchasing the required books. You do not need to buy all the books. Some might be available from your local library or inter-library loan system. You can also put in a request for the library to purchase the required books for you. Or try looking for used copies, sharing with a friend, etc.
Is certification required to work as a doula?
Expand
For the most part, no. Doulas are unregulated service providers in most states. Exceptions may include states where Medicaid reimbursement for birth doula services is in effect or in the process of being implemented. In this case, each state determines the requirements for participation in the program. Some states require completion of an approved doula training program, but not certification. This is all very fluid right now. Doulas retain the option to not participate in the Medicaid reimbursement process and focus on private-pay only clients.
Most doulas are self-employed and can decide for themselves whether they choose to certify. However, if you are seeking employment from a doula agency or program (hospital or community based), certification may be required. In addition, a growing number of third-party reimbursement options are opening for birth and postpartum doulas which may require certification (e.g., employer-sponsored Carrot benefits).
How long does it take to complete certification requirements?
Expand
The self-paced modules are just that, so it depends on the pace you set for yourself. Estimated hours are included on the training pages. Once you complete all the training components, you are eligible to sit for the exam. Each certification has reading requirements as well, which can be undertaken at your own pace. Essentially, it’s up to you!
What is the certification exam like?
Expand
The certification exam is online, open-book, and self-paced on the Thinkific learning platform. Exam questions are in a multiple choice or true/false format. A passing grade of 85% is required. The exam is untimed, meaning it does not need to be completed in one sitting. The exam can be taken as many times as necessary to pass.
Do you help find job placements for doulas after training?
Expand
No. There are not many ready-made jobs for doulas to step into as most doulas are self-employed. You can do a search to see if there are any doula agencies in your service area that are looking to hire doulas as independent contractors. In addition, there are a growing number of doula programs serving families. These may be hospital or hospice-based programs in addition to community-based programs.
We do provide guidance for how to get started and start making connections once your training is complete. Additional training in small business set-up and development is offered, as well as Directory listings. Our Facebook groups promote professional networking with other doulas and occasionally jobs are posted in our online communities.
For end-of-life doulas, we offering ongoing connection through our Membership program and bi-monthly continuing education webinars.
Can I make a living as a doula?
Expand
Most doulas are self-employed. It is unlikely you will be making a living wage soon after training as a doula. Whether or not you are successful depends on so many factors that I cannot answer this question definitively. In some areas, the concept of doulas- especially end-of-life doulas-is not well known, and it may take a bit more of a push to build a sense of value for your role. In most of the larger metropolitan areas in the U.S., doulas are well accepted and may be able to move more quickly into demanding premium prices for their services.
Doula work can supplement a regular family income nicely. And ambitious doulas, with determination and persistence, should be able to grow a successful doula business. Lifespan Doulas offers business development support and guidance to help you turn doula work into a sustainable business.
A more recent trend in the birth and postpartum doula world is the emergence of a growing number of doula agencies. It is possible that you could find work with a doula agency shortly after training and begin earning sooner rather than later. In addition, a growing number of hospitals are hiring birth doulas.
Most end-of-life doulas are self-employed, however, some hospices and home health care agencies are beginning to hire end-of-life doulas.
Is mentoring available?
Expand
A one-on-one mentoring session with Patty Brennan on Zoom is included in the Doula Business Builder Training Bundles and can be purchased separately, as needed. Typically, these sessions focus on setting goals and creating a plan for moving forward as a doula after training is complete.
Can I shadow another doula?
Expand
The short answer is “No” but there may be exceptions. Most practicing doulas are uncomfortable inviting an inexperienced doula whom they don’t know to their clients’ intimate family moments. They may assume that to do so would be a violation of the client’s privacy. They might rightfully question the added value that the “shadow doula” brings from the client’s perspective. For this reason, it really isn’t done, though some doulas may feel comfortable incorporating an unpaid helper into their practices. It might be a bit easier to find a postpartum doula whose client would benefit from yet another pair of hands in the home (e.g., to help with multiples). You can always ask, but be aware that agreeing to mentor someone is more work, not less, for the doula mentor and there is little incentive for her/him to do so.
I encourage new doulas to trust themselves, summon their courage, and jump in the deep end after training. You will find a way to be a comfort to the family you are serving even (especially?) if it is your first client. Your clients will always be your greatest teacher.
Do I need a medical background to become a doula?
Expand
You do not need a medical or science background to become a doula. Doulas focus on providing emotional, informational, and logistical support, as well as hands-on comfort measures for the families they serve. Doulas are strictly non-medical. While some folks who are drawn to doula training may very well be medical and/or hospice professionals, clinical expertise is not required. Many folks take doula training because they simply want to be better prepared to help a family member or friend.
Am I “too young” or “too old” to be a doula?
Expand
There are no age restrictions on becoming a doula. However, some community or hospital-based doula programs or agency owners may set a minimum age of 18 for participation. Lifespan Doulas requires certified doulas to be at least 18 years old. Women and men of all ages are welcome!
I have never had a baby myself. Is that an obstacle to becoming a birth doula?
Expand
No. Approximately one third of the folks who have taken my birth and postpartum doula trainings over the past 25 years have never had a baby. It is not at all unusual and has not proven to be an obstacle to working as a doula.
What if someone is in hospice care? How does a doula fit in?
Expand
The end-of-life doula does not replace the hospice team but rather complements it. As anyone who has had hospice care at home knows, the interdisciplinary hospice team of doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, aides, and volunteers does their best to provide guidance and help to the dying person and their family. However, the hospice team’s time is limited and many families need help when hospice can’t be there. The doula, on the other hand, can be present to stay for as long as the family desires, to connect with all family members, and to companion them through the process.
We have created the How End-of-Life Doulas & Hospice Overlap chart that shows at a glance how the doula complements hospice services (and where the gaps are).
Additional Questions or Concerns?
You are welcome to reach out!
Email:
Pa***@************as.com is the best way to get in touch with me for a fast response.
Call:
Call 734-663-1523. If you prefer a friendly voice, I am happy to speak with you. If I’m not able to pick up, please leave a message and I’ll call you back, typically within 24 hours on weekdays. It helps the call-back process if you leave some times that are good to reach you and let me know what time zone you are in. We are on Eastern Time.
