Doula Certification Earn Professional Doula Certification with Lifespan Doulas

Certification Essentials

  • Certification is included in the training fee (no ongoing fees).
  • Lifetime certification is granted (no renewal required).
  • Payment plans must be paid in full before Certificate will be issued.

Credentials Earned

  • CBD (Certified Birth Doula)
  • CPD (Certified Postpartum Doula)
  • CEOLD (Certified End-of-Life Doula)

Timeline for Application Processing

Our normal turn-around time to process applications is two weeks. We have been getting many requests to urgently fast track the process and are now charging an additional fee for this option, with a promised turn-around time of 48 hours Monday through Friday.

Purchase Expedited Application
$50

Our certification is accepted by Carrot (fertility benefits reimbursing for birth and postpartum doula services).

Doula Certification Requirements

Required for All Specialties

  • Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalency, or higher education.

Birth Doula Certification

Complete the four self-paced study modules.

  • Doula Fundamentals
  • Childbirth Education Basics
  • Birth Doula Support Skills
  • Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas

Read three books.

  • The Birth Partner, 5th Edition, by Penny Simkin
  • Natural Hospital Birth, 2nd Edition, by Cynthia Gabriel
  • The Doula Business Guide, 4th Edition, by Patty Brennan

+ Two More Steps

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
  • Pass the online certification exam.
Download Birth Doula Certification Instructions

Postpartum Doula Certification

Complete the four self-paced study modules.

  • Doula Fundamentals
  • Postpartum Doula Support Skills
  • Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas
  • Breastfeeding Support Skills for Doulas

Read three books.

  • Depression in New Mothers, 3rd Edition, by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
  • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 8th Edition revised, by Wiessinger, West, and Pitman
  • The Doula Business Guide, 4th Edition, by Patty Brennan

+ Two More Steps

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
  • Pass the online certification exam.
Download Postpartum Doula Certification Instructions

End-of-Life Doula Certification

Complete the self-paced study modules.

  • Become an End-of-Life Doula (combination of Doula Fundamentals and EOLD Basics) OR
  • Doula Fundamentals AND
  • End-of-Life Doula Support Skills

Read three books.

  • Accompanying the Dying, by Deanna Cochran
  • Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande
  • Stepping Stones, by Ellie Atherton

+ Two More Steps

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
  • Pass the online certification exam.
Download End-of-Life Doula Certification Instructions