Cross Certification with Lifespan Doulas Cross certification offers an opportunity for qualified doulas to earn professional certification with us.

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

Did you train with another organization within the past 10 years as a Birth, Postpartum, or End-of-Life Doula? Do you have proof of training?

If your training was over 10 years ago, we offer Birth and Postpartum Doula Refresher Courses & Study Guides (see below).

doula cross certification

3 Simple Steps to Cross-Certification:

#1

Determine whether you meet eligibility requirements for cross-certification below before purchase.

#2

Purchase the Cross Certification of your choice below. Within 24 hours, you will receive access to your certification exam. No refunds will be provided.

#3

After completing all requirements, submit your application. If approved, you will receive your certificate within two weeks.

Who is eligible for cross certification?

Cross Certification is for anyone who completed professional doula training within the past 10 years:

  • With another trainer or organization OR
  • With Patty Brennan prior to May 2021 (Birth/Postpartum Doulas)

What does it cost and what is included in the fee?

Cross Certification fee is $125

  • The certification period is for three years, after which re-certification is required.
  • Certification renewal will require evidence of continuing education and a fee. Details are in process and will be published soon.
  • A Doula Directory listing is included; renewable after the first year.
  • No refunds will be provided once your application is submitted and under review.

Timeline for Application Processing

Our turn-around time to process applications is two weeks. We have been getting many urgent requests to fast track the process due to doulas seeking approval from Carrot. We are simply not able to meet this need at this time. I am truly sorry, but please understand you are not the exception to this policy.

Does my training qualify me as a candidate for Cross Certification?

  • Must be a professional doula training offered by a doula training organization or community-based program (e.g., a Newborn Care Specialist training is not postpartum doula training).
  • The organization must have a website.
  • Formal training must be completed within the last 10 years. Refresher courses are now available for birth and postpartum doulas who trained more than 10 years ago (see below).
  • A minimum length of 16 hours of training is required. Length of training should be noted on certificate or verifiable via training organization's website.
  • Training may consist of an in-person or live online workshop, self-paced online study, or a combination of these.
  • Proof of training must be provided in the form of a certificate of completion that includes the name of the organization, specific training taken, and dates completed.
  • Your certificate(s) must be uploaded with your application (PDF, jpg, or png formats accepted).

Email ce***********@************as.com if you have questions regarding your eligibility before beginning the process. 

Cross Certification Requirements ~ Choose your specialty.

Required for All Specialties

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

Begin the Cross Certification Process Today!

Cross Certification for Birth Doulas

Complete birth doula training and pass certification exam.

  • Your birth doula training must be at least 16 hours in length.
  • A minimum 3 hours of training in Breastfeeding is required.
  • Pass our self-paced online exam with a score of 85% or more.

Read 3 Required 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

Agree to the Scope of Practice

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
Download the Birth Doula Cross Certification Instructions
Purchase Cross Certification ($125)

Cross Certification for Postpartum Doulas

Complete postpartum doula training and pass certification exam.

  • Your postpartum doula training must be at least 16 hours in length.
  • Pass our self-paced online exam with a score of 85% or more.

Read 3 Required 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

Agree to the Scope of Practice

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
Download the Postpartum Doula Cross Certification Instructions
Purchase Cross Certification ($125)

Cross Certification for End-of-Life Doulas

Complete end-of-life doula training and pass certification exam.

  • Your end-of-life doula training must be at least 16 hours in length.
  • Pass our self-paced online exam with a score of 85% or more.

Read 3 Required Books

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

Agree to the Scope of Practice

  • Sign Agreement to Abide by the Doula Scope of Practice.
Download the End-of-Life Doula Certification Instructions
Purchase Cross Certification ($125)

Was your doula training more than 10 years ago?

doula and midwife supporting mom in labor
Purchase Birth Doula Refresher Course & Study Guide ($297)

Birth Doula Refresher Course & Study Guide

This course reviews the fundamentals of being a birth doula including scope of practice, communication skills, preparations for birth, labor support techniques, grief and bereavement support, breastfeeding basics, and more.

  • All online, all self-paced
  • Estimated 17 hours to complete
  • Course fulfills the breastfeeding 3-hour training requirement.
  • To be eligible for Cross Certification, you must still submit proof of having met the training requirements detailed above. This is a refresher course, not a substitute for a full birth doula training.
doula with mom and baby, drawing up a bath
Purchase Postpartum Doula Refresher Course & Study Guide ($297)

Postpartum Doula Refresher Course & Study Guide

This course reviews the fundamentals of being a postpartum doula including scope of practice, communication skills, breastfeeding support skills, healing the new mother, infant care, postpartum mood disorders, grief and bereavement support, and more.

  • All online, all self-paced
  • Estimated 17 hours to complete
  • To be eligible for Cross Certification, you must still submit proof of having met the training requirements detailed above. This is a refresher course, not a substitute for a full postpartum doula training.