Michigan Birth Doula Scholarship Program

With Instructor Patty Brennan

In-person workshop meets in Ann Arbor, Michigan
on May 30–June 1, 2025 (Friday–Sunday, 8:30am–5pm EDT)

Currently, all available scholarships have been awarded for the 2025 training dates. Submitting an application below will place you on our Wait List. When someone cancels, we will offer the scholarship to the next person on the list, in the order of applications received.

Scholarships are funded by the State of Michigan's Doula Initiative through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Eligibility (non-negotiable)

  • Must be a resident of Michigan
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must plan on becoming a Michigan Medicaid doula provider
  • Cannot have already completed a MDHHS-approved birth doula training
  • Not currently listed on the MDHHS Doula Registry as a labor/birth doula
  • Must be available for all hours over the three-day training and complete the full program (no makeups available)

Program Requirements

  • Attend the in-person workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan on May 30-June 1, 2025 (Friday-Sunday, 8:30am-5pm EDT).
  • Complete post-training requirements and register as a birth doula on the MDHHS Doula Registry.

What is included in the scholarship?

  • Participants will receive training at no cost and are eligible for a stipend upon completion of training and post-training requirements which will include approximately four hours of recorded content, Doula Registry approval, and becoming a Medicaid-enrolled doula provider.
  • Snacks, beverages, a continental breakfast, and a catered lunch will be provided each training day.
Michigan birth doula training

What is NOT included in the scholarship?

  • Lodging (for those coming from out of town)
  • Travel expenses
  • Dinner
  • Professional doula certification (see below)

Complete the application below.

You will receive prompt confirmation that we have received your application.

When you become a birth doula, you help parents experience:

  • Reduction in fear & anxiety
  • Shorter length of labor
  • Lower rate of medical interventions in labor, including cesareans
  • More informed decision making
  • Better communication with medical care providers
  • Improved breastfeeding success
  • Enhanced mother-baby bonding & attachment
  • Greater satisfaction with the birth experience
postpartum doula training

Our Birth Doula Training program is for you if ...

You want to become a professional birth doula & open your own practice

You want to provide effective support to a sister, daughter, friend . . .

You want to serve Medicaid-eligible families in your community

You intend to have a career in maternal-infant health & want to gain knowledge & experience in the field

Others naturally turn to you in their time of need (Hint: you are already a doula!)

You feel a calling to birth work & related support services for families

birth doula certification through Lifespan Doulas

Birth Doula Certification (Optional)

  • Certification is optional for doulas.
  • MDHHS does not require certification to be listed on the Doula Registry (but some other third-party reimbursement sources do require it).
  • If professional doula certification is desired, participants will be eligible to become a certified birth doula through Lifespan Doulas for a one-time fee of $125.

Learn about the Birth Doula Cross Certification process and requirements.

Michigan Birth Doula Training Scholarship Application

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