Postpartum Doula Training & Certification

Ease the transition for families with a newborn (or two!)

When you become a postpartum doula,
you help the new mother and family ...

  • Heal & get more rest
  • Bond & connect with the new baby
  • Reduce isolation & provide a safety net for moms suffering from postpartum mood disorders
  • Increase breastfeeding success
  • Provide another pair of hands for parents of multiples
  • Grow in confidence as parents
  • Reduce overwhelm & keep the household functioning
  • Adjust & adapt to changing family dynamics
become postpartum doula

Mothering the Mother

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

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

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

You want to volunteer your services to help moms & 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 support new moms, babies & families

BECOME A POSTPARTUM DOULA

Registration &
Frequently Asked Questions

See Registration Overview for details about payment plans, fees for two or more certifications, discounted training bundles, refund policy, and FAQs.

There are two components to your online Postpartum Doula Training:

Step #1
Self-Paced Study Modules
(65 hours)

Enjoy unlimited access to the study materials and complete the course in your own timeframe (no expiration date). Gain access within 24 hours of registering.

See details below.

Step #2
Complete the Postpartum Doula Certification Process

Our streamlined certification process involves additional reading and an exam and is included in the course fee (books are not included). Certification is for life (no ongoing requirements or fees).

See details below.

STEP #1
SELF-PACED STUDY MODULES (65 hours)

The following four courses comprise your online self-paced training. Click on the + sign to see a list of topics covered in each module.

Doula Fundamentals (Estimated 25 hours)

Postpartum Doula Support Skills (Estimated 24 hours)

Breastfeeding Basics & Breastfeeding Support Skills for Doulas (Estimated 16 hours)

Explore Our Online Platform with FREE SAMPLE Lessons

We love the platform that hosts our self-paced study modules and want you to experience first-hand just how user-friendly it is. Check out the free sample lesson below to see for yourself.

Over 3,000 doulas trained!

Dynamic, Expert Training

We employ a proven, dynamic blend of teaching methods that adult learners of all ages find effective and enjoyable.

Study modules include downloadable tools and guides, videos, quizzes, case studies, skill-building exercises, templates for creating your own materials for use with clients, abundant resources, and more.

STEP #2
POSTPARTUM DOULA CERTIFICATION

Postpartum Doula Certification

Our professional and accessible certification process can be completed shortly after training, has no expiration date, and is included in the cost of training (books not included). No ongoing fees to maintain certification! This is a big deal if you are comparing programs. Learn more about doula certification. See the Postpartum Doula Certification Requirements

“I am so glad Lifespan is really accessible. I miss the workshop style I had back in 2016 but this was so much easier now that I’m a parent. It’s also nice to be able to go back over the material. Thank you for making doula work more accessible to low-income people and those with children. I am so glad to be a part of it!”

—Merritt Bankes, Tecumseh, MI

“Patty was very professional, caring, and passionate. I was reassured that becoming a postpartum doula is what I want to do. I was also given great advice for starting my own business. I highly recommend this training and cannot say enough good things about it!”

Leah Segura, Bay City, MI

"The training was extremely informative and enjoyable. I learned lots of tools for working through potentially challenging situations and feel very equipped.”

—Kelli Brien, South Bend, IN

Special Bonus!

Complimentary Directory Listing

A listing in our Postpartum Doula Directory is included in your course fee ($50 value, good for one year). Your year starts when you feel ready to call yourself a doula!

Registration Overview & FAQs

See Registration Overview for details about payment plans, fees for two or more certifications, discounted training bundles, refund policy, and FAQs.

become a doula webinar

Not quite sure? Join our FREE webinar & get your questions answered.

Our Top 5 Questions about Becoming a Doula webinar provides an overview of the role of birth and postpartum, the certification process, your income potential as a doula, how to get started on your path, and more. This session offers an opportunity to spend an hour with the instructor and get your questions answered before making an investment.

By the end of your doula training, you will have ...

hands-open

A deep appreciation for the doula model of care ~ the essence of support

creativity

A brain full of exciting ideas for your doula practice

learning

Access to the best available resources for supporting families as they adjust postpartum

Close,Up,Of,Woman,Hands,Filling,Form,Crossing,Yes,Checkbox

Templates & tools for creating your own practice

What do our students have to say about their learning experience?

Postpartum Doula Training Reviews

“I could not have envisioned a more intelligent and comprehensive training. I learned so much and continue to be so excited about this new path I'm on. I feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with you.”

Kim Manasevit, Brookline, MA

"Love this program! The content in this training is top notch. I am learning new things and refreshing a lot of things I have forgotten about in the last 18 years since my last baby. Cannot wait to get started on this work." 

—Tammy Swetter, Clifford Twp., PA

"Wonderful! Thank you so much for the amazing knowledge shared and the wonderful course you put together. I am so grateful."

—Alexa Rittichier

"Excellent! Very helpful and informative. Self-paced class was easy to use!"

—Laura Gill

What makes us different? Why train with Lifespan Doulas?

Top value at an affordable price! We understand you are searching for the best fit. Here is what we believe to be unique about our program and what we think sets us apart.

Doula Business Development

Your instructor, Patty Brennan, is the author of the top-selling Doula Business Guide: How to Succeed as a Birth, Postpartum or End-of-Life Doula and is an expert at helping folks embrace the creative process of launching a doula practice. Guidance for starting your own doula practice is included in this program.

Instructor Expertise

Patty Brennan has been supporting families in transition for the past 40+ years as a doula, midwife, childbirth educator, and nonprofit founder/executive director of two community-based doula programs. She has trained over 3,000 people to become doulas!