Start Here! Registration Overview ~ Terms & Conditions

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).