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Step 1
If you’re seriously considering becoming a doula, there are a few agencies throughout the U.S. that offer training and certification: DONA International, The International Childbirth Education Association, Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators, and Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association.
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Step 2
Generally training will take about three months and cost anywhere from $400 to $700.
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Step 3
After you have completed doula training, you will then work as an apprentice attending labors. This is definitely a field where hands-on training is necessary.
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Step 4
Another avenue you can take to learn more about becoming a doula is to get in touch with birthing centers in your town or city. This way you can meet with other birthing professionals, ask questions, and learn more about the career.
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Step 5
Keep in mind that doulas need to be on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Due dates are essentially educated guesses. A client can go into labor at any time of the day or night. You need to have the type of schedule that you can drop everything and run if a client is depending on you to help them through labor and delivery.
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Step 6
You also need to be the type of person who can stand up for and speak for your client. You will be working closely with the doctors and nurses during labor and delivery. Your client will depend on you to make sure things go as she planned. Make sure you can deal with the medical staff sternly, yet respectfully.
