ChildLight Doula Training Program

Our Virtual, Self-Paced Program Includes:

• Lessons in various formats (videos, audio recordings, reading, reflection)
• Assignments at the conclusion of each lesson
• Mentorship support from your instructors and Certified Doulas, Sally & Megan
• Optional certification process

Lesson Topics:

• History, Scope of Practice, and the Role of a Doula
• Stages of Pregnancy through Birth
• Prenatal and Postnatal Nutrition
• Birth preparation – Before, during and after
• Decisions for Baby’s Arrival
• The Business Side of Being a Doula

Successful Completion of this Doula Training Requires You to:

• View all videos and read all articles (within lessons)
• Complete required reading list (Two books in Lesson 1, “Reading List”)
• Submit all Lesson Assignments (links at the end of each lesson)
• Attend a minimum of three births & submit support reflections + a minimum of two client testimonials

1. Understand the multitude of physical, mental, emotional, social, and educational support that doulas can provide.
2. Implement this support for pregnant people and their birth team from a lens of accurate, unbiased knowledge and compassionate care.
3. Create a safe and inclusive environment for all clients, regardless of their age, sex, race, identifications, and birth preferences.
4. Effectively utilize comfort measures and labor progression techniques to meet your client’s needs.
5. Become a practicing, Certified Birth Doula (CD).

$249 for lifetime access to all training materials

Register with a purchase order here.

Participants must complete all lessons, homework assignments, and a birth certification packet. Candidates who successfully complete the certification process will be listed as a ChildLight Certified Doula on our website. Recertification is required every three years and includes submitting proof of attending three births -OR- attending five hours of pre-approved continuing education courses through ChildLight’s list of CE offerings.

Once certified, don’t forget to sign up with DoulaMatch.net! We are listed on their site as a trusted doula certification program. Our certified doulas are connected with many of their clients through DoulaMatch!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Certified Birth Doula (CD)?
A certified birth doula has completed a training & certification program that prepares them to be present with a pregnant person in labor to provide emotional, physical, and educational support by way of massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. Doulas do NOT perform clinical tasks or speak directly to health care providers.

What are the steps to becoming a certified doula?
Take a training course (like this one!)
Complete the training’s certification requirements

How much money can doulas earn?
Income will vary greatly according to where you practice as a doula. A doula in New York City will make considerably more per month than a doula in a rural area. If you are planning to work as a full-time doula, we suggest looking at what other doulas charge for a basic birth package in your area and then multiply that number by 3-5 births per month.

Who can be a doula?
Anyone can be a doula. Individuals of all ages and identifications are welcome in our training. You do not have to be a nurse to be a doula.

How long does it take to become a doula?
All doula training programs are different. ChildLight’s Doula Training will take anywhere from 10-20 hours to complete depending on how much time you put into your personal research and homework assignments. Outside of completing the self-paced lessons and homework, we require that you work with three pregnant people as their doula for at least one prenatal meeting and attend their births. After you submit your certification packet, which includes feedback on the details of your experience at each birth, we have up to five weeks to grade it and send you your certificate.

What education is needed to be a doula?
At this time in the US, there are no educational requirements in place to become a doula. You do not need a high school diploma or college degree. The only education we strongly recommend is a well-rounded doula training program (like ours!).

Do I need to be a certified doula?
At this time, no state within the US requires practicing doulas to be certified. However, a doula training program is an important step in the journey for those who wish to support their clients successfully.

Do I need a license to work as a doula?
At this time, no state within the US requires practicing doulas to have a license.

Where can I work as a doula?
Anywhere people are giving birth! Hospitals are a great place to support clients since that is where people are most likely to be presented with interventions. Some doulas work exclusively in homebirth settings and/or birthing centers. Doulas with extra specialties like teaching prenatal yoga, lactation consultations, reflexology, chiropractors, PTs, etc., may also work within community organizations, doctor’s offices, studios, and more!

What is a typical doula’s schedule?
Doulas can schedule prenatal meetings and postpartum visits in advance, but otherwise, they live a life of being “on-call” for their clients. Typically, the on-call window is two weeks prior to a client’s estimated due date and two weeks after that EDD. Most doulas start off as independent contractors/entrepreneurs of their own doula business, but some are employed by hospitals, birth centers and places that specialize in pregnancy and postpartum services. Doulas can work together as a team of doulas for backup support while on call.

What is the difference between Birth Doulas & Postpartum Doulas?
A birth doula focuses on prenatal and birth support, whereas a postpartum doula supports families after a baby is born. Postpartum doulas may help their clients with breastfeeding, offer resources for recovery from birth, provide baby care tips, emotional support, and more. Birth doulas are “on-call” and postpartum doulas schedule their services in advance.

Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
Yoga for Babies & Toddlers Teacher Training
eLearning – ChildLight’s Online Courses!

“My son was born about 33 hours after my water broke. I am so thankful that my partner and I worked with Megan as our doula. I can’t imagine having to go through those two days without her. She was an invaluable source of comfort, guidance and reassurance.” ~ Laini A.

“I am so blessed to have had Sally as my Doula. Initially, I was very hesitant, As I was never really aware of what a doula does and I didn’t use one for my first two children. Once I decided to do a VBAC after having two c-sections and being 40 I knew I couldn’t do it without a Doula. Sally really made it all happen with providing me with great education prior to delivery and continuing postpartum.” – Karen D.

“Megan’s knowledge, support, and guidance throughout my pregnancy and labor is solely responsible for my amazingly positive and meaningful birth experience. Her total investment in my pregnancy was evident from the moment we met to welcoming my daughter and beyond.” – Kelly P.

“If you’re looking for a calming presence to see you through the birth process, Sally is the perfect choice! Sally worked with me through my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and even offered postpartum support. She is honest, direct, and supportive.”  – Amber L.

“Megan was incredible. She worked with us before the birth to help us make all of the decisions (I had no idea there were so many!) and create our ideal birth plan. I felt very prepared and calm leading up to my birth because of this. My birth went amazingly well and I am so grateful to Megan for the role she played in that.” – Rachel A.

“Sally was a wonderful help with our first pregnancy and delivery. Highly recommend her. She’s responsive, research-driven, and genuinely cares for the people she works with.” – Lynn M.