Is virtual doula training as good as in-person?
I’ve trained doulas both ways, and virtual training works just as well when it’s done right. The key is live, interactive sessions rather than pre-recorded videos you watch alone.
My training is conducted live over Zoom. You participate in discussions, practice comfort techniques, ask questions in real time, and connect with other students. I also hold a master’s degree in health professions education, which means I’ve studied how adults learn best and designed the training accordingly.
Virtual training also has practical advantages: no travel costs, no time away from home, and easier childcare logistics since you only need coverage for the training hours themselves.
What if I can’t attend a scheduled session?
The training is designed to be completed in full, and I’m not able to offer makeup sessions or let students shift between class dates. If you know you have a conflict during a specific training window, I’d encourage you to choose a different session that works better with your schedule.
That said, I understand that true emergencies happen. If something unexpected comes up mid-training (illness, a family crisis, a client going into labor), reach out and we’ll talk through your options. But planned events like travel, celebrations, or work commitments aren’t something I can accommodate once training has started.
I keep class sizes small and the experience interactive, which means your presence matters, both for your own learning and for the other students in the room.
How do I get DONA certified after training?
Completing my training gives you the workshop requirement for DONA certification. After that, you’ll need to:
- Attend a minimum number of births as a doula
- Complete required reading
- Submit evaluations from clients and healthcare providers
- Apply to DONA International
I walk you through this process during training and remain available to answer questions as you work toward certification. The alumni community is also a great place to get support from doulas at various stages of the certification journey.
Will certification help me get more clients or work with insurance?
Certification isn’t legally required to work as a doula, but it does open doors. Hospitals and birth centers often prefer or require certified doulas. Some insurance programs, including Tricare and Carrot Fertility, only reimburse for certified doulas.
If you want to work with military families, hospital programs, or employer-sponsored benefits, certification will matter. If you plan to work independently with private clients, it still helps establish credibility with families who are comparing doulas.
How do I find clients after I finish training?
This is where most new doulas struggle, and it’s why I built business support into the training rather than treating it as an afterthought.
During training, you’ll learn how to set your fees, create a services menu, and market yourself effectively. You’ll receive customizable contracts and templates to use with clients. After training, you get a permanent listing on MeetYourDoula.com and access to weekly mentoring sessions where you can ask questions and troubleshoot real situations.
The alumni community is also a resource. Experienced doulas share referrals, answer questions, and offer perspective when you’re figuring things out.
What ongoing support do you provide after training?
This is what I hear most often from graduates: they didn’t expect the support to continue, and it made the difference between building a practice and giving up.
After training, you have:
- Weekly office hours and co-working sessions where you can ask questions, get feedback, and work alongside other doulas
- Lifetime access to the alumni community for peer support, referrals, and continuing education
- A permanent MeetYourDoula.com listing so families can find and contact you
- Ongoing access to me when you have questions or need guidance
I stay invested in my graduates because your success reflects on the training and because I genuinely want to see more doulas build careers that last.
How do I know if I’m ready to become a doula?
You don’t need to have given birth. You don’t need medical experience. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start.
What you do need is a genuine interest in supporting families during birth and a willingness to learn. If you’re drawn to this work but feel uncertain whether you’re “ready enough,” that’s normal. Most of my students feel that way at the beginning. Training is where you build the knowledge and confidence.
What if I have more questions?
Email me at [email protected]. I’m happy to answer specific questions about the training, help you figure out which format works best, or talk through whether this is the right time for you to start.
Ready to get started?
