Starting your journey as a birth doula is an exciting step, but you might have a lot of questions—and that’s okay! This FAQ is here to guide you through the most common questions about becoming a doula, my training program, and what to expect along the way.

Whether you’re wondering how long training takes, how to find your first clients, or what makes virtual doula training so effective, you’ll find the answers here. And if you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help you start your journey with confidence and support.

General Questions About Doula Training

• What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is someone trained to support you during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Think of a doula as your personal guide—offering encouragement, comfort, and information when you need it most. While a doula doesn’t provide medical care, they work alongside your healthcare team to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way. Whether you’re aiming for a natural birth or planning for other options, a doula helps create a calmer, more positive birth experience.

• How long is doula training?

Doula training typically takes between 16 and 40 hours, depending on the program you choose. At Learn to Be a Doula, I offer two flexible options: a 3-day intensive workshop for those who want to dive in and get started quickly, or a program spread out over several weeks for those who prefer a more paced approach. After completing your training, there are additional steps like attending births or meeting certification requirements, but I’ll guide you every step of the way. My goal is to make training accessible and tailored to your schedule!

• How much does doula training cost?

The cost of doula training can vary depending on the program and what’s included. At Learn to Be a Doula, my training programs range from $595-635 and include everything you need to get started, like workshop materials, access to ongoing support, and guidance through the certification process. While doula training is an investment, it’s one that opens the door to a meaningful and rewarding career. Plus, if you’re a military spouse, you may qualify for MYCAA funding to help cover the cost!

• Do I need certification to be a doula?

No, you don’t technically need certification to work as a doula, but it’s highly recommended! Certification shows potential clients and healthcare providers that you’ve completed professional training and are prepared to provide exceptional support. Being certified can also open doors to opportunities, like working with organizations or accepting insurance payments, including TRICARE for military families. At Learn to Be a Doula, I guide you through every step of the certification process, making it simple and achievable. Certification helps you stand out and grow a successful doula business.

• What does a birth doula do?

A birth doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Think of a doula as your guide and advocate during this incredible journey. They help you feel confident by providing education, assisting with comfort measures like massage and breathing techniques, and supporting your decisions every step of the way. Doulas also advocate for your preferences during labor, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are respected. While they don’t provide medical care, doulas work alongside your healthcare team to help create a positive and empowering birth experience tailored to your goals.

• Can I become a doula with no prior experience?

Absulutely! You don’t need any prior experience—or even to have had a baby yourself—to become a doula. What matters most is your passion for supporting families and your willingness to learn. At Learn to Be a Doula, I teach you everything you need to know, from understanding the birth process to providing emotional and physical support during labor. Many of the best doulas started with no experience and found their calling through training and hands-on practice. If you’re ready to make a difference, you can start your journey today!

• What are the requirements to become a birth doula?

To become a birth doula, you’ll need to complete professional training that covers the essentials, like the stages of labor, comfort measures, and how to support families emotionally and physically. While certification isn’t required, it’s highly recommended because it shows you’ve met professional standards and can increase your opportunities to work with clients or organizations.

At Learn to Be a Doula, I don’t just teach you the basics—I provide everything you need to get started, like customizable contracts, guidance on finding your first clients, and robust support even after your training is complete. You don’t need any prior experience—just a passion for helping families and a willingness to learn. I’m here to help you build a meaningful and successful career as a doula!

Online and Virtual Doula Training

• How does online doula training work?

Online doula training is a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective way to become a certified birth doula. At Learn to Be a Doula, my online training combines live, interactive sessions with self-paced materials, so you can learn on your schedule. You’ll gain all the knowledge and skills you need, like understanding the birth process, learning comfort techniques, and providing emotional support.

One of the best parts of online training is the savings—not just in money, but in time. You don’t have to worry about the costs or logistics of traveling to a training location, taking time off work, or arranging childcare for long periods. With my weekly program, it’s much easier to fit the training into your life since you only need to arrange childcare for the hours of training—not the travel time too.

Even though the training is online, you’ll still get personalized attention, hands-on exercises, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Plus, I provide ongoing support after the training to help you find clients and start your doula career—all from the comfort of your home!

• Is virtual doula training as effective as in-person training?

Yes, virtual doula training can be just as effective as in-person training—and it offers added benefits like flexibility and convenience. At Learn to Be a Doula, my virtual training program is designed to provide the same high-quality education as an in-person workshop. With live, interactive sessions and hands-on exercises, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice and ask questions in real time.

What sets my training apart is that I bring over 30 years of experience as a doula and trainer, along with a master’s degree in health professions education. This means I know how to make learning engaging, accessible, and effective—even in a virtual format. You’ll leave my training fully prepared to support families and confident in your skills.

Virtual training also makes it easier to fit learning into your life. You can save time and money by skipping travel, reduce time away from your family, and choose a schedule that works for you. Many of my students love the convenience of learning from home without sacrificing the personalized support they need to succeed.

• Can I get certified as a doula online?

Yes, you can get certified as a doula online! At Learn to Be a Doula, my virtual training program is designed to meet the requirements for certification through reputable organizations. My course is Approved by DONA International making this valid anywhere in the world. You’ll complete live, interactive training sessions, learn essential skills like comfort measures and client communication, and gain the knowledge you need to support families during childbirth.

After finishing the training, I guide you through the steps to certification, including attending births, completing evaluations, and submitting your paperwork. The process is straightforward, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Getting certified online is not only possible but also convenient and flexible, allowing you to pursue your goals without having to travel or rearrange your entire schedule.

• What are the benefits of virtual doula training?

Virtual doula training offers flexibility, convenience, and accessibility while providing the same high-quality education as in-person programs. At Learn to Be a Doula, my virtual training allows you to learn from the comfort of your home, saving you time and money on travel and childcare.

With live, interactive sessions, you’ll actively participate in discussions, practice hands-on skills, and ask questions in real time. To extend and enhance your learning, I also provide access to a class portal filled with bonus materials, like extra resources, templates, and touls to help you succeed as a doula.

My training is designed to fit into your busy life, whether you’re working, raising a family, or balancing other commitments. As someone with over 30 years of experience and a master’s degree in health professions education, I ensure the training is engaging and effective. After completing the program, you’ll feel confident and prepared to support families, start your career, and pursue certification—all without sacrificing the flexibility you need.

• Are there hands-on components in online doula training?

Yes! Even though the training is virtual, hands-on components are an essential part of my program at Learn to Be a Doula. During the training, you’ll have the opportunity to practice comfort measures and support techniques with someone of your choosing. This person doesn’t need to be pregnant—they’re simply there to help you practice and refine your skills.

If you don’t have someone available during that portion of the training, I offer an alternative assignment so you can still complete this part of the course and gain hands-on experience. My goal is to make sure you feel confident and ready to provide physical and emotional support in any birth setting, no matter your circumstances.