Postpartum Doula Training Information, Opportunities, and Certification

Congratulations on taking the first steps to becoming a postpartum doula!

Postpartum doulas are increasing in demand across the country and the world.  Modern family dynamics are changing and new mothers who seek the help of postpartum doulas in ever increasing numbers.

Postpartum doula training differs depending on the program you choose and the state that you live in.  Please select your state below to learn more about postpartum doula training opportunities and requirements.  Get started on your career as a postpartum doula today!

Click on your state below for postpartum doula training opportunities, requirements, and costs

AlabamaFloridaLouisianaNebraskaOklahomaVermont
AlaskaGeorgiaMaineNevadaOregonVirginia
ArizonaHawaiiMarylandNew HampshirePennsylvaniaWashington
ArkansasIdahoMassachusettsNew JerseyRhode IslandWest Virginia
CaliforniaIllinoisMichiganNew MexicoSouth CarolinaWisconsin
ColoradoIndianaMinnesotaNew YorkSouth DakotaWyoming
ConnecticutIowaMississippiNorth CarolinaTennessee
DelawareKansasMissouriNorth DakotaTexas
District of ColumbiaKentuckyMontanaOhioUtah

For international postpartum doula training, please click on your country below

Australia                     
Canada                   
United Kingdom

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

What is a postpartum doula?  A postpartum is a doula that has been trained to provide support to a new mother and her newborn in the first weeks after birth.  She does this by giving both emotional and physical support to the mother and baby.  During this time, she is also providing evidence-based educational information to the mother so that she can make her own choices regarding newborn care and breastfeeding. Additionally, a postpartum doula engages the entire family, including siblings and the mother’s partner, to bond with the newborn.  Learn more in detail about the duties and responsibilities of a postpartum doula.

How to Become a Postpartum Doula

Everyone takes a unique path to becoming a postpartum doula.  You are encouraged to consider your daily schedule and lifestyle in order to select the right career path for you.  The majority of women training to be a postpartum doula gain experience by assisting new mothers in their babies.  Some participate in mentorship programs led by an experienced doula who can impart you with her wisdom learned from her extensive career.

Many women undergoing training participate in doula training courses and workshops provided by hospitals, birth centers, and certification programs.  These courses are designed to supplement the real world, hands-on education you would receive by serving a new mother after her childbirth. Learn more about how to become a postpartum doula to discover your career options.

Postpartum Doula Certification

It is not required for a postpartum doula to have a college or university degree.  However, some postpartum doulas choose to undergo advanced training in order to become certified.  A certification is not required for you to practice as a doula, however being certified increases your marketability and lets potential clients know that you have passed a certain standard of education.

The certification requirements are different from program to program.  Typically, postpartum doula courses and workshops will train you on emotionally supporting the mother after her childbirth, successful breastfeeding techniques, and how to assist the mother with taking care of her newborn baby.   Learn more about the different postpartum doula certification programs and their requirements.  Certifications from DONA (Doulas of North America) and CAPPA (Childbirth Educators and Lactation Educators) are highly valued, however, there are other certification organizations which are recognized.

Postpartum Doula Salary

Many postpartum doulas offer birth doula services as well.  Because of this, the average salary of a doula is $30,000.  Additional factors which influence postpartum doula salary are the cost of living in your area, how much experience you have, and whether you provide additional postpartum doula services such as massages or belly casting.
Postpartum doulas living in large cities areas such as New York City can charge high fees for their service because doulas are in demand in those areas.  Having a certification can also open up new business opportunities which can potential lead to having a higher income.

Postpartum Doula Training in NYC

New York City is a hotbed for all types of doulas, including postpartum doulas.  Most people lead busy lives in NYC including new mothers who need additional support.  Affluent families who can afford to hire expensive nannies for their older children are also able to hire postpartum doulas for their newborn babies.  Many of these families also prefer the holistic, individualized care that postpartum doulas can provide in addition to being receptive to natural methods of infant care. Click the link to find postpartum doula training in New York.

Postpartum Doula Training Online

Because of their busy lifestyles and family life, many potential postpartum doulas undergo online training.  Online training offers a convenient way of receiving training from the comfort of your own home in front of your own computer.  Some online training programs offer a postpartum certification, while others are geared towards educating uncertified postpartum doulas.
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Some postpartum doula training programs require your attendance at workshops and childbirths, so please read the requirements of each program carefully to determine if it is right for you.