To be certified as a doula for Doulas of North American (DONA), you must attend a DONA approved workshop, take courses, support 3 mothers in their births, read doula literature, complete writing assignments, and take an online exam.
According to DONA International, you do not have to be a member to attend workshops. However, you will receive a discount if you are a member. You have up to two years to complete your certification requirements as part of your doula training.
DONA Doula Certification Requirements:
- Attend a DONA approved workshop of 16 hours or more. Your attendance is valid for 4 years if you apply for certification
- Observe a childhood preparation series taught to pregnant mothers
- Either attend a breastfeeding workshop or participate in independent study on breastfeeding or lactation
- Read course manuals
- Read 5 books from the required reading list
- Support 3 mothers by attending 3 births
- These will only count after purchasing the certification package and attend a DONA approved workshop
- At least 15 total hours of continuous support
- You must provide immediate postpartum support for the newborn
- Write an essay accounting each birth
- Receive and evaluation from both the mother and the primary health care provider during your attendance
- Create a list of local resources for expectant parents
- Write an essay on the value of labor support by doulas
- Purchase a certification packet
- Observe a webinar
DONA Doula Certification Costs and Fees:
- Training Program Cost: $400 and up depending on which classes you pick
- Enrollment Fee: $50
- Online Distance Learning Classes Cost :$600
- Certification Processing Cost: $110
- Membership Fee: $100 per year
- Recertification Fee: $80
More information is available at http://www.dona.org/
Kyndal May is a certified doula with over 20 years of experience helping train doulas across the United States. She has received her certification from DONA (Doulas of North America) and has dedicated her career to supporting families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to every family she works with. In addition to her work as a doula, Kyndal is also a passionate advocate for women’s health and birth rights. She has spent many years educating and empowering families to make informed decisions about their birth experience. She also uses her experience to help train other doulas, passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation of birth workers. With her dedication to her clients and her profession, Kyndal is a respected and valued member of the doula community.
