“Certified Postpartum Doulas are professionally trained providers who care for families within the first 12 weeks after birth. They provide in-home and/or virtual service to assist parents with perinatal education, completion of daily tasks, physical recuperation, newborn care, feeding support, sibling adjustment, coping skills, and evidence-informed resources. ”
— Krista Maltais, AdvPCD/PDT(DONA)
5 Steps To Become a DONA International Postpartum Doula
1) Attend An Approved Training Workshop
Completing the 27+ hour Postpartum Doula Workshop is the foundation of the DONA International Certification Process. You can begin providing (paid or pro-bono) doula care to postpartum families immediately after you attend your workshop.
Click HERE to choose your training!
2) Become a DONA International Member
Membership has a variety of benefits, including discounts on other certification requirements (like your certification packet purchase). Click HERE to learn about the DONA Advantage!
3) Complete the Certification Packet Application Requirements
Your certification application packet will be provided in your training workshop. Each element of the certification process will be reviewed and discussed during your postpartum doula training to ensure confidence in your ability to complete the packet application requirements. Click HERE to learn more!
4) Celebrate Your Certification!
Upon completion of your certification packet application requirements, a member of the DONA International education committee will review and approve your submission. Once you receive formal approval, you will be awarded the designation PCD(DONA)!
“My business is going so well. I have been working consistently since leaving your workshop! I am shocked but thrilled.
I have never felt such peace and joy from any job as I do from being a doula. I can’t even call it a job. I love every part of it. I have faced some incredible challenges and met the most amazing people. I am so grateful!”
— L.T., 2020 Workshop Participant
“My teacher, Krista was amazing and really kept the group engaged, encouraged and focused! I couldn't have asked for a better teacher to start my postpartum doula journey with! I feel so prepared and ready to get to work!
I'm proud to say that I trained with DONA!”
— 2022, 14-Week Workshop Participant
FAQs
-
While the dynamics of every workshop are influenced by the participants, each workshop with Krista will cover the same 27+ hours of fundamental material, be inclusive of all families, provide evidence-based information, and a variety of activities for engaged learning.
-
Yes. As an emerging career field, certification provides credibility to society, provides standards of competence and reassures families that they are in professional hands.
“Totally worth the money spent!” — April, 2022 Workshop Participant
-
Yes! Certified Postpartum Doulas can make doula work their full-time career and earn a living wage that supports themselves and their families.
Like any new venture, it can take time to obtain a professional network and build business momentum; many new doulas begin by working part-time while having another form of income or engaging work though an established doula agency.
During the training, Krista provides basic business information, strategies for networking, insight into developing referrals, and resources for marketing.
“From the doula availability database, DoulaMatch.net, we have solid evidence that DONA International certified doulas consistently earn a higher fee and receive more referrals than non-certified doulas and doulas certified through other organizations.” - Kim James, AdvCD/BDT(DONA)
Become A Postpartum Doula - New families need a helping hand.
Even better - your professionally trained helping hand.
The Doula Darcy, Doula Business & Marketing Coach