“It is very refreshing to have someone so passionate about their work that really wants to see others succeed. It is nice to have a mentor who cares and is willing to go the extra mile.
It is clear that (Krista) loves her job and everything to do with being a post partum doula - that really means a lot when you are teaching newbies in the field. Knowledge is key and I love that we got so much out of this workshop. I would one hundred percent recommend signing on a class with Krista Maltais!”
— Extended Workshop Participant, September 2025
Continue Your Training
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6-Week Accelerated Certification Program
Capitalize on your excitement and motivation to become Certified Doula! Move through the DONA International certification requirements at an accelerated pace with this unique 6-week program.
Participants gather as a group each week to receive guidance, maintain accountability and have ongoing support as they work through each element of the certification packet under the direct mentorship of DONA International Advanced Postpartum Doula, Postpartum Doula Trainer, and Advanced Lactation Consultant, Krista Maltais.
(While this program is geared towards Postpartum Doulas, Birth Doulas are also welcome to attend as the certification process has similar components. Have questions? Just ask!)
Next session: Wednesdays 1:00p-2:00p(EST) | October 29 - December 3, 2025
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Doula Business Basics Webinar
Experienced doulas and trainers, Krista Maltais and Jessica English, walk you through the steps to establish and run your doula business.
In these self-paced modules, you will learn about basic needs for your business including: business structure considerations, how to find clients, money mindset, options to get paid, intake and contract suggestions, diversifying your business for enhanced revenue, marketing your business for long-term growth, as well as establishing business boundaries to prevent doula burnout.
You are encouraged to utilize the accompanying worksheets while watching to take notes and create your own unique business plan for the days, months, and years ahead.
Let's DOula this!
This isn’t a sit-and-listen kind of birth doula training! You’ll be engaging, practicing, laughing and learning hands-on the whole time! Why does that matter? Because getting hands-on means you’ll remember the techniques more easily and feel confident using them right from your very first client.
Unmedicated birth can be so beautiful and empowering, and so can an epidural or a family-centered cesarean. A lot of trainings don’t teach doulas all the skills they need to support families when the going gets complicated. We’ve learned that sometimes those high-tech births are the ones where our clients need our support the most. Along with lots of great info on physiologic birth, Jessica’s birth doula training also includes extended sections on how to support a client with an epidural or during a cesarean birth. After the workshop, you’ll be ready to offer great support, wherever your clients’ births lead since doulas aren’t just for natural birth.
Trainer, Jessica English, started her birth business as a childbirth educator in 2005. Today, she is also an advanced certified birth doula, postpartum doula, owner of Michigan's first and longest-running doula agency, and the owner and lead trainer at Heart Soul Birth Pros. She is a DONA approved birth doula trainer and a Lamaze program director and trainer. A leader at the state and national level, Jessica is a member of the State of Michigan's Doula Advisory Council and a past board member of DONA International. Jessica is actively involved in working with families, attending births and also teaching childbirth classes every Tuesday night. Hospitals and medical organizations often hire her to run specialty workshops for nurses, midwives and doctors, including hands-on labor support skills and the essentials of physiologic birth. She’s known for her passion, heartfelt connection, deep knowledge, and creative and highly interactive teaching.
December 12th, 13th + 19th, 20th ~
December 12th, 13th + 19th, 20th ~
Join the next Birth Doula Workshop
VIRTUAL/WORLDWIDE
Fridays/Saturdays, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Saturday, Jan. 3 (lactation - optional) • noon - 4 p.m. Easternnote: you must have another adult with you on Dec. 13th from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. to practice hands-on skills
Cost $899. Non-refundable deposit of $249 due upon registering.
Financial details: All payment plans must be finished one week before the start of the training. If you need smaller payments over more time, we're happy to accommodate as long as payments are finished before the training. A $100 late fee applies to anyone registering two weeks or less before the start of a training.
Doula Continuing Education CEUs
DONA International believes in the importance of professional continuing education and requires 15 hours of CEUs each certification cycle.
More opportunities for learning with Advanced Postpartum Doula, Postpartum Doula Trainer, and Advanced Lactation Consultant Krista Maltais will be available soon!
Sign up to be alerted for continuing education opportunities.