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Postpartum Doula Certification 
Become a postpartum doula
When you become a certified postpartum doula, you gain a respected credential. DONA International certification means that you have met a high international standard, ensuring mothers and families that you will adhere to the highest standards of conduct and ethics. As a certified postpartum doula, you will be prepared to offer the families you serve evidence-based information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents. Your certification shows families that you are prepared to help them successfully transition into a new family dynamic.*
Please note training and the purchase of the certification packet must be done BEFORE any clients will count toward certification. For more information on costs associated with becoming certified see below. **
Click here to print the Certification Requirements listed below.
To become a DONA International certified postpartum doula:
1. |
Meet all prerequisites before attending workshop.
Download the Postpartum Doula Workshop Prerequisites List  |
2. |
Read the DONA International Position Paper “The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Maternity Care.” Link to paper. |
3. |
Read books from the Postpartum Doula Required Reading list.
Download the Postpartum Doula Required Reading List
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4. |
Complete one of the following before completing the postpartum experiences to be submitted for certification:
- Added an infant to your own family within the past five years
- Had experience as a postpartum doula (minimum of 8 hours)
- Had experience providing care to an infant less than 10 weeks of age (minimum of 8 hours)
- Attended an infant care or parenting class
- Shadowed an experienced postpartum doula (minimum of 8 hours)
- Volunteered with infants in a daycare or with a new family
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5. |
Submit at least one of the following:
- Proof of completion of lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or community breastfeeding educator training.
- Proof of completion of an online study program. Lactation Education Resources offers a basic, “Complete Self-Learning Program” that is affordably priced. Learn more.
A second option is Breastfeeding Basics. Click here for directions for accessing and registering for the Breastfeeding Basics Online independent study program. You can find their web site here.
- Proof of participation in a breastfeeding workshop offered to birth and postpartum related professionals, such as those offered at conferences and by local lactation consultants (three hour minimum). If you purchase a packet on or after 12/1/07, the workshop must be taught by an educator with recognized breastfeeding credentials (IBCLC, CLE or CLC).
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6. |
Attend a DONA approved Postpartum Doula Workshop of 27 or more hours. Certification must be completed within four (4) years of attending the postpartum doula workshop. |
7. |
Purchase a DONA International Postpartum Doula Certification Packet. Each packet expires within two (2) years of purchase. |
8. |
You must also submit copies of good evaluations from:
- At least three clients to whom you have provided a minimum of eight hours each of postpartum support after attending the DONA International-approved postpartum doula training. At least two of the mothers must be breastfeeding at the time you are working with her. Mother Evaluation (pdf)
- Three partners or spouses of the above clients.
Partner Evaluation (pdf)
- Any healthcare professional.
Healthcare Professional Evaluation (pdf)
(All evaluation forms are provided in your certification packet.)
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9. |
A 300-500 word account for each certifying postpartum experience, including each of the following: the doula’s role, mother’s reaction to the support she received, what the doula learned from the experience. |
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A 1,000 word, typewritten essay on either your goals as a postpartum doula or the value of postpartum support. |
11. |
Current adult and infant CPR certification. The CPR class, in addition to being nationally recognized, needs to be in-person. |
12. |
A complete list of local resources. |
13. |
Two professional references (include name, relationship and telephone number. |
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A completed self-assessment checklist. |
15. |
Sign verification of completion of reading requirements. |
16. |
Sign DONA Postpartum Doula Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. |
17. |
Pay your Certification Application processing fee with your completed application. |
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18. |
Verify that you are a current member of DONA International. Join now. |
*Note, after you are a certified doula your contact information will be on our web site if you desire.
** See the certification price list for more information.
For additional information, refer to the DONA International Postpartum Doula Certification Packet, available at the DONA Boutique.
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