Blog / DONA News
Find out more about DONA International, the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected doula organization in the world.
Our training and certification are recognized world-wide as the standard for the doula profession. We are a growing, not-for-profit, member led organization dedicated to the advancement of doulas. Stay up-to-date on DONA International and see the difference we make for doulas and families.
Board of Directors Update
With the start of 2016, there are several changes on your DONA International Board of Directors. We are saying goodbye (and thank you!) to some as well as welcoming new directors. We are fortunate to have many dedicated board volunteers who have served the...
Best of The DONA Doula Chronicles 2015
As 2015 comes to a close, we thought we’d share the most popular posts from The DONA Doula Chronicles this year. If you’ve missed any of these articles, here’s your chance to catch up! Thank you for making 2015 the best year yet for DONA International’s blog. Top 5...
International Doula Features Article on Nitrous Oxide in Labor
The next issue of the International Doula features an article written by Catherine McGovern and Dr. William Camann titled “Nitrous Oxide for Labor Pain Relief.” Dr. Camann is Director of Obstetric Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Associate Professor...
2015 Advanced Doulas Announced!
DONA International is proud to announce the inaugural Advanced Doula designees! At the 2015 virtual conference, a new credential was unveiled for veteran doulas. This year’s nominees were exactly what we expected from experienced DONA International doulas who are...
The DONA Doula Chronicles Gives Thanks
Thanksgiving is right around the corner in the U.S., and so this seems the perfect time to say thank you to all those who have contributed to The DONA Doula Chronicles as writers, editors or idea generators. DONA International’s blog is truly a team effort, and we are...
Certification Requirements for Birth Doulas Revised
Last week, DONA International announced revised requirements and documentation for birth doula certification. “As we see changes in the maternity care environment and hear from our members on what they need to succeed as professional birth support providers, it is...
Updated Standards of Practice from DONA International
At their August meeting, the Board of Directors for DONA International approved revisions to the Standards of Practice for both birth and postpartum doulas. These documents, which all DONA International certified and member doulas agree to abide by, include the...
Watch your mailbox for the International Doula!
The next issue of the International Doula features an article on support for childhood sexual abuse survivors by Selena Shelley. Selena has more than 15 years of experience as a social worker, psychotherapist, birth doula and trauma consultant working with pregnant...
15 days to apply for Advanced Doula credentials!
Applications for the Advanced Doula designation are due Sept 15th!
The Annual Conference Continues!
Think you missed out on the 2015 DONA International Annual Conference? Think again! This year’s virtual conference is available to you from the comfort of your own living room until November 7th. You can register and watch any or all of the conference sessions between...
DONA International Announces New Advanced Doula Designation
During the 2015 Annual Conference, a new credential was unveiled for veteran doulas working to advance the maternal-child field. Beginning this fall, we will see doulas using the AdvCD(DONA) and/or AdvPCD(DONA) designation after their names. These credentials indicate...
Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Virtual Conference
Recently, The DONA Doula Chronicles shared some ways to stay up-to-date on research and information for doulas. One of the absolute best ways to get the latest information in pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and the postpartum period is DONA International’s Annual...
Certification Matters: CDs and PCDs Get Higher Fees & More Clients
By Kim James, ICCE, LCCE, BDT(DONA) About the Author: Kim James has run a successful birth doula business for 15 years in Seattle, Washington. Kim’s roles in the birth community include: DONA-approved birth doula trainer at the Simkin Center for Allied Birth...
Early birds get Annual Conference discounts!
DONA International’s 21st Annual Conference will take place August 7 and 8 from the comfort and convenience of your very own home. As a virtual conference on-demand viewing of conference sessions will be available until November 7, 2015. With less time away from busy...
Watch your mailbox for the June 2015 Issue of International Doula
Editor’s Note: Susan Troy, Editor of International Doula, DONA International’s beautiful, informative and inspirational quarterly magazine for doulas, shares this preview of the upcoming edition. -- AG We’re excited to feature Sherry Payne of Uzazi Village on the...
11,000 Doulas Certified & Counting!
On this 11th day of International Doula Month, we thought it would be fitting to highlight an incredible milestone for doulas: DONA International has certified its 11,000th doula! Congratulations to Stacey Lassnig of Morden, Mannitoba, Canada newly minted certified...
International Doula Month: DONA’s Social Media Campaign
Each May we celebrate International Doula Month to promote awareness of the benefits of doula support during the childbearing year and increase visibility of our profession in our communities. For International Doula Month 2015, DONA International has organized a...
DONA International Stands Against “Informed Doulas Report”
Editor's Note: Ana Paula Markel is the Director of International Development for DONA International, a certified birth doula and birth doula trainer, and certified childbirth educator based in Los Angelos, California, USA. She has provided this statement from DONA...