Before certification, candidates must engage with several key documents to ensure professionalism and adherence to our standards:

Read and sign the DoulaVersity Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Scope of Practice. This code mandates that doulas operate within their professional boundaries, a common practice across many organizations, though not always explicitly listed as a certification requirement.

Read and sign the DoulaVersity Grievance Policy.

Please note, it is not mandatory to sign the agreement until you decide to proceed with certification. Initially, upon registration, you are only required to acknowledge that you have read both the Scope of Practice and the Grievance Policies. If you have any questions about the terms outlined in our Scope of Practice, do not hesitate to contact us for clarification.

As part of your certification process, you will compile a comprehensive community resource list. This essential tool aids both you and your clients by providing a well-rounded understanding of available options and specialists in areas related to pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and postpartum support.

This resource list not only enhances your service offering but also ensures that you are well-equipped to guide your clients through their journey with informed choices.

Read Seven Books
Required: Innovative teaching strategies for birth professionals by Connie L Livingston

Read 6 other books from our Suggested Reading List with at least one book from each topic:

1 book on pregnancy, childbirth and the Newborn
1 book more book on pregnancy and childbirth
1 book on cesareans and/or VBACS
1 book about newborns
1 book on breastfeeding
1 miscellaneous book from the following categories (birth politics, birth planning, evidence-based birth practices, postpartum, abuse, loss, special circumstances, or running a business

Our doula training program includes a requirement to watch two insightful documentaries that enrich the educational experience.

All students must watch the essential documentary "The Business of Being Born," which explores the intricacies of childbirth in the modern healthcare system.

For the second documentary, students have the freedom to choose from our diverse library, which includes compelling options like "The Face of Birth," "Orgasmic Birth," "Pregnant in America," and "Why Not Home?" among others.

These documentaries are carefully selected to provide a broad perspective on childbirth practices and issues, enhancing the depth of your doula education.

One effective way our doulas can positively impact their practice is by helping to lower the cesarean rate. This is achievable through a foundational understanding of Spinning Babies techniques. That's why we've made the Spinning Babies Parent Class an essential part of our training program. While highly beneficial for doulas, this video is not included in the course materials and must be purchased separately by the student. The cost for the download is $27, and it can be purchased here. Please note, this requirement is not due until Module 10 of your course.

As part of the certification process, childbirth educators are required to audit 12 hours of classes. This requirement is designed to enhance your understanding and boost your confidence through direct observation of experienced instructors. You have the flexibility to fulfill these audit hours by attending one or multiple childbirth classes. Additionally, attending classes focused on newborn care and breastfeeding also counts towards these required hours.

Online class audits are also permitted, provided they receive prior approval from the trainer. This flexibility allows you to select from a broader range of classes and benefit from diverse teaching styles and content, further enriching your learning experience as you prepare to educate others.

Our dynamic online training course is structured into 15 modules, subject to future updates.

As you progress through the course, you will engage with a variety of learning materials including mock scenarios, activities, and quizzes—without the pressure of a final test.

We offer a rich mix of reading materials, pictures, and videos to cater to all learning styles, ensuring that everyone can benefit and learn effectively.

This certification is comprised of two courses:
CBE 101, where students will explore the fundamentals of evidence-based research, anatomy and physiology, and comprehensive childbirth education.

CBE 102 focuses on teaching methodologies and effective communication strategies.

A detailed syllabus for both courses is available below on this page.