8 Things to Look for in a Doula Training (with link to download our Doula Training Guide!)
Becoming a doula is an exciting, meaningful step — but with so many training programs out there, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are key factors to consider that will help you invest in quality education and launch your doula career with confidence.
1. Clear Curriculum + Evidence-Based Foundations
A strong training program covers more than just labor support—it includes childbirth physiology, comfort measures, positioning, birth interventions, and postpartum care. Look for programs that reference research, use current evidence-based content, and provide a well-structured syllabus.
2. A Defined Role & Scope of Practice
Because doula work is largely unregulated, you’ll want training that clearly defines what a doula does—and what you don’t do. Choose programs that emphasize your role and SOP as a doula, how to collaborate with medical teams, and how to maintain professional boundaries.
3. Inclusivity, Cultural Competency & Advocacy
Good training addresses birth equity, cultural humility, and how to support families from diverse backgrounds. A curriculum that includes these topics ensures you’re ready to meet real-world needs and not just idealized ones.
4. Flexible Training Format + Clear Requirements
Whether you prefer online, in-person, or hybrid, check how many hours the workshop is, what follow-up assignments are required (like client support, case studies, or reading lists), and what timeframe you have to complete them. Some programs offer lifetime certification; others have time limits.
5. Practical Business & Professional Development
Since many doulas run their own small business, training that includes parts on contracts, pricing, ethics, referral networks, and entrepreneurship can give you a head start. Consider programs that help you walk away ready to go.
6. Support & Community Post-Training
Learning doesn’t stop when the workshop ends. Look for programs that offer mentorship, peer communities, continuing education, and access to resources beyond day one. This ongoing support makes a big difference in your confidence and professional growth.
7. Cost, Transparency & Return on Value
Training fees vary widely. Focus less on the price and more on what’s included: workshop time, materials, access to mentors, business tools, certification status. Also check for refund policies and whether unused hours or resources expire.
Free Resource to Help You Evaluate
To make things easier as you compare trainings, I’ve included a free download: Doula Business Guide: Launch Your Birth & Postpartum Practice (by Erica Manto Paulson). It’s a practical workbook — with business planning tools, target-audience exercises, resource lists and more — that complements any training and helps you chart your path forward.
Final Thought
Choosing a doula training program isn’t just about the certificate—it’s about how you grow, connect, serve, and make a difference in families’ lives. Take the time to research, ask questions, and invest in the path that aligns with your values and vision. Your impact will show up long after your training ends.
