Postpartum Doula Certification Requirements

Complete reading and written requirements – 

• Read seven books from our reading list and do book reports for each (250-500 words)
• Write two essays – on what made you decide to become a doula? (250-500 words) and the value of a postpartum support (500 words)
• Read your BirthWorks Postpartum Doula Training Book, ideally before taking the workshop
• After the workshop, answer the Application and Understanding Questions for postpartum doulas.

Attend all hours of the BirthWorks Postpartum Workshop and receive your Certificate of Attendance and BirthWorks-Inspired status

Fulfill Infant CPR/First Aid Certification and lactation education – give proof of current professional lactation certification OR attend a breastfeeding class taught by an IBCLC (or other certified instructor) OR watch the Breast is Best film and submit a 250-300 word essay describing ten new things you learned

Personal mock interview with your Mentor to practice active listening and enhance client communication

Provide postpartum support to two families with infants less than 12 weeks old and submit postpartum doula care evaluations. They must be a minimum of eight hours each and can be completed in more than one visit. (Postpartum client-care experiences must take place after attending the workshop.)

Our blended-learning combines both online education including regular interactions, support and feedback from your Mentor, with face-to-face classroom experiences in the workshop, as well as you actually offering birth doula services. Our professional programs include transformational self-development work and training that is evidence-based and holistic – after completion you will be confident and highly-trained to be a fabulous, successful BWI professional.

We give you flexibilty to start as you prefer – take a workshop first OR begin Certification work at any time.

• Two fees are charged separately, so you can choose to pay them when you want.
• BWI Certification is $650US including Personal & Group Mentoring for 12 months.
• It includes free BWI Membership during training + 12 more months ($150US value)
• BWI Workshop is $525-$625US ($100US early discount). This is the second fee.
• You can take your Workshop first OR begin Certification work any time – it’s up to you!
• Both fees are non-refundable – before you pay, please contact us with questions.

• FREE BirthWorks Membership for two years (during your 12-month training period plus one more year)! $150US Value
  
• Your BirthWorks Postpartum Doula Certification Packet with all detailed requirements
• Your comprehensive BirthWorks Postpartum Doula Training Manual
  useful during the workshop
• Access to BirthWorks online learning platform to work toward certification
  from home any time you want.. There you will access online resources,
  upload assignments, see your progress, and stay in communication with your Mentor. It includes significant reading topics and online questions to enhance your growth on key issues such as: being an exceptional doula, human values, marketing and interviews, birth plans, third trimester, herbs, our mothers, releasing fears, grieving and healing, nutrition, medical procedures and obstetric drugs, physiology of birth, ways to help labor progress,
  connecting state of mind with labor and parenting, emotions in labor, comfort measures, risk factors, cesarean sections, postpartum and breastfeeding, infant massage, Blessingway ceremonies
• Your personal BirthWorks Mentor offers any guidance and support needed (throughout your 12-month training period) and also reviews and comments on your work (as you upload assignments) through our online learning system.
  You can reach out to your Mentor any time!
• Professional listing in BirthWorks online directory for referrals
• Ability to set up your own small business, determine your own fees
  and keep all revenues
• International recognition as a Certified BirthWorks Postpartum Doula from a
  highly-respected organization
• Opportunity to become a BirthWorks Mentor and a BirthWorks
  Ambassador to promote BirthWorks in your area and
  earn extra money!
• Be part of an inspiring, passionate global network and community of birthworkers
  who are working together for a great cause

We’re proud of the quality of our doulas and deeply care about the character of those we train! Birth is an emotional, exciting, and changing time in parents’ lives. They are influenced by their doula’s beliefs, attitudes, lifestyle, and if relevant how she gave birth. BirthWorks Doulas exemplify the importance of respecting one’s body, and taking care of self, family and home. This encompasses a lifestyle that strongly discourages smoking and recreational drug use. A BirthWorks Postpartum Doula:

• Strives to be an excellent listener who is non-judgmental and open-minded
• Believes in the instinctual knowledge born within women during birth and parenting
• Seeks personal growth through life experiences
• Supports safety of VBAC over scheduled repeat cesarean section in most cases
• Promotes the nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed
• Understand the deep significance of the mother-baby-dyad and skin-to-skin contact for essential neurodevelopment of the baby
• Honors all cultural traditions and perspectives
• Keeps personal attire and language professional so her clients feel safe and welcome

BirthWorks Postpartum Doula certification is set up for 12 months – but it’s flexible! You can choose to complete all requirements more quickly. If you need more time, just purchase an annual extension. Then, when all your work is complete, pay a mentoring fee for your final review and certification.

You chose what is best for you! You can start with the workshop – some people take it, then are inspired to become certified. You can also join the certification training and begin online learning as well as reading and written requirements, then do the workshop later. (The workshop is good for three years toward your Certification if you want to spread out costs.)