Can you become a doula online?

 

What you will learn about online doula training from this article:

Can you become a doula online?


You absolutely can become a doula online! Becoming a doula is a great way to support families during one of the most important times in their lives. While attending classes and completing workshops in person is absolutely an option to become a doula, you can also take advantage of the many online doula courses and certifications available. (Wondering what is doula training and what your learning options are? Learn more here). 

 

Who should complete an online doula training? 


Online doula courses and certifications work especially well for parents of young children or anyone else who has a full plate of responsibilities, offering an accessible and convenient pathway to doula training. Programs often include modules and supportive book selections about fertility, miscarriage & loss, labor and birth, anatomy and physiology, comfort measures and postpartum care, as well as communication and business basics. After successfully completing the online course, some programs offer continued mentorship as the final step to becoming certified.

These programs may include several different components, including the self-paced lessons and required readings, as well as virtual training calls, essays, and documentation of work with your first clients.

It’s important to note that if you desire to work with clients looking to get coverage of your care through insurance, state-based Medicaid coverage and even some private companies may have strict credentialing processes for doulas. While not all of these requirements are necessary for doulas to be effective, awareness of these potential barriers is important. Doulas themselves may be the individuals working with insurance to become registered in databases.

While many online courses are comprehensive and educational, nothing can replace the experience of being present with a client and their family during key points of their reproductive healthcare, labor and birth, and their postpartum experience. This is why all of DTI's online certifications include a time period of practical field work, providing virtual guidance and mentorship throughout the process.

If you're looking for a program that offers both online and in-person training for individuals looking to expand into the world of doula work, Doula Trainings International offers in-person and online training, plus certifications to become a certified doula.

Online Doula Trainings Offered by Doula Trainings International (DTI):


This program encompasses training and certification to prepare doulas to work as birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and if desired, reproductive health doulas. This program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to individuals who may become pregnant and their families. You’ll learn the ins and outs of supporting people throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum, as well as how to care for people who may be experiencing infertility, miscarriage or loss, or those who need abortion care. This certification includes both theoretical and practical components such as anatomy, physiology, as well as communication and support skills. At the end of 12 months, you’ll be able to submit your documentation and other completed assignments and receive final certification approval!

  • Online Birth Doula Certification:


This training provides the knowledge and skills necessary to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to birthing individuals and their families. This certification includes both theoretical and practical components such as anatomy, physiology, and nutrition, as well as communication and support skills.


This training program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to provide evidence-based, compassionate, and non-judgmental support to postpartum individuals and their families. This certification includes topics such as postpartum mental health, breastfeeding and other forms of infant feeding, and general new parent support.

 

What is the difference between online and in-person doula training courses?


If you opt for the online program, your training course opens on the start date, guiding you through 3 months of modules. During this time, you'll have access to a dedicated educator who will support you and your fellow cohort members with monthly Zoom calls and weekly discussion starters. If you attend in person, your 4-day workshop is the equivalent to the 3 months of modules. Same content, different format. After the 4-day workshop or after the 3-month online course, all students continue receiving weekly support from our team of educators. We host mentor Q&A Zoom calls 3x per month and answer questions daily on our community group.

 

How long does online doula certification take?


DTI’s comprehensive program is 12 months in length. Whether you train online or in person, this is the time allotted for you to begin working in the field and complete certification requirements. Certification is not required to be a great doula, it’s simply a process that many doulas find they benefit from. If you complete all of your requirements before the 12 months are up, you can submit early. If you need additional time, extensions are available for an extra fee.

 

How much does online doula certification cost?


The online program is $1697
The in-person program is $1897

Both of these options include your first year of DTI doula membership. You can choose to renew membership annually for $220 or monthly for $19.99. Once you are certified with DTI, your certification is valid for the duration of your practice. You do not need to re-certify.

 

Want to learn more about DTI's different types of Doula Trainings?

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