• Podcast
  • Blog
  • Find A Doula
  • VBAC Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Student Login
    • Get Certified
  • Courses
    • How to VBAC: The Parents’ Course
    • Advanced VBAC Doula Certification

Mobile Menu

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The VBAC Link logo

Making birth after Cesarean better

  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Find A Doula
  • VBAC Resources
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Student Login
    • Get Certified
  • Courses
    • How to VBAC: The Parents’ Course
    • Advanced VBAC Doula Certification
how long to become a doula banner

How Long Does it Take to Become a Doula?

Published on: August 3, 2020

Deciding to become a doula is a significant and pivotal moment in a womanโ€™s life. There are a lot of things to consider when deciding which route to take to get trained and start your doula career. 

One question that can impact your decision is, โ€œHow long does it take to become a doula?โ€

That’s up to you and the pace at which you complete your training. However, it usually takes less than a year to go through all the steps.

First, you have to attend a doula training and certification program to learn the ins and outs of what a doula does. Then you have to attend several births as an observer. Finally, you can doula for your first client.

Depending on which training program you choose and whether you decide to keep and maintain certification, there are various routes to the same goal. So, letโ€™s break them down!

In todayโ€™s blog, we are going to go over what most doula training programs consist of, how they compare, and the time commitment you can expect based on the training you take. 

Many organizations follow a similar structure. If you want to start the process of becoming a doula, so you can help other woman access the many benefits of a doula for childbirth, we will link to several doula training programs that we know and trust. 

How long it takes to get your doula certification

how long does it take to become a doula
Photo cred: Wild Oak Birth

All doula training programs have a similar structure and can range in how long you have to complete them. Some have a 12 month maximum, and some have no time limit for completion.

Most doula training consists of a one or two day training course, and then a list of requirements for the final certification. Depending on the doulaโ€™s motivation and availability, it could take as little as one month, or as long as a couple of years.

I am breaking down the requirements for 5 major doula certification organizations below, but here is the general idea how long it will take to get your doula certification. 

Doula training program

To start the path of being a certified labor doula, you need an initial training program. Doula training is available online and self-paced, through in-person workshops, or a mix of the two.

This training will teach you all about what a doula does, and how to support your clients. Youโ€™ll learn comfort measures, how to provide physical and emotional support, labor and birth physiology, the basics to get a doula business up and running, and a few other topics, depending on which organization you choose. 

Attend and evaluate 2 or 3 births

Technically, there are no training requirements to be a doula. The doula industry is not medical, and therefore, it is not regulated. Anyone can say โ€œHey, I am a doula,โ€ and they are a doula. 

We definitely do NOT suggest doing that. Getting trained and certified as a doula benefits your clients and your business. However, after you complete a comprehensive training program, you can start attending births. 

All organizations require you to attend 2 or 3 births as the primary doula. You will either submit your self-reflections, or ask your client to fill out an evaluation of their experience with you. 

Required reading, quizzes, assignments, etc.

Each organization differs on the additional requirements for certification, which will affect how long it takes you to complete. You can expect to be assigned a fair amount of reading, writing, studying, creating documents, and even practical applications of your skills.

How long it takes to become a doula is up to you

doula and father assisting woman in water birth
Photo courtesy of Salt City Birth and Newborn

It takes however long you want it to take! There are training and certification programs to suit every need, lifestyle, and method of delivery. 

Letโ€™s take a look at each one below. 

Comparison of Doula Training Organizations

CBIDONACAPPAProDoulaDTI
100% Online?YesNoYesNoYes
Birth RequirementsAttend 2 births as primary doula; Provide prenatal & postpartum support for at least 1Attend 2 birthsAttend 3 birthsAttend 3 births within 12 months Attend 2 births as primary doula within 12 months of registering
Client EvaluationsNot required (self-reflection only)3333
Childbirth CourseAudit one course seriesAudit one course seriesNot requiredNot requiredAudit one course series
Lactation CourseNot requiredAudit one course seriesNot requiredNot requiredNot required
Resource ListYesYesYesNot requiredYes
Assignments2 communication reflections; 1 physiology module evaluation1 essay and a business webinarOnline content to be completedNot required2 essays
ExamsBirth physiology examsNot requiredOpen book examsNot requiredNot required
ReadingsCritique 2 podcasts, videos, or articlesPosition papers and 7 books2 booklets and 5 booksVariesVaries
Letter of RecommendationNot requiredProfessional references from a client and a health professional Not required3 references, one must be video interviewedNot required
Time LimitNone4 years from workshop2 years from workshop18 months from workshop12 months to complete required participation in online forums
OtherNoneWebinar on businessNonePersonal video interviews; First Aid courseInfant/Child CPR certification; business strategy outline

Continuing Education for Doulas

doula assisting woman
Photo courtesy of Salt City Birth and Newborn

Being a doula, it is important to keep up your education and training. There are many options for additional doula training and specialization, all of which can contribute to a higher doula salary.

The two I would ABSOLUTELY recommend taking as a career doula are:

Advanced VBAC Doula Training

Many of your clients are going to have had a prior Cesarean and the reality is, basic doula training does not cover VBAC facts and essential information at nearly enough depth. 

To get a full understanding of what you and your clients are up against, and become 100% confident supporting VBAC parents, consider taking our Advanced VBAC Doula Certification.

Stillbirthday Birth & Bereavement Doula Training

Stillbirthday training is essential. You never know when you are going to have a client that has a pregnancy loss. Knowing how to support that need is critical for both yourself and your client. 

Be prepared for it ahead of time because learning while pregnancy loss is happening is one of the hardest things you might have to do as a doula. 

There are also many less intensive training courses that can teach you about using a rebozo during labor, how essential oils can help with common pregnancy ailments, how to use a TENS unit as a labor tool, and everything you can imagine. 

Being a doula means being a lifelong student, always learning and growing to better suit your clientele. 

About Julie Francom

Hi, I'm Julie Francom, and my goal is to help you feel educated and informed about birth after Cesarean. As a doula, birth photographer, and co-founder of The VBAC Link, it is my job to keep you in the know about all the current evidence and information related to VBAC. I am a mom of four, computer geek, Army vet, and a small-town girl just trying to change the world!

Credentials:
Certified Labor Doula
Certified Birth Photographer
VBAC Childbirth Educator
Business Owner
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology
Masters Degree in Business Administration

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

Partnering through postpartum: Sharing the load after a VBAC

5 Ways to simplify postpartum recovery after a vbac

5 Ways to Simplify Postpartum Recovery After a VBAC

Traveling for Your VBAC: Dos and Don'ts

Traveling for Your VBAC: Dos & Don’ts

Top 10 Podcast Episodes to Listen to While Preparing for Your VBAC

9 VBAC Essentials Worth Every Penny

9 VBAC Prep Essentials Worth Every Penny

How to navigate VBAC and many limiting hospital policies and barriers

How to navigate VBAC and many limiting healthcare system policies & barriers

3 Newborn Realities no one Warns you about (and how coterie can help)

3 Newborn Realities No One Warns You About (and how Coterie can help!)

Fear Release & Advocacy: why it's important with Ali Levine

Fear Release and Advocacy: Why it’s important

Planning Your Maternal Assisted Cesarean

Planning Your Maternal Assisted Cesarean

VBAC Nutrition for Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum Explained

VBAC Nutrition for Fertility, Pregnancy and Postpartum Explained

Preparing for your VBAC: Is a doula right for you?

Is a doula right for you?

2024 VBAC Holiday Gift Guide

2024 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Previous Post: « Benefits of a Natural Birth: Is Going Unmedicated Right for You?
Next Post: Benefits of a Doula for Pregnancy, Birth, & Beyond benefits of a doula»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

VBAC Parents Course

Recent Posts

Partnering through postpartum: Sharing the load after a VBAC

April 28, 2025

5 Ways to simplify postpartum recovery after a vbac

5 Ways to Simplify Postpartum Recovery After a VBAC

March 24, 2025

Traveling for Your VBAC: Dos and Don'ts

Traveling for Your VBAC: Dos & Don’ts

March 18, 2025

Top 10 Podcast Episodes to Listen to While Preparing for Your VBAC

March 10, 2025

Footer

VBACaholics, unite!

Sign up for updates on classes, blogs, and all things VBAC!

  • VBAC Blog
  • Podcast
  • Terms of Service
  • Policies
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • FAQs
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Share Your Story
THE VBAC LINK

385-429-2012

info@TheVBACLink.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

United States

Site Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2025 ยท The VBAC Link